culinary tours buenos aires

BUENOS AIRES FOOD TOURS

Meet a local who was born and raised in "The Barrio" and taste some of the best authentic cuisine at restaurants most visitors would miss.

We will keep you on the well-trodden ‘must see sites’ and we’ll show you the hidden gems ( restaurant & eateries ) that you would otherwise miss.

“Buenos Aires’s First Culinary Walking Tours”

The ‘real’ Buenos Aires is also away from the manicured areas so that you can discover local’s favorites where we love to eat and drink.

Enjoy a culinary tour of the exotic & chic Buenos Aires, where the traditional food is a mixture of cuisines from all over Europe due to the large numbers of people who immigrated to Argentina during the colorful history of our country. Add to that ingredients and cooking techniques brought by the indigenous, inspirations from the mestizos & gauchos and you have one of the most amazing cuisines in the world.

We will have lunch while tasting some of the best beef and wine you have ever had! ( we promise ). At Buenos Aires Food Tours we will show you how to be a local in a few hours, and give you the insights so that you learn where the best restaurants are located. Our culinary tours of Buenos Aires offer a wide variety of edible delights that are the hallmark of this great passionate city.

( NON-TOURISTY ) FOOD & CUTURAL EXPERIENCES

La boca food tour.

Friendly and informative, delicious walking food tour through La Boca’s historic neighborhood. It is situated close to the old port – a working class barrio that is also home to Maradonna’s old beloved Boca Juniors.

San Telmo Food Tour

Discover the sights and flavors of San Telmo’s most delicious kitchens San Telmo is the oldest barrio (district) of Buenos Aires and has taken on a rather bohemian aspect. It is characterized by…

La Recoleta Food Tour

Experience the real character and personality of the city’s posh neighborhood A cultural, architectural and historical tour of La Recoleta while tasting your way through the neighborhood.

Past Guest Reviews

Read all reviews on Tripadvisor

“ Amazing BA food tour in San Telmo with Jorge ”

We scheduled this food tour in San Telmo and could not have imagined a more amazing experience. Jorge is so knowledgeable, friendly, and fun to spend time with. He took us to two great restaurants where he paired delicious Argentinean wines with each of the courses we ate. Bring your appetite because the food, the wine and the company are fantastic! He also took us on a walking tour where he shared the history of the barrio, the San Telmo Market, and more. We then topped off a great day with our first mate tasting. One of my favorite pictures from this trip is that of Jorge and I drinking mate together! We highly recommend this tour.

“ Best food experience in La Boca! ”

Our guide was Jorge, if you have the chance of requesting a guide definitely ask for him! I picked La Boca tour and it was the best decision ever, this is a very touristic place but over the years it has become a little bit insecure and honestly for someone that is not familiar with the area and is going on their own it could be a little tricky to find good places to eat even with the help of TripAdvisor or similar apps.

We tried different and typical Argentinian dishes that normally we wouldn’t have asked for if we had gone on our own. We definitely had a culinary and delicious experience with this tour. If you are foodie I totally recommend you this activity you would no only eat delicious food but you’ll have an amazing time and very good memories!

“Best way to explore Argentina’s rich food culture ”

We spent a wonderful afternoon in San Telmo district with Jorge. He researches his destinations thoroughly and took us to places where they knew him and he knew exactly what to order for us. We love red wine so we lingered longer and enjoyed another excellent bottle over our short ribs BBQ. You will eat and drink plenty on this tour and it is great value. Jorge shared a lot of cultural insight with us along the way. The open air square for coffee and dulce de leche sweets at the end was beautiful. We got so many good restaurant tips too. Highly recommended for a relaxed afternoon of great food, wine and company.

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Asado Adventure Food Tours

Food experiences worth their salt buenos aires, argentina.

Why Asado Adventure?

Authentic culinary and cultural experiences.

Since 2016 we have been hosting small intimate groups in highly-rated culinary adventures in Buenos Aires. Join us for an authentic experience and eat and drink with locals through any of the various food tours we have created for you

5-star reviews                    Locally owned and operated small business

The Asado Adventure

The asado is an event when families and friends get together to share and experience the great food they have created. this is the complete essence of an argentine asado, a cultural dining tradition handed down from generation to generation., food and neighborhood tour of palermo viejo, join us for a 6-hour exploration of our most popular food tour in palermo viejo..

The Craft Beer Adventure

Explore the local craft beer scene away from the tourists in our off-the-beaten-path craft beer tour. come and drink with locals, buenos aires pizza tour, join us on the ultimate corrientes pizza tour and discover the most delicious traditional pizzas in buenos aires and possibly the whole country we'll be walking along corrientes avenue, the heart of entertainment in the city, similar to broadway in new york or the west end in london. the avenue is home to some of the most important theaters in the city, making it a vibrant and exciting cultural hub..

Curated Tours and Experiences

We have teamed up with a handful of providers so that you can have a variety of experiences to choose from. you can learn spanish from the comfort of your own home, learn to cook as well, or if you are planning on visiting, you can get to know the city by bike or spend the day in an estancia with gauchos., testimonials, read what some of our guests had to say about us..

Loved "living like locals" for an afternoon!

Our teenagers LOVED this experience. We ‘lived like locals’ for an afternoon and enjoyed every minute. Frank and his staff were terrific and very hospitable. We started with an intimate tour of Palermo, as we chose our meats at the butcher and wines at the wine shop and breads at the bakery. Our host then prepared the meal and we sat under a grand tent in a lovely brick backyard with lime and avocado trees shading us. Truly memorable.

- Alan and Sandra Swirski, Virginia, USA.

Positive vibes, people, places, and food.

I’m Frank Almeida and I will be your host. I’m originally from Chicago and moved to Argentina in 1999 following a girl. I created Argentina's first gourmet brand of cookies and now I have created some unique food and craft beer tours for you to enjoy. Click the button below to meet the rest of the team.

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• Private Tours

A delicious way to discover Buenos Aires.

Try traditional foods, discover secret restaurants, immerse yourself in the cuisine and culture of Argentina, and meet interesting people on our fun, relaxed and social food tours

The Parrilla Tour

Parrillas are Argentine restaurants offering the most traditional cuisine. Most visitors to Buenos Aires only dine at the most touristy parrillas published in guidebooks and sadly miss out on some of the city’s most delicious gems. To experience and taste authentic Porteño flavors, join us on our Parrilla Tour, to discover hole-in-the wall restaurants where the locals go, learn about Argentina’s culture and traditions, and meet others during the relaxed and social tour.

The Parrilla Tour includes:

• Walking tour of 3 different authentic local restaurants
• Tasting traditional foods at each stop and excellent Argentine wine
• Finish off on a sweet note with a visit to one of the best artesanal “heladerías” (ice cream shops) or historical café for a real treat!
• English explanations of the food sampled along with an immersion into local culture

Our Palermo tour centers around the Las Cañitas section of Palermo, a neighborhood  known for its beautiful tree lined avenues, historic polo fields, and burgeoning culinary and nightlife scene.  On this route we begin at a classic parrilla filled with soccer fanatics known for it’s choripan.  Next, we visit a Northern Argentine style  casa de empanadas  to try some of our favorite handmade empanadas and a glass of Torrontés wine, before moving on to enjoy some of the best meat and service in the city at a historic and hidden parrilla famous among locals, and finally finishing at an incredible artisanal “heladeria” (ice cream shop).

The Palermo tour is conducted every  Tuesday,Thursday, Friday and Saturday beginning at 12 pm  (noon)   Thursday 7:30   pm and lasts 2,5 / 3 hours.

The San Telmo tour is for those visitors who love historic architecture and have a desire for a little adventure.  We begin near the  Mercado de San Telmo  for a homemade empanada at a family owned neighborhood institution.  After exploring the market and seeing Argentine butchers in action, we have the classic street food of Argentina,  choripan .  The main stop is at one of the best and oldest Buenos Aires parrillas to try provoleta, 2 cuts of steak, salad and Malbec . We finish up at a small  heladeria  known for their selection of homemade ice cream flavors.

The San Telmo tour is conducted every  Monday and Wednesday at 12 pm  (noon)  Friday 7:30 pm and lasts 2,5 / 3 hours.

This tour includes transport to and from your hotel. The market takes place in the neighborhood of Liniers, located approximately 30 minutes from downtown where the city’s main livestock market operates from Monday to Friday. Every Sunday however, the streets are filled with local food stalls and decorated with Gaucho crafts inviting you to enjoy a unique experience. We try a variety of local delicacies including empanadas, chori-pan and meats as well as drinks. There is also a stage where folk dancers and musicians perform and everybody is welcome to dance and share in a very family friendly environment.

Mataderos fair only takes place between March to December and we highly recommend doing this tour right now if you can because it will change its authenticity soon. Available Sundays only . Pick up from hotel at 12:00 noon. Tour duration approx 4hrs.

Parrilla Tour in Palermo & Milonga night

On this route we begin at a classic parrilla filled with soccer fanatics known for it’s choripan. Next, we visit a casa de empanadas to try some of our favorite handmade empanadas, before moving on to enjoy some of the best meat and service in the city at a historic and hidden parrilla famous among locals, and finally finishing at an incredible artisanal “heladería” (ice cream shop). To continue with the tour we will go to a local club where social dancers take time off and dance the traditional Tango Salon or Tango de Pista. Have a drink and enjoy a non touristic way of experiencing tango.

Every day there are many different options of Milongas, it all depends how late you want to stay up. Available on Thursday and Friday at 7.30pm (minimum 2 people per reservation)

Recoleta Tour

Probably the most elegant area in Buenos Aires, Recoleta is well known for its impressive historical buildings, museums and art galleries. During the tour we walk along wide, señorial avenues to discover traditional Argentine restaurants in what is known as the “Paris of South America” Our stops include a sophisticated “choripan” at a relaxed street-side eatery followed by typical empanadas at a small, family-run place loved by locals but often over-looked by tourists. Later, after touring the area, we arrive at the steak house to enjoy two, quality cuts of Argentine beef with sides and then finish off at an exquisite Heladeria for ice cream. The tour includes generous portions, water and plenty of wine.

The Recoleta Tour is available on Thursday at 12:00 noon and 7:30pm. Tour duration approx 2,5 / 3 hrs.

Prices are in USD and include all food and drink. For questions about booking or private/custom tours please email us at [email protected] .

You can book now

Private and Custom Tours

Want an even more personalized culinary adventure?  Parrilla Tour Buenos Aires offers private and custom tours and loves developing your special requests and ideas for discovering Buenos Aires through it’s gastronomy.

Recent private custom tours have been everything from private versions of our San Telmo or Palermo tours, combining our Parrilla and Wine tours, street food tour of the Mataderos market, including a tasting of typical Argentine aperitifs at a classic bar, combining a tour of ultra local restaurants with a visit to a milonga tango hall and a non-traditional city tour that includes food and wine stops throughout the day.

If you are interested in exploring Buenos Aires from the perspective of food loving locals send us an email with your idea to   [email protected]  for pricing and availability.

Drop us a line

Parrilla Tour was founded in Buenos Aires in 2011 by a group of friends who share a passion for good food and wine, meeting people from around the world, and showing them the delights that Buenos Aires has to offer

Paul Fitzpatrick

General Manager

Originally from London, England, Paul has been working in tourism since graduating from Liverpool University’s prestigious faculty of Latina American Studies in 1996. After many years of working with successful tour operations in Europe and Mexico, Paul moved to Buenos Aires with his family in 2008 and has been dedicated to promoting and developing tourism in the region ever since.  A keen foodie and a strong proponent of immersive and educational tour experiences he is a very proud member of the Parrilla Tour team!

Antonella Saragó 

Operations Manager and Guide

Buenos Aires born and bred, Antonella is a true “Porteña” and a veritable expert on where to go and what to eat in Buenos Aires. It would be hard to find anyone who knows the BA food scene better than “Anto” who, as well as being a qualified tour guide is also a professional Tango instructor.  Anto, when not guiding, is constantly looking for the best restaurants and parrillas across the city to ensure the tastiest and most authentic experience for all those who join us at Parrilla Tour.

Parrilla Tour Buenos Aires has been featured in the  media across Argentina and Internationally . Refer to our  Trip Advisor page  to read what our clients say about us or check out the press we’ve gotten below:

The Guardian , UK, June 2019 Condé Nast Traveler , June 2018 Getaway (TV Program) , November 2017 HI Travel Tales , October 2017 GQ , August 2017 Chasing a Plate , March 2017 No Destinations , January 2017

Metro UK , January 2017 The Rough Guide to Argentina , November 2016 AFAR Magazine , September 2016 Lauren on Location , August 2016 Lonely Planet Argentina , August 2016 Sydney Morning Herald , May 2015 AFAR Magazine , March 2015 The Huffington Pos t , March 2015 Saveur Magazine , March 2015 The Daily Meal , June and September 2014 ( Article 1 ,  Article 2 )

Travel Gumbo , May 2014 Get Lost Magazine , April 2014 LAN Airlines Blog , November 2013 The Globe and Mail , October 2013 Bloomberg , August 2013 The Traveluster , July 2013 Getaway (TV Program) , June 2013 Forbes , May 2013 Time Out Buenos Aires , Summer 2013, Autumn/Winter 2013, Summer 2014 Fodor’s Travel , April 2013

Ottsworld Travel and Life Experiences , April 2013 Premier Traveler Magazine , November 2012 Buenos Aires Para Chicas (Portuguese), November 2012 My Beautiful Air , November 2012 Honest Cooking , September 2012 Turismo com Independência (Portuguese),  August 2012 The Lost Asian , August 2012 BBC Travel , August 2012 Inside Buenos Aires , July 2012 NOLAChef , June 2012

Important Information

Reconfirmation is subject to reach the minimum participation of 4 guests per tour departure.

Who is the Parrilla Tour intended for?

The idea of our tour is to introduce visitors to Buenos Aires to local culture using the traditional cuisine as a tool to explain it, as food and drink play such a large part of daily life here.  Our tour is a great activity for people that love food and wine and that also want to immerse themselves in the city and get a better understanding of it from a Porteño.

How much walking is there on the Parrilla Tour?

We’ve selected locations that are all pretty close to each other.  Spread out enough that you can see the neighborhood and have a little break between each stop, but it’s definitely not strenuous.  Usually 3-4 blocks between each stop.

How long is the Parrilla Tour?

2-2.5 hours

Do I need to book ahead of time? Where do you meet?

Yes, an advanced booking is required.  Once we confirm your space we will send you an email with our exact meeting spot for that day.

What is the Parrilla Tour cancellation policy?

Here is a link to our cancelation policy .

Do you offer a pick-up/drop-off service?

No, we do not offer any form of transportation to or from our tours, we meet at the first restaurant.  The exact address is listed in the confirmation email sent after we confirm you reservation.  We are always happy to help you get a taxi or give directions at the conclusion of the tour.

How do I book my place on the Parrilla Tour?

You can go to our  reservation page  or email us at [email protected].

Is it a full meal?

Over the course of the tour you will eat enough that most people will be satisfied for a meal.

I’m vegetarian/gluten free/allergic to a certain food. Can you accommodate me?

If you let us know at least 24 hours in advance we can attempt to accommodate your dietary preference, but please keep in mind that meat is the focus of this tour.

Do you speak English?

Yes! Our tours are conducted in English by native or fluent speakers.

Do you cancel the tour if it rains?

We conduct our tours rain or shine!

Can I bring my children on the tour?

Definitely!  Do be aware however that we taste a set selection of foods and there is some walking involved on our tour.

I’m coming to Buenos Aires with a group of 40 people/am interested in a private tour/want to do a special event with you; can you do that?

We have experience doing large group and private tours and organizing corporate and special events with several days’ notice.  Email us at [email protected] with your idea.

For Inquiries & Reservations

Please call only if you have a very urgent matter since we are often on tours and can’t answer the phone. Emails are best and we promise to respond quickly!

11 4673 6565

11 5641 9758

Local ( Buenos Aires)

+54 9 11 4673 6565

+54 9 11 5641 9758 

(From outside Argentina)

[email protected]

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Buenos Aires Food Tour - Secret Food Tours

• Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has an incredible food culture that favors carnivorous appetites. You'll never forget the experience of an Argentinian asada, a famous Sunday ritual that's welcome any day of the week. This plentiful feast of ribs, sirloin, and other choice cuts of salted beef is grilled as diners whet their appetites with sweetbreads and kidneys.

Lovers of fried food will be in heaven when they taste milanesa de carne. This favorite is often topped with eggs and served with fries to make a wonderful, hearty meal. When you crave a snack, Buenos Aires secret food tours take you to find the best empenadas, choripan, and pastelitos in the city. Come ready to indulge your good nature with rich delights that celebrate life to the fullest. You only have to taste dulce de leche for proof that life is sweet. Then, after all is said and done, relax and drink mate with friends. Buenos Aires food tours will take you to the Southern Hemisphere and leave you totally satisfied.

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Food Tour Buenos Aires

Taste authentic Argentinian flavors!

Food Tour Buenos Aires takes place in the capital of Argentina. Buenos Aires is known for its famous steak and wine. Asado, a traditional Argentine barbecue, is a staple in the city and features juicy cuts of meat cooked over an open flame, accompanied by chimichurri sauce. Additionally, visitors should try empanadas, a type of pastry filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, meat, or vegetables, and provoleta, a type of melted cheese often served as a starter or snack.

Buenos Aires is also known for its Italian and Spanish influence, with a wide variety of pasta and seafood dishes available. With its abundant options and rich culinary heritage, Buenos Aires is the perfect destination for food lovers looking to experience the best of Argentine cuisine and Food Tour Buenos Aires is the best way to do experience this culinary city.

Why a food tour in Buenos Aires?

Authentic tours

The food of Buenos Aires is unique, as well as each tour. In each activity, food, learning and good vibes are guaranteed.

Buenos Aires is a great mix of cultures and that is reflected in its food. During the tour you will learn what influences this city has.

Meet people

Meeting new people is always nice and much better if you are sharing or cooking delicious Argentine food.

Food tours in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires food tour

Price: 85 USD

Buenos Aires Food Tour makes you see this culinary city from a different perspective.

Live cooking & meat tasting experience

Price: 70 USD

Experience the Argentine tradition of Asado in a modern setting at Fogon steakhouse.

Buenos Aires cooking class

Buenos Aires Cooking Class gives you a taste of Argentina’s cuisine with this dining experience.

Buenos Aires wine tasting

Price: 65 USD

This experience is dine with a small group of just 8 people or fewer and an experienced sommelier as your guide.

Buenos Aires wine tasting in Gamboa vineyard

Price: 149 USD

Argentina is famous for its Malbec wines, but you don’t have to visit the vineyards of Mendoza to enjoy an authentic wine tasting.

Premium steak experience in Buenos Aires

Price: 150 USD

With this culinary tour, you will experience an authentic Buenos Aires asado as you help prepare the feast.

Buenos Aires food

Buenos Aires, the great capital next to the Atlantic Ocean. This wonderful city is the home of empanadas, beef, gauchos and tango. Many people claim to have eaten the best piece of meat in this city. The meat served in restaurants in Buenos Aires is of excellent quality and extremely tender. For many years Buenos Aires was a world power due to cattle raising, this economic activity has turned them into excellent ranchers, so for the preparation of their meat they do not need anything more than salt.

Something very typical, in addition to beef, are dishes with an Italian influence such as empanadas, pizza with plenty of cheese, and pasta. Visiting Buenos Aires is like being for a moment in a piece of Europe, a very interesting feeling right in the south of America.

Buenos Aires food history

Buenos Aires’ food culture has its roots in the indigenous traditions of the region’s original inhabitants, such as the Guarani and Querandi tribes. They relied heavily on hunting, fishing, and gathering for their food, and used ingredients such as corn, beans, squash, and potatoes in their meals. One of the most popular indigenous dishes still enjoyed in Buenos Aires today is locro, a hearty stew made with corn, beans, meat, and vegetables.

Buenos Aires food in the modern times

In recent years, Buenos Aires’ food scene has undergone a renaissance, with chefs embracing the city’s diverse culinary traditions and putting their own modern spin on classic dishes. The city is now home to many top-notch restaurants and gastropubs, showcasing everything from traditional Argentine cuisine to fusion cuisine that blends flavors from around the world. Additionally, street food continues to be an important part of Buenos Aires’ food culture, with vendors selling choripan (sausage sandwich) and helado (ice cream) on nearly every street corner.

Thorough Practical Experiential Travel

A Unique Food Tour in Buenos Aires

I’ve traditionally loved taking food tours when I travel. I think they are a great way to get a quick overview of a city’s cuisine.  However, now that we are traveling slower, I haven’t taken any food tours recently.  I’ve figured that given the extra time we have in each destination, I could discover the cuisine of each place on my own. And so, I didn’t initially schedule any sort of food tour at the beginning of our recent month-long stay in Buenos Aires.  But, near the end of our trip, when Detour BA invited me to to join them on their unique Chacarita  & Vermouth tour, exploring the up-and-coming foodie neighborhood of Chacarita, I quickly said yes.  I loved the idea of spending time in an out-of-the-way Buenos Aires neighborhood, learning about vermouth, and trying some food that I perhaps hadn’t yet tasted in Argentina. 

Before I share this great food tour experience though, let me share some of what I discovered about  Buenos Aires cuisine on my own, along with some of my favorite Argentine bites. Then I’ll show you what Nati from Detour BA taught me on my food tour in Buenos Aires.

(Disclosure: Detour BA reached out and organized a private tour for me, but I paid for the tour, and any opinions in this post are my own. I also do not receive any affiliate commission from links in this post.)

Where’s the Beef?

Everywhere!  This question never needs be asked in Buenos Aires. Beef is the king of Argentine cuisine, and various cuts of high quality steak can be found in pretty much every type of restaurant – from the corner cafe to the most expensive Parrilla (Argentine steakhouse).

The most popular cut of steak in Buenos Aires is the Sirloin, though we could also easily find our personal two favorites – the Tenderloin (pictured below) and the Ribeye.

Most Argentines prefer their meat well done, but you can order yours however you personally like it – medium for me, medium rare for Mrs. TT. 

And it’s always served with a side of chimichurri – a blend of spices, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and parsley.  

Here’s a look at our very first lunch in Buenos Aires at a Parrilla called Fervor …

And if you are looking for a “lighter” way to eat your steak in Buenos Aires, rather than going for the full steak dinner, you could get a Lomito (steak sandwich). Check this one out from La Rambla !!

Chorizo + Pan (Bread) = Choripan

Chorizo is also very popular in Buenos Aires.  Beef, pork, and lamb are all used to make different versions of this sausage. Chorizo is commonly ordered as an appetizer in a Parrilla. But follow this meaty appetizer with a steak entree?  That was always too much cholesterol in one sitting for us.  

I most commonly ordered Chorizo as a meal all by itself – sliced in half, grilled, and served on a bun.   This is called a Choripan, and is one of the most common fast foods in Buenos Aires.  

The most classic version is simply served with chimichurri on top, like this one from a place called Chori .

But many other versions of Choripan can be found, served with a variety of toppings.  Like this lamb Choripan served with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula from Choripaneria in the San Telmo Market.

Empanadas, Empanadas, Empanadas

Choripans are very popular, but the most common fast food in Buenos Aires is definitely the Empanada.  I saw empanadas everywhere – as an appetizer in restaurants, on the shelves of most bakeries, at stands in various outdoor markets, and in lots of empanada-only shops, too.

And I was surprised at how much I enjoyed them because I usually don’t gravitate towards pie-type foods.   But they became my go-to quick bite in Buenos Aires.  The pastry crust was much lighter than I expected, especially the baked versions.  And the fillings were oh-so-flavorful.  

As you would expect, based on everything said above, beef empanadas are the most popular. Ground beef with onions and green olives was one of the most common version I found.  

But shredded chicken and various vegetarian options – spinach/cheese, onions/cheese, grilled vegetables, creamed corn – are easy to find as well.

I was fortunate enough to stay just a few blocks away from El Sanjuanino   – considered by many to serve up the some of best empanadas in Buenos Aires.  I sampled emapandas from many establishments during our trip. And I can testify that the empanadas from El Sanjuanino were my favorite.  The quality and flavor of the fillings really stood out there.  I visited often. 

Lotsa Pasta

Hoards of Europeans immigrated to Buenos Aires in the 19th century, and none more so than immigrants from Italy.  So naturally, there is a lot of Italian influence in Argentine cuisine. Plus, Italian restaurants are everywhere, and pasta is on almost every other type of restaurant’s menu too. 

So when you need a break from meat, you can always find pasta. (And pizza too… but more on that later in the post).

Locro – An Argentine Tradition From the Andes

Locro isn’t on every menu, but you definitely need to seek it out and try Locro when visiting Buenos Aires.  The bowl of Locro pictured below from Peron Peron is one of the best things I ate during our time in the city. 

It’s a dish that originated centuries ago in the mountainous Andes regions of South America, and is not only beloved in Argentina, but in neighboring countries as well.  Ingredients can vary a little from region to region, but usually include pumpkin, yams, hominy, beans, chorizo, and other cuts of pork or beef. 

And My Favorite Sweet

I was aware of Dulce De Leche as an ice cream flavor prior to our time in Buenos Aires. But I don’t think I’d ever eaten straight Dulce De Leche before our trip. 

This amazing confection is made by slowly heating milk and sugar into a thickened caramelized sauce. In the picture above, a generous dollop is served alongside flan.

Dulce de Leche is everywhere in Buenos Aires.  It seems to be incorporated into about every dessert.  It is delicious.  And it is one of those great travel taste discoveries that we will continue to seek out and eat forever.  Yes, we brought some home with us. And gratefully we can find it in our local supermarket. 

Now For the Food Tour

Detour BA is a food tour company that focuses on offering unique Buenos Aires experiences.  Their goal is to offer an authentic look at the culture and history of Buenos Aires in the context of food exploration. 

Their Chacarita and Vermouth Tour is the perfect example.  Chacarita is an up-and-coming foodie neighborhood, known mostly to locals, and definitely off the beaten tourist path.  And while wine experiences can easily be found in Buenos Aires, they want to introduce you to another Argentine favorite – Vermouth.

I love to wander off the beaten path anywhere I travel and hadn’t even heard of Chacarita after nearly a month in Buenos Aires. So learning more about Argentine food, in this particular neighborhood, sounded perfect to me.   

I discovered Vermouth in Spain last year, but had never done any sort of tasting other than ordering it sometimes with my tapas there.  So I also loved the idea of learning more about Vermouth.

Plus I hoped to maybe try some food on this tour that I hadn’t yet experienced in Buenos Aires.

And, after 4 hours with my guide Nati….Mission Accomplished! 

Here’s a look at some of what I discovered.

All About Chacarita

Chacarita is located about 25 minutes by cab from where I was staying in more centrally-located Recoleta. But it’s not far from the trendiest neighborhood in Buenos Aires – Palermo Soho. It’s much quieter than its trendy neighbor. And rent is also cheaper here than in Palermo Soho. So some of the best new restaurants and bars in the city are choosing to locate in Chacarita instead.

It’s still mostly a locals-only neighborhood with few tourists and few major touristic sites, but in my mind, that is no knock against it. Walks through neighborhoods like these will always reveal hidden treasures. And when you have a guide by your side, those treasures will more easily reveal themselves.

Here’s some of what we saw…

Malfada Plaza

This is where I met Nati at the beginning of the tour. It’s located on the edge of Chacarita, in the Colegiales neighborhood, and is one of the area’s popular green spaces. The Plaza is named for the beloved Argentine cartoon character Malfada . Throughout Buenos Aires you will see her image everywhere. Nati educated me further about Malfada as we stood in this Plaza.

Malfada was a comic strip character during the 1960s and 70s. A 6 year old girl who satirically commented on the social and political issues of the time. The character remained popular as a dissident symbol during the dictatorship that darkened Argentina’s history in the late 70s and early 80s. Naturally, the government did everything they could to suppress her subversive presence. When that authoritarian government was overthrown, all things Malfada where officially allowed again, and she remains a popular symbol today.

(Near the popular San Telmo Market in central Buenos Aires, there is a bench with a statue of Malfada sitting on it. When we visited that market one Sunday, there was a line – a full block long – of Argentines waiting to sit next to Malfada for a photo. That’s how popular Malfada is!)

The White Head Scarfs

As we moved on from the Plaza, Nati pointed out a repetitive symbol painted on the sidewalk. This is the white head scarf symbol of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo . Nati told me that this symbol is a common site throughout many of the city’s public spaces.

The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo is a human rights organization formed in the late 1970s by the mothers of young adults who were “disappeared” by the same dictatorship I referred to above. 30,000 people – perceived to be dissidents – went missing during its rule.

It’s a dark stain in Argentine history and is very much in the local public’s conscious today. The recent Academy Award nominated film called Argentina 1985 tells all about it. We watched the film on Amazon Prime while in Buenos Aires, after becoming aware of these horrible events while on another tour.

Most of the missing have never been accounted for, and the Mothers are still very politically active, demanding ongoing justice for their loved ones from the current government.

Mercado de las Pulgas

Across from the Malfada Plaza sits the Mercado de las Pulgas. I’d visited several of Buenos Aires’ most popular markets during our time there, but hadn’t heard of this market in any of my Things To Do research. It happens to be one of the most popular markets in the whole city, and is a giant indoor flea market – taking up one full city block.

It’s one of those places that only locals visit, and is yet another example of why a tour like this is perfect for those of us that like exploring off the beaten path. I never would have seen it otherwise. You can see why my evening was so much more than just a standard food tour in Buenos Aires.

Colorfully Quiet Streets

As dusk turned to dark, we wandered our way into Chacarita where we found quiet tree-lined streets, residential buildings, and scattered restaurants.

Street art is a very common site in many neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, and Chacarita was no exception. In the dark evening hours, the lights in the neighborhood really helped all of that color stand out.

I loved having the chance to explore this previously unknown-to-me part of town. That’s certainly one of the strengths of Detour BA’s approach to touring. But let’s not forget, this evening was about food too.

So on to the food and drink portion of this tour in Chacarita Buenos Aires.

Sampling Vermouth

Our first culinary stop was at a boutique Vermouth bar called La Fuerza . As I previously mentioned, I became aware of Vermouth while in Granada Spain where it was also a very popular drink. But this was my first chance to really learn about Vermouth and try different types.

Vermouth is a fortified wine to which various botanicals are added. Because it’s fortified, it is sweeter than wine. But the botanicals give it a slightly bitter flavor. La Fuerza is the name of both the bar and the brand. They make their own Vermouth using wine from Argentina’s famed Mendoza region and add herbs & botanicals from the foothills of the Andes.

I was able to taste their 4 different types – made from different white and red wines – and choose my favorite.

I chose the 12 month aged vermouth (on the right below) and Nati chose a white vermouth (on the left). We enjoyed our vermouth along with charcuterie, and the Argentine version of a Spanish Tortilla (an omelette-y creation filled with sliced potatoes).

Our second stop was at a place called Sifón, and my Vermouth education continued. Argentines love soda water (or seltzer). This love affair started back in the late 1800s when water-borne illness was a big issue, and drinking seltzer imported from Europe became the norm. In fact, home seltzer delivery in bottles called siphons is an ongoing tradition in Buenos Aires. And it is very common to add this soda water to drinks like wine and vermouth – to lighten them up a little.

At Sifón, I experienced this custom first hand, as my vermouth was served along with my own personal siphon of seltzer. I could then add it to my drink as desired. Personally, I don’t drink much soda water or carbonated beverages in general. And I didn’t want to necessarily dilute the flavor of the vermouth. But I can understand the appeal for those who do like it. And I did give it a try at Sifón (where we also ate one of their specialties – Ossobuco empanadas).

As Promised, Now I’ll Tell You about Argentine Pizza

Next up was a visit to El Imperio – an award winning pizza joint in Chacarita. As I mentioned earlier in the post, there is a huge Italian influence in Argentina cuisine, and like pasta, pizza is very popular. But, after almost 4 weeks in Buenos Aires, I hadn’t yet tried Argentine pizza.

Why? As you can see below, Argentine-style pizza features a very thick crust and a huge pile of cheese. Plus, it’s sauce-less. I’m not a fan of thick crust, sauceless, cheesy pizza, and I have some lactose intolerance too. Even more importantly, I had always wanted to save my weekly fat & cholesterol allowance for all the steak and chorizo we were loving. (OK that’s not entirely true….we definitely still exceeded any sort of fat & cholesterol allowance in Buenos Aires.)

So I’d never made it a point to give Argentine pizza a try. I’m grateful that this Chacarita food tour in Buenos Aires gave me one last chance.

Nati gave me my choice of pizza. I figured that if I was going to try it, I would go all in and sample the very popular Fugazetta which features only two toppings – a copious amount of gooey cheese and a copious amount of onions.

And I was surprised. I really liked it. The cheese had great flavor and the onions were cooked enough to mellow out their sharpness.

But, I only ate four bites. Because my lactose-intolerant gut knew the tour was ending with ice cream. And I did not plan on passing that up either.

The Best Ice Cream

The ice cream in Argentina is really really good. I think it’s probably the second most favorite local dessert after Dulce de Leche. Remember the strong Italian influence in Argentine cuisine? The ice cream in Buenos Aires is very gelato-like.

As you might guess from my previous statement about lactose intolerance, I don’t typically seek out a lot of ice cream, though I do love it. And I’m always game for a few bites. I had previously tried Argentine ice cream at two of the most popular chains in Buenos Aires – Freddo and Rapanui – and thought it was great. Unsurprisingly, ice creams featuring various versions of Dulce De Leche rule the flavor board.

To end this food tour in Buenos Aires with Detour BA, Nati took me to Heladeria Scannapieco . It’s been serving up ice cream since 1938, and many consider it to be the very best ice cream in all of Buenos Aires. As we walked in, it looked exactly like the classic ice cream counters from the 50s, and it offered many more flavors than the other ice cream stores we had visited in town.

Despite all the choices, I still decided to go with straight-up Dulce de Leche (and then Banana as my second flavor).

The verdict? Unquestionably the best ice cream I had in Buenos Aires. Maybe anywhere actually. Creamy goodness with amazing flavor.

Final Thoughts

And with those last glorious bites of ice cream, my food tour in Buenos Aires came to an end.

I’m glad that I jumped on the opportunity to go on this food tour with Detour BA, even though it was at end of our trip and I’d already discovered a lot about Argentine food on my own. I learned so much more from Nati. Clearly, you can always gain additional insight into the cuisine, the history, and the culture of a place with the guidance of a knowledgable local.

I should also mention that one of the owners of Detour BA is a professional chef and restauranteur, and has personally curated the food choices on their tours for an optimal foodie experience.

You can check out some of Detour BA’s other great tours on their website . Use the code thoroughtripper when booking this or any tour with them, and you’ll receive 10% discount! One of those other tours is called The Don’t Cry For Me Argentina Tour. I review it in my blog post about Famous Evita Sites in Buenos Aires.

If you would like to read about another great cultural experience we had in Buenos Aires, then check out my post on Learning to Drink Mate . And to learn more about Buenos Aires in general, then check out 11 Photos That Will Convince You to Visit Buenos Aires or 10 Practical Buenos Aires Travel Tips or Exploring the San Telmo Market & Street Fair .

If you would like to read about some of my other food experiences from around the world, then check these out:

A Great Cooking Class in Cartagena Colombia

Eating Tapas in Andalucia Spain

Eating Bifanas in Lisbon Portugal

And if you like reading about food tours, then check out this amazing post featuring lots of food tours from around the world, compiled by my blogging friend Lannie and to which I contributed an experience we had in Ljubljana Slovenia.

You May Also Like

Learning to drink mate in buenos aires, exploring famous evita sites in buenos aires, exploring the san telmo market & street fair in buenos aires.

Ryan Biddulph

The out of the way neighborhoods are the true gems Steven. You always find the best eats well away from the beaten tourist path, or even away from the beaten path in general. Of course it may take some pointing and Google Translate assistance but the effort is worth it. The Argentinian pizza looks delicious!

thethoroughtripper

Yes they are, Ryan! The best meals I’ve ever had while traveling have generally been in accidental discoveries off the beaten path

Peggy Zipperer

You know we love a food tour! This looked fantastic, plus you discovered so much on your own too. Steak and chorizo are always favorites but I’ve never heard of Locro – and that looks delicious! Vermouth is something I”ve only had in martinis, so I’d be interested to taste it on its own. Great article!

Now that you mention it, I don’t think I’ve ever had vermouth in a cocktail. I’ll have to try that sometime. It seems pretty versatile.

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m always on the lookout for one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. Your description of exploring hidden gems and indulging in traditional Argentine cuisine has my taste buds tingling with anticipation. From savoring mouthwatering empanadas to enjoying a traditional asado, this food tour sounds like an absolute dream come true. Thank you for sharing this personal and enticing recommendation that has me itching to book my trip to Buenos Aires!

Definitely one-of-a-kind! I didn’t see any other food tour company offering anything like this in Buenos Aires. Any foodie who also love finding hidden gems would love it!

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The Food Tour in Buenos Aires to try in 2024

Dive into the culinary heart of Argentina with the Sherpa food tour in Buenos Aires. This review unveils the tantalizing flavors, hidden gems, and gastronomic delights that await, promising a sensory journey through the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires. Curious as I am, I went to test it out and share my experience with you.

Read more: the best steakhouses in Buenos Aires

Food tour in Buenos Aires

A food tour is the perfect way to discover the local kitchen in a couple of hours. It gives you a good introduction to what to expect when traveling in Argentina and searching for your favorite dish.

In Buenos Aires, there are not too many food tours available but shortly there is the Sherpa Food Tour Buenos Aires . In a matter of time, it became a top 5 activity on TripAdvisor. Another motivation to check it out.

What did I get during the food tour?

Around 3h30 -4h we strolled around in the vibing Palermo neighborhood and visit 4 different restaurants. We tasted 8 Argentine dishes and drinks and on the way, we were guided by a local. He explained the history of the dish and how it was prepared. The history and preparation were no secrets anymore for us but sure it was very interesting.

By the way, we had the food tour at 17:30 (5:30 P.M.). Which was a perfect hour. I explain later in the review why.

Where did we go?

I don’t want to go too much into detail otherwise I will spoil some surprises. The food tour started in Palermo in front of a well-known “rotiseria” which is during the night also a hidden cocktail bar. Already the first surprise, afterward we headed to a local wine-tasting restaurant/bar, followed by a second big surprise and that was the famous restaurant El Preferido.

El Preferido is the sister restaurant of the claimed best steakhouse in the world, Don Julio. Difficult to get a seat at El Preferido but during the Food Tour it is no problem at all.

The last restaurant was a typical and atmospherical steakhouse where Diego Maradona was the central person in the room.

What did we taste?

It all started with a typical local cocktail accompanied by a local fried snack called buñuelo. But here I will stop again… Otherwise, I spoil too much of the experience.

I honestly can say that I had many different kinds of dishes to taste, a wine tasting – sure a very plus point to the food tour – and many other foods. There was so much to discover! At the third restaurant, I thought, here it will stop, but no there was another restaurant on the list. It was unbelievable! A real dive into the Argentine kitchen during the Food tour in Buenos Aires.

Would I recommend the Food tour in Buenos Aires?

YES! First of all, a super guide who explained all the dishes and was open to answer all the questions. Also, the tours are a maximum of 10 people. Which was very cozy and nice to meet other travelers too.

And of course, the variety of food, the selection of restaurants, and the drinks were all super Argentine.

I can recommend the food tour at 17:30 or 18:30. At that time Palermo starts to become alive and has a nice vibe in the streets. On top of that, restaurants are getting full and you don’t have the feeling that this is only for the food tour open.

Golden tip: don’t eat too much before you start the tour 😁

How do you book the food tour?

You can book the Food Tour via this link (Click here) or the button below . I suggest booking in advance during the high season months in Buenos Aires from October to March. The groups are with a maximum of 10 people so the chance is high that it is fully booked quickly.

The food tour takes place from Monday to Saturday. Midday and evening tours are available.

My roots in Buenos Aires started as a tourist. After some great adventures in Argentina, I moved in 2017 to the metropolitan city of Buenos Aires. I felt a need for correct and honest information for tourists. That's why I love to write to you. Sharing my discoveries in Buenos Aires. I hope you enjoy the city as much as I do! Buenos Aires ❤️

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Private Tour

Buenos aires private food tour, your very own buenos aires experience, unique restaurants, lunch or dinner, groups up to 40, custom quote, any dietary restriction.

Experience Buenos Aires on your own terms with our Private Food Tour. For specific requests or for groups of 9 onwards, send us an email! If not, feel free to book our private tours in the calendar below.

What’s included in the Buenos Aires Private Tour?

Restaurant Hopping!

It wouldn’t be a tour if we didn’t take you places, would it? Try some of the best restaurants in town with no need to wait in line.

Walk around town

Location is as important as the food itself - we feature one neighborhood for the tour, making sure you get to appreciate the lively buenos aires scenery as we walk from one restaurant to another. we can arrange for transportation if needed..

All food and drinks included

Scratch that itch for amazing local dishes and indulge in the very best food the city has to offer. leave the hard work to us and eat (and drink) to your heart’s content., incredible guides, our guides are amazing hosts and fantastic storytellers. you’ll feel right at home and learn about buenos aires, its culture and people while having a great time..

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Beyond the Private Tour: Customize Your Experience

Looking for a more niche gastronomic experience? Buenos Aires has an incredibly diverse culinary scene with a lot to offer beyond typical Argentine flavors - many porteños consider a good shawarma a local staple, and while our pizza may be Italian in origin, it's Argentine at heart - and taste. Maybe you want to explore the booming vegan scene, have a slice at the most iconic pizzerias or try the finest wines in Buenos Aires. A meat-lovers tour? A breeze. An all-veggie or vegan tour? Easy as pie. A pizza marathon? Been there, done that. An ethnic food tour? Jewish, Middle East, Korean… you name it, we’ve got it. Customize your tour to your liking and explore the flavors of Buenos Aires at your own pace. Our team will create a personalized itinerary based on your preferences and our expertise. We can also accommodate guests with specific dietary restrictions or preferences.

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Private and customized tours do come with a higher price tag, but our passion for Buenos Aires and love of food make it worth every penny. Let us help you create an unforgettable culinary journey in Buenos Aires.

Reviews from our Guests

We talk a good game, but have the goods to back it up. See what past guests have to say about their experiences with Sherpa Food Tours.