10 Must-Visit South American Cities for Food Lovers

Foodies Heading South

Think Italy is king when it comes to the best place for foodies? Think again. You might be surprised to hear that South America st when it comes to culture and delicious food. Add these South American cities to your must-eat bucket list!

1. Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguayans now outrank Argentineans in how much beef they consume, and for good reason: it’s delicious. You can experience it with a chivito, a beef sandwich with egg, cheese, and/or tomatoes. You can also try an asado, or barbecue, to try different cuts.

Montevideo’s street food also should not be missed. Try an empanada stuffed with ham, beef, chicken, or cheese. Or try pancho, an Uruguayan hot dog. There’s also fainá, a flatbread made from chickpea flour. Whatever you try, it’ll refuel you to keep exploring Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) or the 22-mile-long Rambla.

2. Rio de Janeiro

The country known for Carnevale is also known for yummy food. Head to Casa da Feijoada to try feijoada, the national stew made with beans, beef, and pork. If you’re on the go, try the street food acarajé. These are fritters made of black eyed peas, split and filled with spicy paste.

For a night on the town, start with a caipirinha cocktail. Made of cachaça (sugarcane hard liquor), sugar, and lime, it’s a refreshing end to a day exploring Rio. If you’re a Michelin star chaser, book well in advance at Oro or Lasai for contemporary takes on Brazilian classics.

3. Mendoza, Argentina

Love wine? Mendoza is a must on your travel list. Known for producing some of the best malbecs in the world, it’s also become a gastronomy center.

Between slow-cooked Patagonian lamb, grilled Provolone cheese, and breaded and fried meat cutlets, you’re not short of tasty options in Argentina. For dessert, you can try dulce di leche, an indulgent caramel that is spread on everything.

4. Quito, Ecuador

It might seem strange, but when you’re in Quito, try the cuy (guinea pig). It’s served fried, grilled, or roasted, and tastes like a cross between duck and rabbit. On a cold day, a bowl of steaming locro de papa (potato and cheese soup) or seco de chivo (goat stew) is perfect.

In terms of where to eat, if you’re looking for traditional Ecuadorian food, try La Purísima. If you’re open to a more eclectic take, try Zazu or Octava de Corpus. No matter where you eat, you’ll end up stuffed and happy.

5. Bogotá, Colombia

Let’s start with the coffee, shall we? Colombian coffee is world renowned, so you should try it on your trip to Bogotá. Head to Azahar, a shop that specializes in direct trade and high-quality beans. There’s also Varietale, where you can try coffee beans from different regions of Colombia.

If you’re hungry, you can’t go wrong with bandeja paisa, a plate filled with grilled steak, chicharrón (fried pork belly), chorizo, rice, beans, fried egg, avocado, arepa, and plantains. Also don’t miss lechona, a whole roasted pig stuffed with rice, peas, and spices. As a side, there’s patacones; twice-fried green plantains.

6. Lima, Peru

In Lima, you’ll find dishes with indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences. Start with the icon: ceviche. Raw fish is marinated in citrus juice, onion, cilantro, and chili peppers to create a fresh, tangy flavor sensation. Then there’s lomo saltado, a stir fry with beef, onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, vinegar, and french fries (yes, french fries), served with rice.

As far as where to eat, if you want a creative take on Peruvian food, head to Central, a world-renowned restaurant that tells the story of Peru through its food. Maido blends Peruvian and Japanese flavors, and La Mar is the place to go for seafood.

7. Santiago, Chile

The capital of Chile is a fantastic place to eat dishes like empanadas, either filled with seafood or minced meat, raisins, eggs, olives, and raisins. You should also try the traditional corn pie called pastel de choclo.

The restaurant scene in Santiago is lively. Liguria is an active spot for a cocktail and Chilean classics, while Fuente Alemana is a great place for sandwiches.

8. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is home to the Michelin one-starred restaurant Don Julio. Locals know it’s the best place for quality cuts of meat like bife de cuadril (rump steak) and entraña (skirt steak). The restaurant also boasts more than 14,000 Argentinean wine labels.

If a Michelin star isn’t in your budget, you can still find fantastic beef throughout Buenos Aires. Look for a parrilla, or steakhouse (it’s also the name of the metal grill used to cook the meat). While you’re there, try the empanadas, choripán, milanesa, and dulce de leche.

9. Cusco, Peru

Cusco is a great place to try the Peruvian dishes you missed in Lima. One dish worth trying is aji de gallina, shredded chicken in a spicy, creamy sauce; or picarones, deep-fried sweet potatoes and squash. Be sure to try mate de coca, especially if you feel sick from the altitude.

To narrow down your list of the best restaurants, check out Cicciolina, Pachapapa, and Morena Peruvian Kitchen.

10. Asunción, Paraguay

This capital city serves up dishes with indigenous Guarani and Spanish influences. Try the favorite snack chipa, made of cassava flour, cornmeal, cheese, eggs, and milk. There’s also bori bori, a hearty chicken soup with cornmeal dumplings.

Lido Bar is a great place to get traditional Paraguayan food, and Tierra Colorada Gastro puts a modern twist on these flavors.

With so many delicious options waiting for you in South America, you’re going to want to extend your vacation!

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