Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in San Juan, San Juan, Argentina

All Topics about San Juan All Cities in Argentina

1. Empanada de Carne

Delicious meat-filled pastry pie from San Juan. A must-try for any visitor.

Unique Filling: Unlike other empanadas, the filling contains a blend of ground beef and hard-boiled egg.
Handmade Dough: The dough is freshly made daily, giving it a unique texture and flavor compared to store-bought empanadas.
Authentic Experience: Tasting this dish at local markets or street vendors provides an authentic Argentine culinary experience.

Traditional corn and meat stew from San Juan, flavored with local spices.

Local Ingredients: Ingredients like hominy, pork, beef, and pumpkin are sourced locally.
Cultural Significance: Locro de San Juan is a traditional dish that dates back to the indigenous cultures of Argentina.
Community Event: Try this dish at community gatherings like Fiestas Patronales, for an even more authentic experience.

Grilled provolone cheese popular in San Juan, usually served with chimichurri sauce.

Melting Texture: The melted cheese has a unique stringy and gooey texture.
Flavor Enhancement: Chimichurri sauce adds a tangy and herby flavor to the mild provolone cheese.
Social Activity: Provoleta is often enjoyed at social gatherings and aspicuisinas, or casual neighborhood eateries.

A moist and decadent three-milk cake popular in San Juan.

Moisture Content: The cake is soaked in a mixture of three types of milk, ensuring it stays deliciously moist.
Sweet Topping: Whipped cream and fruit toppings give this dessert a sweet finish.
Traditional Treat: Pastel de Tres Leches is a beloved traditional dessert in Argentina, perfect for any sweet tooth!

Breaded and fried meat fillet topped with tomato sauce, ham, and mozzarella cheese.

Crispy Texture: The crispy breadcrumb coating gives way to tender meat inside.
Italian Influence: This dish originated in Italy but has become a staple in Argentine cuisine.
Versatile Side Dishes: Milanesa a la Napolitana is often served with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.

A popular sandwich made with chorizo sausage and crusty bread.

Spicy Flavor: The chorizo sausage gives the dish a spicy kick.
Street Food: Choripan is commonly sold by street vendors, making it an easy and affordable option for travelers.
Versatility: Toppings like sauces, onions, or peppers can be added to customize your Choripan experience.

A unique style of Argentine barbecue from San Juan featuring various meats grilled to perfection.

Slow-Cooked Meat: Meats are slow-cooked over charcoal, resulting in tender and flavorful results.
Social Gathering: Asado Sanjuanino is often enjoyed at family gatherings or social events with friends.
Picada: A traditional side dish called picada, which includes chopped herbs and garlic, is a must-try with Asado Sanjuanino.

Hake fish cooked in a garlic sauce and served with boiled potatoes.

Garlic Intensity: The dish features a strong garlic flavor, perfect for garlic lovers.
Seafood Option: Merluza al Ajo offers a delicious seafood option in the midst of popular meat-focused dishes.
Traditional Cooking Method: The fish is cooked by steaming it with garlic, oil, and vinegar, preserving its delicate flavor.

Corn-based casserole filled with ground beef, peas, and hard-boiled eggs.

Unique Ingredients: The use of hominy (dried corn kernels) gives this dish a unique texture.
Family Meal: Pastel de Choclo is often prepared for family gatherings and celebrations.
Spice Variation: The dish can be made spicy by adding aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper) or other local peppers.

Deep-fried bread pockets filled with seasoned ground beef.

Crispy Texture: The outer layer of the sopaipilla is crispy and flaky, contrasting with the tender filling.
Street Food: Sopaipillas con Carne are commonly sold by street vendors in San Juan.
Flexible Meal Option: This dish can be enjoyed as a main course, side dish, or even an appetizer.

Purple corn porridge served with cream and fruits.

Unusual Color: The distinctive purple color of the dish comes from purple corn.
Cold Weather Comfort Food: Mazamorra Morada is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for cooler climates.
Versatile Dessert: It can be enjoyed as a dessert or a side dish.

Fried cake made from cornmeal and pumpkin, often served with dulce de leche.

Crispy Texture: The outside of the torta frita is crispy while the inside remains soft.
Seasonal Dish: Torta Frita is traditionally made during the fall and winter seasons, when pumpkins are abundant.
Sweet Treat: Dulce de leche adds a sweet touch to this savory dish.

Soft meringue cookies sandwiched with dulce de leche and covered in chocolate.

Light and Fluffy Texture: The meringue is light, airy, and has a delicate flavor.
Dulce de Leche Filling: The creamy dulce de leche filling adds a rich and sweet flavor.
Traditional Gift: Alfajores are a popular gift for friends and family during the holiday season.

A mix of garlic, herbs, and olives served with red wine.

Flavorful Companion: The picada complements the flavors of Asado Sanjuanino.
Alcoholic Beverage Pairing: Enjoy this dish with a glass of red wine for an authentic Argentine experience.
Social Activity: Picada con Vino Tinto is often enjoyed during social gatherings and asados (barbecues).

A rich chocolate cake served with whipped cream.

Rich Chocolate Flavor: The dense and moist chocolate cake satisfies any sweet craving.
Cultural Significance: Torta de Sobremesa is traditionally served during family gatherings, symbolizing unity and love.
Versatile Dessert: This dessert can be enjoyed as a standalone or paired with coffee.