Argentina, a country known for its rich culinary traditions, offers a variety of street foods comparable to other countries in South America. In short, a typical street food meal in Argentina will cost you anywhere from $2 – $8 USD.
This short guide will take you through the typical costs of street food in Argentina, giving you a taste of the country’s delicious offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as dessert.
Breakfast:
Argentines often begin their day with a simple yet fulfilling street food breakfast.
- Medialunas: These crescent-shaped pastries are similar to croissants but sweeter. A pair of medialunas is typically around $1-$2 USD.
- Café con Leche: A cup of coffee with milk can be found for about $1-$1.50 USD on the streets, especially from mobile vendors.
- Tostadas con Dulce de Leche: Toasted bread with a generous spread of dulce de leche should cost you about $1-$2 USD.
Lunch:
Lunchtime in Argentina is a great opportunity to try some of the country’s most iconic street foods, which you have no doubt heard of before.
- Empanadas: These handheld pies with various fillings cost approximately $0.50-$1.50 USD each, depending on the filling and the vendor. Beef is generally the most expensive as this costs more to produce than vegetables or chicken.
- Choripan: This sausage sandwich, a beloved Argentine staple, typically ranges from $1.50-$3 USD, often served with a side of chimichurri sauce.
- Milanesa Napolitana: A street-side serving of this breaded meat topped with ham, cheese, and tomato sauce could be priced at around $3-$5 USD.
Dinner:
- Parrillada: While more commonly found in restaurants, some street vendors offer a simplified version of this mixed grill for about $5-$8 USD.
- Pizzas: Grab a slice of pizza with classic toppings for approximately $2-$3 USD.
- Bondiola Sandwich: A pork shoulder sandwich is a filling option, usually costing around $3-$4 USD.
Desserts: Sweet Treats
No meal is complete without dessert, and Argentina’s street sweets are not to be missed.
- Alfajores: These cookie sandwiches filled with dulce de leche are found everywhere, often costing less than $1 USD each.
- Helado: Argentine ice cream, known for its Italian influence, can be enjoyed for about $1-$2 USD per scoop.
Comparison of Costs – Street Food to Restaurants
When compared to restaurants, street food in Argentina is generally much more affordable. For instance, a meal that might cost $10-$15 USD in a restaurant can often be substituted with street food for half the price or less, providing both a delicious and economical dining experience.
While specific prices can fluctuate based on economic conditions and regions within Argentina, this guide offers a ballpark for what you might expect to spend on street food. Always carry local currency, as street vendors may not accept USD, and using a card in Argentina can often be challenging due to the current economic circumstances and the rife credit card fraud situation.
