Food makes me genuinely happy.
Over the past 7+ years I’ve discovered lots of great food destinations in Latin America, since I’m based here most of the year. The cultural mix allows chefs to be creative, reinvent the classic cuisine and add influences from around the globe. Expect dishes you haven’t seen before, and combinations you couldn’t have imagined.
At the following foodie paradise destinations you’ll never have to go hungry. You’ll probably end up eating again and again anyways though, just because of how good it is.
Read More: 10 Amazing Places To Visit In Latin America
Lima, Peru
Peru was awarded the World’s Leading Culinary Destination for the 6th time in a row by the World Travel Awards last year. When it comes to food, Lima is one of the most exciting destinations in the country. Its restaurants usually end up on several ‘Best-Food-In-The-World’ lists, year after year.
What characterizes Peruvian food is the variation. It’s said that Peru has more than 260+ official dishes and 3000+ different types of potatoes.
Think about that for a moment.
Lima takes gastronomy to a different level. This is where influences from abroad, such as Spain, Japan, the Caribbean and China, seamlessly blend with the best from the local kitchen, resulting in delicious masterpieces. You will look forward to eating again, even if you just eat (too much).
A few of my Peruvian favorite dishes are Ceviche, Arroz con mariscos, Chaufa, Rocoto Relleno, Causa and Aji de Gallina.
It’s not a coincidence that Mistura, Latin America’s largest food festival that hope to check off my Bucket list soon, takes place in Lima in September every year.
Cali, Colombia
Cali is the Fruit Capital of Colombia. You’ll never need to walk far to find locally produced ingredients or natural fruit juices.
This is the place to indulge in tropical greens, different from those at home. Try Lulada (a juice made of the fruit Lulo), Champus (a smoothie-like drink made of corn and fruits), or a Cholado (a colorful dessert made of ice, mixed with fruits and condensed milk) when you’re in the mood for some extra energy.
The mix of cultures has resulted in an exciting gastronomy scene with influences from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Try the Aborrajados (sweet banana stuffed with cheese), Arepas (small pancakes with different fillings) and the Pandebonos (soft cheese bread). From fine dining to the local market (don’t miss Basilia, anything you order there will be amazing), there are lots of amazing options here to make any foodie happy.
Mendoza, Argentina
The food in Argentina is largely influenced by European cuisine. It was the second country in the world with the most immigrants after World War 2. In combination with the best meat in the world, you won’t run out of delicious options when you’re here.
The meat is holy in the Argentinian culture. The asado (barbeque) on Sundays is a steady activity for the majority of the locals. Mendoza combines gourmet food with amazing wine. There are more than 1000 vineyards to choose from in the area.
A must is to have lunch at one of the vineyards about 40 minutes outside of the city centre, overlooking the never-ending grape fields. Salentein offers a great tasting menu, with delicious food paired with just the right wine, and gorgeous views of the mountains.
In the city of Mendoza, you’ll also find a great variation of restaurants. Enjoy incredible risotto, milanesas, pasta, and of course, perfectly made steaks.
Chiloe, Chile
Chiloe, South America’s second largest island, feels a bit far away from everything. It’s worth the tour. Expect a rural escape with virgin landscapes and lots of history.
The Chilote cuisine emerged from the techniques of the indigenous, and blends with flavours brought by immigrants from for example Spain. Local ingredients are in focus. Expect an array of tasty dishes, made up of an endless variety of potatoes, seafood and pork.
The use of earth ovens, shellfish and different potato varieties is what characterizes the cuisine of Chiloé the most. Curanto is one of the must-eats. A traditional plate that consists of seafood, meat, potatoes and vegetables. Local chefs prepare it in a hole in the ground, just like back in the days.
A great place to eat Curanto is at the local market. Make sure to be (very) hungry and take a seat close by a window. The local street performers at the traffic lights are great entertainment.
Continue your food adventure with Cazuela Chilota (a hot meat soup), Milcaos (a typical pancake that can be baked, fried or steamed) and mariscal (a tasty seafood stew made of mussels, clams, and piure).
Samana, Dominican Republic
The food from the Dominican Republic is by no means known for being healthy. Many (so many) typical dishes include fried stuff or lots of carbs, often both. With that said, much of it is delicious.
One of the local specialities is Coconut Rice. It’s exactly the right amount of sweet and, when done right, a pure pleasure from the first bite.
Make sure to try the seafood specialities fried fish and lobster. Yes, lobster is quite international, but the way they prepare it on the beach here is just amazing.
Don’t leave without having one Pica Pollo (fried chicken). You’ve had fried chicken a million times, but it’s perfectly done here.
Other delicious Dominican dishes to try are Mangú (mashed plantains topped with sauteed red onions), Sancocho (meat soup), Yucca (it’s quite impossible to miss since it’s served everywhere), Mofongo (made of fried plantains, garlic, and chicharrones) and Tostones (fried plantain) with mayo.
Digest the food with a shot of Mamajuana. A local drink that is said to be aphrodisiac.
Merida, Mexico
Is it possible to create a list of the best food destinations in Latin America without mentioning Mexico?
In addition to the classic (and mmm-so-delicious) dishes such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas and fajitas, there is so much more to Mexican cuisine.
Merida, the capital of the Yucatan state, presents the perfect mix of regional, local food. The cuisine combines ingredients and techniques from the Maya and European explorers that will make you happy. Again and again.
My friend and I often ordered 3 plates for the 2 of us. We gained a few kilos each, even if we were dancing a lot. It was worth it.
A part from the most well-known dishes, there are more you shouldn’t miss; Molletes (Mexican styled baguette smothered with refried black beans and a white cheese) Queso relleno (cheese, stuffed with ground pork and seasonings, baked until the cheese is soft), Papa dulces (sweet potato) and Cochinita pibil (pork marinated in citrus juices and achiote paste, roasted and topped with grilled onion).
I’ve only explored the East Coast of Mexico and can’t wait to go back and get to know places such as Mexico City and Oaxaca, supposedly amazing (and delicious).
Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Every time my Brazilian friends mention Minas Gerais, they always bring up the food. Now I do the same.
I still remember my first meal here. Rustic, slow-cooked, with a mix of spices, and locally produced ingredients and fruits, such as pumpkin, lime and macaxeira. Everything just fitted perfectly together. Served in big portions. Full of colors, with aromas that were new to me.
All the excitement about the food made perfect sense now.
The local market in the capital of Minas, Belo Horizonte, is a delight to visit. This is also where at least 3 of the top restaurants of the Comida Di Boteco (the yearly Bar Food competition) are situated.
Don’t miss dishes such as Feijão tropeiro (beans with bacon and sun-dried meat), a real Churrascaria, Pão de queijo (cheese bread to die for) and Mocotó (Meat soup). Apart from the market, your options of places to eat range from local ‘holes-in-the-wall’, to fine dining.
I ended up staying for 10+ days in the region. Jumping from one cute historic village to another. Even if the food alone makes it worth coming here, the complete area with charming towns such as Ouro Preto, Tiradentes and Mariana, is amazing.
Brazil is a place where you quickly become friends with the waiters, and randoms talk you into taking shots. The atmosphere is happy and personal. It’s common that the staff (and you) are singing and dancing along to the local tunes.
What are your favorite food destinations in Latin America?
Have you been to other great places made for food lovers? Then I’d love to know about them. Feel free to reach out or leave a comment.
0 comentarios