Travel to Argentina is a once in a lifetime experience for many and if you're looking to get the most out of your trip, the food of Argentina takes center stage. Argentines love to eat and the country boasts a number of different restaurants, cafes and other eateries to help ensure you finish out each day happy and satisfied. Before you go, however, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with local meals, customs and must-not-miss delicious dishes.

Travel for The Steak, Chicken And Pork

Vegans and vegetarians, beware! The carnivore is king here. Argentine cows are grass fed, as opposed to the grain fed cattle Americans are used to. This makes the meat more flavorful, but to add even more kick, many restaurants include chimichurri, an olive oil and spice rub that brings out the flavor even more. Steak servings are large, sometimes tipping the scales at a pound, so don't be shy about sharing with your dining companions.

If you see asado on your menu, give it a try. Asado is typically enjoyed by families at home, but many restaurants offer it too. In an asado plate you'll find beef, sausages, gland meat, pork and chicken.

Travel for Lorca

Lorca is one of the most classic Argentine dishes. Lorca is a heavy stew that's packed full of meat, beans and corn. Each diner is also given a separate dish with a special sauce that they can spoon on top of the lorca. Many versions contain tripe and intestine so if you’re squeamish about trying these exotic foods on your trip, ask what types of meats are stewed inside before you dig in. Lorca is also available in other South American countries like Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, but each region uses a slightly different recipe so consider sampling the lorca from each country you visit.

Travel for The Sweets

Argentines love their sweets. At your very first breakfast, you'll likely find a medialuna, which is similar to a croissant. Medialunas are typically served with coffee and they can be either grasas (salty) or manteca (slightly sweet).

Another favorite sweet treat in Argentina is dulce de leche. Dulce de leche is as ubiquitous as peanut butter in the United States. Argentines put the sweet, caramelly sauce on nearly everything, from cakes, to medialunas, to ice cream.

If a cookie is more your thing, look for alfajores. These are simple shorbread cookies that are sandwiched around a filling such as dulce de leche or chocolate. They're available almost everywhere, from corner shops to cafes.

While it's unlikely that you book a trip to Argentina just to sample the food, it is a great benefit when you travel to this country. Argentina has a number of local restaurants that can help you find the best cuisine, but if you're not sure where to go, ask around at your hotel or find some locals who don't mind sharing their favorite eateries. You won't regret it and might come home from Argentina with clothing that's just a little tighter than it was when you arrived in the country.

LAN Airlines takes you to Argentina with daily flights!