Argentina is a land of passionate culture, stunning landscapes, and legendary food, particularly its world-renowned beef. While the thought of a traditional Asado (Argentine barbecue) might excite many, parents of selective eaters might feel a pang of worry about eating Argentine food with a picky eater. Will they eat anything besides plain meat? Is it all unfamiliar? The good news is that thanks to significant European (especially Italian and Spanish) immigration, Argentine cuisine offers many comforting and adaptable dishes that can appeal to even the most cautious child, ensuring everyone gets to taste a piece of Argentina.
Understanding Argentine Food for the Picky Palate
Argentine cuisine is heavily focused on high-quality beef, often cooked simply over a grill. However, pasta and pizza are also incredibly popular staples, reflecting the strong Italian influence. You’ll also find empanadas (savoury pastries), milanesas (breaded meat cutlets), and delicious baked goods and desserts, often featuring dulce de leche. This blend of grilled meats and familiar Italian-style dishes provides numerous potential “safe” foods when eating Argentine food with a picky eater.
Navigating Argentine Restaurants and Food with a Picky Eater
Argentines tend to eat dinner quite late, so be prepared with earlier snacks. When you do sit down for a meal, here’s how to find appealing options:
Asado Adventures: Plain Grilled Meats
The Asado is central to Argentine culture. While a full mixed grill might be overwhelming, you can often order individual cuts of plain grilled beef. Look for simple, tender options like Tira de Asado (ribs, often thin and crispy) or Vacío (flank steak). These are typically seasoned only with salt and are a fantastic way for a picky eater to try Argentina’s famous beef in its simplest, most delicious form. Plain grilled chicken (Pollo a la Parrilla) is also usually an option.
Milanesa Magic
Milanesa is a thin cutlet of beef or chicken, breaded and fried – very similar to a German Schnitzel or an Italian Cotoletta. Served plain, often with a side of Papas Fritas (chips/fries) or mashed potato, this is a highly familiar and usually very successful dish for picky eaters. Avoid the ‘a la Napolitana’ version if your child dislikes tomato sauce and cheese.
Pasta Power (Italian Influence)
Thanks to the Italian heritage, pasta is ubiquitous and excellent in Argentina. You’ll find many familiar shapes. For picky eaters, simple preparations are key:
- Manteca y Queso: Pasta with butter and cheese (usually Parmesan).
- Tuco: A simple tomato sauce (often less complex than Italian ragu).
Look for Tallarines (similar to spaghetti/fettuccine) or Ñoquis (gnocchi, traditionally eaten on the 29th of the month).
Empanada Exploration
Empanadas, savoury pastries with various fillings, are a popular snack and starter. While fillings can be mixed, most places will offer simple options perfect for picky eaters, such as Jamón y Queso (ham and cheese) or just Queso (cheese). These are often baked (al horno) or fried (fritas).
Pizza Argentina
Argentine pizza has its own distinct style, often with thicker crusts and generous cheese. A plain Pizza Mozzarella (just cheese and sometimes a little tomato sauce) is very similar to a classic Margherita without the basil and can be a great fallback.
Bread and Sides
Excellent bread is served with most meals and can be a reliable filler. Papas Fritas (chips/fries) are a common side and almost always a safe bet. Simple salads, often just lettuce and tomato, are also available.
The Sweet Side: Dulce de Leche & Pastries
Argentina excels in desserts and pastries, often featuring Dulce de Leche (a sweet caramelised milk spread). Media Lunas (croissants, often slightly sweet) are popular for breakfast or snacks. Desserts with Dulce de Leche are usually very appealing.
Finding Familiarity & Backup Options
Being prepared is key, especially with the later dining schedule.
Supermarkets & Bakeries (Panaderías)
Argentine supermarkets and bakeries (Panaderías) are fantastic resources. Bakeries offer a huge array of breads and pastries. Supermarkets stock familiar items like yogurt, milk, fruit, biscuits (galletas), and snacks.
Late Dining Culture
Plan for later dinner times (often 9 pm or later). Have substantial snacks available in the late afternoon to prevent hunger-related meltdowns before the restaurants fill up.
Gentle Exposure to Argentine Tastes
Encourage tiny, no-pressure tastes of Argentine food. Let them try a small piece of plain grilled beef, a corner of a cheese empanada, or a tiny bit of Dulce de Leche on a spoon. Exploring a Panadería together and choosing a pastry can also be a fun way to engage with the local food culture.
Conclusion
Exploring Argentina with a picky eater offers many delicious possibilities. By focusing on the accessible elements of its cuisine – simple grilled meats, familiar pasta and pizza, plain empanadas, and comforting milanesas – you can ensure everyone eats well. Leverage the excellent bakeries and supermarkets for snacks and backups, and be mindful of the later dining schedule. With patience and a positive attitude, eating Argentine food with a picky eater becomes a rewarding part of experiencing the vibrant culture and flavours of Argentina!
For more tips on managing meal times and exploring new cuisines with selective eaters, see our guides on Picky Eating Solutions for Family Holidays and Fussy Eating Tips: Simple Strategies for Calmer Mealtimes.