The food and drink of Patagonia are another reason to visit the region. Many restaurants and meals take inspiration from the vast landscapes of farmland and rivers and highlight local ingredients.
Local Cuisine and Popular Dishes
The popular food and drink of Patagonia is abundant. With its fresh ingredients, delicious flavors, and delectable drinks, you are sure to have a food-filled adventure. Here is a glimpse at some of the most sought-after dishes in Patagonia:
Barbecued meats are incredibly popular in Patagonia, with barbecue asado even being the national dish of Argentina! All around the region, you may smell and try the smoky flavors of open-roasted meats. Cordero al Palo, a roasted lamb cooked over an open fire, is one of the most popular dishes of the area.
Preparation of “cordero al palo” in the Magellan style outside in Patagonia. LBM1948. CC BY-SA 4.0
Empanadas are also a fan favorite in both the Chilean and Argentine areas of Patagonia. An empanada is a flaky baked dough folded with a “pocket” that can be filled with a variety of things, from meats and vegetables to sweeter iterations.
Fish and seafood are also incredibly popular and abundant with the beautiful rivers, lakes, and fjords that span the region. Try fish and seafood from river trout to King Crab, and you will not be disappointed.
And, if you thought that breakfast, lunch, and dinner weren’t enough, know that Patagonia does not skimp on sweets. For dessert, try a Dulce de Leche. This dish is found all over South America, but the caramelized milk and sugar dessert will melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more.
Though not a meal, Mate deserves a paragraph of its own. Mate is a loose-leaf caffeinated herbal tea that deeply characterizes this region. It is traditionally drunk out of a small cup (gourd), with a metal straw called a “bombilla.” The bombilla has a small sieve at the bottom to prevent the drinker from ingesting the leaves. Mate is drank in a similar way that one might drink coffee — often socially, early in the morning, or in the afternoon as a little pick-me-up.
Someone holding a cup of mate in front of the scenery. CC0.
Unique Food and Drink Experiences You Can’t Miss
One of the most unforgettable dining experiences in Patagonia may be had at a rugged estancia. An Estancia, or ranch, may be one of the best places to try Patagonia’s most esteemed dish: a whole roasted lamb.
Ever wanted to drink a brew at the southernmost brewery in the world? Well, you can at Cerveceria Austral in Punta Arenas. This brewery is not only the southernmost “large” brewery, but also the oldest in Chile. With lore that the brewery’s water used to come straight from the glacier, this spot is a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
For another drink experience, we highly recommend checking out a local vineyard and trying its wine tasting. About a two-hour drive south of Bariloche, stop at Patagonian Wines in El Bolson. This beautiful winery is a perfect place to learn more about vineyards in Patagonia, while enjoying a glass on a picnic.
Recommended Restaurants and Cafes
Though the Patagonia region spans far and wide, we have still dug up a few recommendations for restaurants and cafes you cannot miss when passing through towns on your way to the National Parks.
In Puerto Natales, you have to stop at the popular El Bote for traditional meals and outstanding seafood — you won’t regret it. Check out the nearby Santolla for a more upscale dining experience and enjoy the amazing seafood in this restaurant in the port city.
For amazing seafood with a view, check out Kuar Resto Bar in Ushuaia. Or, stop at Taberna del Viejo Lobo, which is open all afternoon for a delicious dinner and an early afternoon pastry.
In El Chaltén, stop at the cult favorite Panaderia Que-Rika for their famous empanadas and pastries. Que rico!