Puerto Iguazu Northeast Argentina, Argentina Travel Guide
Argentine cuisine shows heavy influence from European immigration, mainly Italian and Spanish. This heritage brings a strong emphasis on meat, especially beef. It also includes local ingredients like mandioca (cassava) and chipa (cheese bread). Brazilian and Paraguayan culinary traditions also create an unique borderland flavor.
Beef takes a central role, with cuts like asado (barbecue), vacío (flank steak), and bife de chorizo (sirloin steak) appearing frequently. Potatoes, rice, corn, and pasta are widely used. Mandioca is a local staple. Citrus and tropical fruits grow abundantly. Dishes are often savory, rich, and hearty, typically less spicy.
Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included. Leave cash at the table.
Meals, especially dinner, often serve as social events. Take your time and enjoy the conversation.
Restaurants often serve bread with meals. Sometimes they charge a small fee for this, called 'cubierto'.
Argentine barbecue, featuring various cuts of beef, pork, and sometimes chicken, grilled over an open fire. Find at 'parrillas' (grill restaurants).
A centerpiece of Argentine dining.
Small, savory pastries with fillings like meat, cheese, ham, or vegetables, baked or fried. Available everywhere from bakeries to restaurants.
A versatile and delicious snack or meal starter.
Choripán (grilled sausage in a roll, often with chimichurri), Chipa (cheesy, gluten-free cassava bread), Pancho (Argentine hot dog), and Garrapiñadas (sugared peanuts).
Quick and flavorful bites on the go.
Cookies filled with dulce de leche (caramelized milk), often covered in chocolate or powdered sugar. Find them in kiosks and bakeries.
Argentine ice cream, renowned for its quality, similar to Italian gelato. Many ice cream parlors offer a wide range of flavors.
Fine dining establishments are limited in Puerto Iguazú itself. You often find these within luxury hotels, offering a sophisticated dining experience.
Mid-range restaurants are abundant in the city center. They offer a variety of Argentine and international cuisine, including many parrillas (steakhouses) and Italian-influenced restaurants.
Options for affordable meals include "comida por kilo" (pay-by-weight buffets), local pizzerias, and kiosks for snacks.
Increasingly available, especially in larger restaurants in tourist areas. Look for salads, pasta dishes, and grilled vegetables. Many empanada fillings are vegetarian (cheese, corn, spinach).
Inform the waiter: "Soy vegetariano/a" (I am vegetarian), "Soy vegano/a" (I am vegan).
"Sin TACC" (Sin Trigo, Avena, Cebada, Centeno - without wheat, oats, barley, rye) is the term for gluten-free. Awareness is growing, but options may be limited outside major cities. Chipa is naturally gluten-free.
Carry a Translation card for food allergies for clear communication.
Some hotels or tour operators may offer informal cooking demonstrations, focusing on Argentine cuisine like empanada making.
Not a prominent feature in Puerto Iguazú itself. For these, travel further into Misiones Province.
Occasional local food fairs may occur, especially during national holidays. Check local listings upon arrival.
Extremely limited or non-existent. Self-catering is recommended for these needs.
Some local tour operators or hotels offer informal cooking demonstrations focused on Argentine cuisine, like empanada making or asado techniques.
A hands-on way to connect with local food.
Food tours of the city, highlighting local specialties, may be available. Inquire locally for options.
Discover hidden culinary gems.
Puerto Iguazú provides a spectrum of dining options. From quick and budget-friendly street food to mid-range parrillas, and a few high-end choices mainly within luxury hotels. Markets offer opportunities for fresh produce and local delights.
The proximity to Brazil and Paraguay is reflected in the local cuisine, where you can find a blend of flavors, including Brazilian churrascarias and Paraguayan chipa, adding to the culinary diversity of the area.
Some hotels or local tour operators may offer informal cooking demonstrations or classes, often focusing on Argentine cuisine, like empanada making or asado techniques.
Food tours of the city, highlighting local specialties, may also be available. These offer a guided way to discover culinary highlights.
Occasional local food fairs may occur, especially during national holidays. These often feature regional products and dishes.
Farm visits and tours of food producers are not a prominent feature in Puerto Iguazú itself, which focuses more on the falls. For these experiences, travel further into Misiones Province.
Requires travel outside the city.
Puerto Iguazú does not have widely publicized unique dining concepts beyond its general culinary offerings.
Focus on traditional experiences.
Experience authentic Argentine asado. Many mid-range options are available in the city center.
A small market for local and imported products like cheeses, cold cuts, and olives. Perfect for self-catering or local snacks.
Great for budget-friendly and substantial meals or quick snacks like alfajores.
Argentines dine late. Lunch is typically 1 PM to 3 PM. Dinner usually starts around 9 PM, or even later in summer. Restaurants may open for dinner around 7:30 PM but remain empty until 8:30-9 PM.
