The Best South American Food

When visiting South American countries such as Chile, Peru and Uruguay, food and drink tours are the perfect way to discover authentic local cuisine.

As not only will they direct you to the best South American food, but you will also learn more about South American culture. One in which there's plenty to eat and drink along the way.

The Best South American Food

Before you start booking your food and drink tours, let us help prepare you for your visit. As, without further ado, we take a look at 8 ummissable food experiences to look out for.

Ceviche (Peru)

Ceviche is known as Peru’s signature dish. It even boasts its very own National Holiday, celebrated on the 28th of June. Ceviche It is raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juices like lime and spiced up with chili peppers. It is usually served with sweet potatoes and large, white Andean corn.

Empanadas Salteñas (Argentina)

Empanadas are tiny pies made with dough, which are then filled with various savoury fillings. This is certainly one to try when it comes to the best South American food to eat on the go. You will easily find them on street food and drink tours in Buenos Aires and other major cities. The popular street food is usually baked or fried and then served with a hot salsa sauce. Authentic Empanadas Salteñas hail from the Salta Province in Argentina.

Reineta Fish (Chile)

Fishing is a serious industry in Chile and they are one of the main exporters of fish in the world. Reineta (either Pomfret or Southern Rays Bream) is a mild flaky fish that is perfect for grilling, broiling or slow-cooked. Superb with fresh vegetables.

Chivito Sandwich (Uruguay)

The Chivito is regarded as the national dish of Uruguay. It is a very filling South American dish that is basically a huge tasty and delicious sandwich. It is made up of fine slices of churrasco (filet mignon beef), crispy bacon, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise, ham, olives. Just before serving it is topped with a fried egg.

Parilla (Argentina or Uruguay)

Argentina and Uruguay are both important beef producing countries in the world. In each country you will notice different cuts of beef and sausages. Argentinian cuts are lomo (filet), bife de chorizo (sirloin) or ojo de bife (ribeye). Whilst Uruguay offers pulpon (rump steak) or asado (short ribs).

Arepas (Venezuela and Columbia)

Arepas are corn cakes and you will see them everywhere from the street stalls to the fancy restaurants. Similar to bread, they can be eaten as a sandwich. In Venezuela are quite thick and stuffed with meat or other savoury ingredients. In Columbia, they are eaten in a plainer fashion with an egg or cheese.

Feijoada (Brazil)

Feijoada is often referred to as the national dish of Brazil. The name derives from the Portuguese word for bean – feijão. Basically it is a tasty flavoursome stew made of black beans and pork. Feijoada is served with rice, shredded kale and topped with toasted cassava flour (farofa).

Salteña (Bolivia)

Salteña is very much like the empanada although mostly served as a main meal. A Bolivian salteña, is brimming over with meat and vegetables, all cooked in a gorgeous sauce. The Bolivian locals enjoy starting their day with salteñas, to ensure they are full for the day ahead. If you're on a street food tour, then be prepared to visit the street-carts early in the day. Alternatively, you can always catch them at lunch time when they tend to be slightly less busy.

Food and Drink Experiences in South America

If you love discovering an alternative lifestyle, then book activities and experiences in South America with tabl. Search the website and you'll find food and drink tours, wine tours, cookery classes and much more.