When you think of Patagonia many images come to mind – glaciers, stunning skylines, snow capped mountain tips and endless hiking trails. While the food is not normally at the top of the list when travelling to Patagonia, there exists a growing food scene with local restaurants dishing up fresh produce and beautiful flavours. Most notable is the lamb, raised locally and providing trekkers with a succulent meal at the end of the day. Most people will rave about the lamb in Patagonia and if you are a meat eater, you can’t leave without sampling it. Seafood is high on the list, with an abundance of fresh trout and salmon living in the Patagonian waters, as well as king crab. Patagonia dishes up some surprises, such as boutique chocolate shops that derive from Austrian, German and Slovenian migration. Pockets of Argentinian Patagonia have a strong Welsh presence and a traditional afternoon tea isn’t hard to find.
Argentinians and Chilians typically eat quite late at night, anything from 9pm onwards is considered normal! Many restaurants only serve after 7pm and stop at midnight. However in tourist areas it is possible to eat earlier!
Found in Argentine Patagonia, this lamb dish is cooked on an iron skillet over hot coals and is arguably the best meat dish in the region. It is without a doubt the regions most famous dish and is often cooked on an open fire for several hours to get its flavour. What results is a smoky meat that falls right off the bone. A meat lovers dream!
Meat, meat and more meat. Asado is the word used to describe barbecue meats. Originating from the local guachos, you can find beef, pork, sausages or lamb grilling on an open fire. A favourite amongst locals you will find asado restaurants all over Patagonia.
This accompaniment goes hand in hand with asado. A sauce made of parsley, olive oil, garlic, onion and chilli pepper flakes, it is often used as a topping for meat dishes.
With all the focus on Chilean and Argentinian cuisine staying firmly on meat dishes, it can be daunting to know what to eat in Patagonia as a vegetarian or vegan. While vegetarian food is by no means “at your fingertips” it does exist in Patagonia and with an open mind and prior research it should not negatively affect your holiday. When out hiking, it is important to keep your energy levels up so stock up on nut/energy bars when you have access to supermarkets. When eating in local restaurants, avoid any that specialise in “Asado” (barbecued meats) or “mariscos” (seafood) and try to check out a few menus online prior. If there is nothing meat free readily available, it is often possible to create a meal using side dishes.
King Crab is another popular dish found in the region. Chupe de Centolla is a dish similar to chowder, cooked with breadcrumbs and topped with cheese.
Found all over Chile and Argentina, Empanadas are fried or baked pies filled with anything from meat, potatoes and cheese. They are simple yet satisfying, and perfect for carb loading. It is also possible to find sweet ones, oozing dulce de leche and dusted with cinnamon sugar.
Eaten all over Southern Patagonia, the trout is the freshest you will find and is enjoyed regularly by both locals and travellers alike.
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