Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
1. Empanada Tucumana
A unique empanada filled with beef, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. Try it at La Casona del Inca.
- Unusual Filling: The combination of ingredients sets it apart from typical Argentine empanadas.
- Historic Restaurant: La Casona del Inca is a colonial-style building with over 200 years of history.
- Authentic Taste: Experience the traditional flavors of San Miguel de Tucumán.
2. Hilachas a la Cruz
Shredded beef stewed slowly with potatoes and onions on a wooden cross-shaped grill. Visit El Crucecito for this dish.
- Slow Cooking Method: The slow cooking process infuses the meat with rich, robust flavors.
- Traditional Grill Design: Cooked on a unique cross-shaped grill, this method is exclusive to San Miguel de Tucumán.
- Local Flavor: Savor the rustic taste of Hilachas a la Cruz.
3. Cazuela San Martin
A hearty stew made with beef, hominy, and vegetables. You can find it at Restaurant San Martín.
- Historical Significance: Named after General José de San Martín, a national hero of Argentina.
- Community-Style Dining: Diners share the same large pot, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
- Rich and Filling: The dish is perfect for a satisfying meal in the cooler Tucumán climate.
4. Pastelito Tucumano
A savory pie made with cornmeal, filled with ground beef or chicken. Try it at the Mercado Central.
- Cornmeal Base: The unique base sets it apart from traditional Argentine pies.
- Local Market Experience: Enjoy the dish amidst the lively atmosphere of the bustling market.
- Versatile Fillings: Choose from various fillings to suit your taste.
5. Choripán
Grilled sausage served on a crusty bread roll, topped with chimichurri sauce. You can find it at many street vendors.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the dish while exploring the vibrant streets of San Miguel de Tucumán.
- Versatile Sauce: Chimichurri sauce adds a tangy, herb-infused flavor to the dish.
- Affordable and Filling: A budget-friendly option for a quick, tasty meal.
6. Cazuela de Lentejas Tucumana
A hearty lentil stew made with chorizo and vegetables. Visit La Tira de San Martín for this dish.
- Hearty and Warming: Perfect for a cold day in San Miguel de Tucumán.
- Traditional Restaurant: La Tira de San Martín has been serving authentic dishes since the 1950s.
- Unique Spices: The distinctive blend of spices sets the dish apart from other lentil stews.
7. Humito Tucumano
Cornmeal dough stuffed with sweet corn kernels and ground peanuts. You can find it at the Mercado Central.
- Corn-Centric Ingredients: A testament to the importance of corn in Tucumán cuisine.
- Local Market Experience: Enjoy the dish amidst the lively atmosphere of the bustling market.
- Sweet and Nutty: The sweet corn kernels and ground peanuts create a unique flavor combination.
8. Locro Tucumano
A thick corn and squash soup with meat, typically beef or pork. You can find it at many restaurants in San Miguel de Tucumán.
- Warm and Comforting: Perfect for cold days in Tucumán.
- Traditional Dish: A dish that reflects the culinary heritage of San Miguel de Tucumán.
- Versatile Ingredients: The use of locally sourced ingredients makes each Locro unique.
9. Chipa Tucumana
A cornmeal cake filled with cheese or guava. You can find it at many bakeries in San Miguel de Tucumán.
- Corn-Based Dessert: Another example of the importance of corn in Tucumán cuisine.
- Sweet and Savory Options: Choose between cheese or guava-filled options.
- Portable Snack: Easy to carry and enjoy on-the-go.
10. Sopaipillas Tucumanas
Fried dough pockets filled with beef or chicken. You can find them at many street vendors.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the dish while exploring the vibrant streets of San Miguel de Tucumán.
- Versatile Fillings: Choose from various fillings to suit your taste.
- Crispy and Savory: The fried dough creates a crispy, savory exterior.
11. Tamales Tucumanos
Cornmeal dough wrapped in corn husks and filled with meat, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. You can find them at many street vendors.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the dish while exploring the vibrant streets of San Miguel de Tucumán.
- Corn-Centric Ingredients: A testament to the importance of corn in Tucumán cuisine.
- Unique Filling: The combination of ingredients sets it apart from typical Argentine tamales.
12. Pastel de Tapa
A large pie made with cornmeal dough, filled with ground meat, hard-boiled eggs, and olives. Try it at the Mercado Central.
- Cornmeal Base: The unique base sets it apart from traditional Argentine pies.
- Local Market Experience: Enjoy the dish amidst the lively atmosphere of the bustling market.
- Hearty and Filling: A satisfying meal for a large group or family.
13. Milanesa Tucumana
A breaded and fried schnitzel-like dish, often served with a side of mashed potatoes or French fries. You can find it at many restaurants in San Miguel de Tucumán.
- Traditional Dish: A dish that reflects the culinary heritage of San Miguel de Tucumán.
- Versatile Serving Sizes: Available in various sizes, from a single serving to a family-sized portion.
- Crispy and Savory: The breaded and fried exterior creates a crispy, savory dish.
14. Pique Macho
A hearty mix of fried eggs, sausages, and French fries topped with tomato sauce, onions, and chili peppers. You can find it at many restaurants in San Miguel de Tucumán.
- Hearty and Filling: Perfect for a satisfying meal.
- Traditional Dish: A dish that reflects the culinary heritage of San Miguel de Tucumán.
- Spicy and Savory: The chili peppers add a spicy kick to the dish.
15. Cazuela de Carne
A traditional Argentine beef stew made with potatoes, carrots, and onions. You can find it at many restaurants in San Miguel de Tucumán.
- Traditional Dish: A dish that reflects the culinary heritage of Argentina.
- Warm and Comforting: Perfect for cold days in Tucumán.
- Hearty and Filling: A satisfying meal for a large group or family.