A Foodie Tour of South American Food

Guest post from Meg Rulli of Landing Standing.

Shortly into our trip around the world, Tony and I discovered that trying local cuisines is our favorite part of traveling. There is so much you can learn about a culture and the history of a location through its food.

Plus, in almost every country we have visited, the food has been spectacular.

Our RTW trip began in South America, which was a perfect place to whet our appetites for all the great cuisines we would be tasting across the globe.

Here were some of our most memorable eats from this magnificent continent:

Chilean Food

Our first stop on our RTW adventure began in Santiago, Chile in January. It was here where we used some of our recent Christmas money to splurge on elegant meals,

Chilean Food in Santiago, Chile

learned how to properly cook fresh fish in our hostel after visiting the Mercado Central fish market,

Fish - Chilean Food in Santiago, Chile

and discovered our love for Lomito sandwiches and croquettes.

Lomito Sandwiches - Chilean Food in Santiago, Chile

Croquettes – Chilean Food in Santiago, Chile

For part of our trip in Santiago, we had the privilege to stay with friends that lived in the city and got to enjoy authentic family meals of mouthwatering Machas a la Parmesana and baked Chilaquiles.

Machas a la Parmesana - Chilean Food in Santiago, Chile

Baked Chilaquiles - Chilean Food in Santiago, Chile

During our hiking adventures down in Patagonia, we also were surprised to learn that the best empanadas in the country came from tiny roadside stands, where they were freshly baked or fried on the spot. YUM!

Empanadas - Chilean Food from Patagonia, Chile

Empanadas de Horno - Chilean Food from Patagonia, Chile

Argentina Food

It’s a shock I didn’t gain weight in Argentina, considering how much food I ate. I guess a huge part of this was because I was subconsciously following the Atkins Diet while I was there. Argentina is known for its delicious meats and steaks and it did not disappoint.

Asado – Argentina Food

The steak and meat came in all shapes and sizes.

Lomo – Argentina Food

Meat – Argentina Food

And whether we went to the local butcher and grilled them up ourselves, or had them dining out, steaks were delicious and cheap. I was in heaven.

Pork – Argentina Food

Meat – Argentina Food

Meat – Argentina Food

Despite the popularity of meat in Argentina, veggies are also accessible and plentiful (ignore rumors to the contrary).

Vegetable Plate – Argentina Food

Argentina also has wonderful dishes, such as pickled and fried eggplant, Spanish tortillas, fired chard, stuffed mushrooms, homemade potato crisps, and empanadas galore!

Pickled Eggplant - Argentina Food

Fried Eggplant – Argentina Food

Fried Chard - Argentina Food

Stuffed Mushrooms - Argentina Food

Homemade Potato Crisps - Argentina Food

We found that Buenos Aires was also a melting pot of cultures. There are many Italian immigrants in the city, which means Buenos Aires has some exquisite Italian food.

Pizza – Argentina Food

Cured Meats on Bread – Argentina Food

Proscuitto Sandwich – Argentina Food

Buenos Aires is also known for their vibrant Closed Door Dining scene, where you can visit underground restaurants that serve up fantastic Asian fusion cuisine at a chefs home.

Asian Fusion Cuisine – Argentina Food

Asian Fusion Cuisine – Argentina Food

Asian Fusion Cuisine – Argentina Food

But apart from the amazing red meat and variety of cuisines scattered throughout Buenos Aires, Argentina knows how to excel in ice cream and desserts.

Ice Cream – Argentina Food

Ice Cream – Argentina Food

Dessert – Argentina Food

I never went a day in Argentina without a daily dose of ice cream or chocolate.

Bolivian Food

We did not spend too much time in Bolivia and did not get a chance to try many of the local dishes (although, we heard from many backpackers that Bolivia lacked in the food scene). However, Lake Titicaca was the perfect place to get fresh trout straight from the lake. With fish this fresh, the simplest preparations are best.

Fresh Trout (trucha) – Bolivian Food

Peruvian Food

We travelled to Peru to hike stunning Machu Picchu, but we got the added bonus of eating like kings during our three weeks in the country. Peru was where we were able to get adventurous with our pallets and try the local favorites in Cusco, such as Yuquitas Rellenas and Cuy (a.k.a. Guinea Pig).

Yuquitas Rellenas - Peruvian Food

Cuy (Guinea Pig) - Peruvian Food

One of my favorite days in Cusco was spent at the Choco Museo learning the history of cacao production in Peru all while making our very own chocolate treats.

Chocolate Treats – Peruvian Food

After hiking cold Machu Picchu for four days, we were boiling in the summer heat when we arrived in Lima, but loved cooling off with refreshing and citrusy plates of Lima’s famous fresh ceviche.

Ceviche - Peruvian Food

We also made sure to hit up happy hour for some thirst quenching Pisco Sours with Cancha Salada.

Pisco Sour - Peruvian Food

Judging aside, by the time we arrived in Peru, we were missing some of our home favorites and had to indulge in some American classics.

American Food in Peru

Before you roll your eyes in disgust, Peruvian McDonald’s make some mean McFlurries!

McDonald’s Available Everywhere

South America treated our bellies very well. We will always remember the meals that we had and everything we learned about the culture in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru through their remarkable dishes.

Have you ever travelled to South America? What were some of your favorite local dishes?

Her name is Meg and his name is Tony. They left their jobs to go RTW and try out this location independent thing. They are aspiring entrepreneurs & digital nomads that blog about travel, food, and all things ridiculous. Follow the journey at Landing Standing.

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