Breakfast In Argentina: 11 BEST Argentinian Breakfast Foods

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Wondering What to Have for Breakfast in Argentina?

Breakfast in Argentina: As a foodie country, Argentina is famous for its meat, red wine, and barbecue. But you might also be wondering what to have for breakfast in Argentina, and whether there are any traditional Argentinian breakfast foods to try.

I recently spent a couple of months living and travelling in Argentina, including experiencing a lot of the country’s food culture. And, since we were doing a lot of hiking and exploring on our trip, we always made an effort to fuel with a big breakfast.

While a typical Argentinian breakfast is different to what I would normally eat back home, I quickly got used to it and I always enjoyed the range of foods available. Not only would it set us up for a big day ahead, but it was always delicious and satisfying!

And, so you know what breakfast foods to look forward to when you visit, here is everything you need to know about breakfast in Argentina.

Quick Guide: Argentinian Breakfast Foods

Before we dive into more detail, here are the most common foods for breakfast in Argentina:

  • Medialunas – Similar to a croissant, but slightly smaller, sweeter and denser.
  • Tostadas (toast) – This simple but delicious breakfast is usually served with cream cheese and jam, or dulce de leche for a sweet treat.
  • Facturas – Small Argentinian pastries. Variations include medialunas, Bolas de fraile, Tortita negra, Cañoncitos de dulce de leche, and Libritos.
  • Alfajores – Sweet and delicious melt-in-your-mouth cookies, sandwiched together with a rich dulce de leche filling. 
  • Revuelto Gramajo A hash scramble, usually made from fried potatoes, ham and eggs.
  • Fresh Fruit & Juice – Argentinian breakfasts are commonly accompanied by slices of local fruit and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
  • Yerba Mate or Coffee – A caffeinated drink is a normal part of the morning routine in Argentina. While coffee is most commonly served when eating out, Argentinians mostly drink Yerba Mate – a type of strong herbal tea – when at home or at work.

Breakfast in Argentina

What is a Typical Argentinian Breakfast?

Argentines prefer their desayuno (breakfast) short and sweet. They tend to save their appetite for lunch or dinner, which can often be a lengthy and social affair. Whereas breakfast is typically a lighter meal, eaten early in the morning – usually between 6 am to 10 am.

You won’t find Argentines eating western favourites like pancakes, eggs and bacon for breakfast. Instead, they enjoy sweet treats accompanied by a hot drink, similar to merienda (afternoon tea).

A traditional Argentinian breakfast usually comprises facturas (pastries) or tostadas (toast), served with spreads such as jam and cream cheese. Although Argentina is not a coffee-producing country, coffee is a popular drink to start the day with, as is fresh orange juice. But neither is as popular as Argentina’s national drink – Yerba Mate.

A person having tostadas with jam for breakfast in Argentina

What Do Visitors Have for Breakfast in Argentina?

If you prefer a healthier or more varied breakfast than the typical desayuno Argentino, don’t worry as there will still be plenty of options for you to have for breakfast in Argentina!

With an increased focus on health and fitness and a growing international presence in Argentina, many cafés have added healthier breakfast foods to the menu. This can include yogurt and fruit bowls, avocado toast, and sometimes even eggs.

If you’re planning to make food yourself, Argentinian supermarkets carry a variety of possible breakfast foods. Baked goods, ham and cheese, yogurt, eggs and even a limited number of cereal options are available.

What Breakfast Foods Won’t You Find in Argentina?

Typical western breakfast items can be more difficult to track down in Argentina. But one food you won’t be able to find for breakfast in Argentina is peanut butter.

Peanut butter doesn’t exist in Argentina (you can’t find it sold here, except occasionally in specialty health food stores). Although don’t worry if you’re used to having PB on your morning toast – there are plenty of delicious alternatives to have for breakfast in Argentina.

A plate with three tostadas, each with a different type of jam

Where to Eat Breakfast in Argentina?

If you’re looking to dine out for breakfast in Argentina, you’re in luck as there are endless options to choose from!

Traditional Argentinian Breakfast in a Buenos Aires Café

If you want to experience a traditional Argentinian breakfast, there is no better place than a historic café in Buenos Aires. My favourite is La Biela, near the famous cemetery in Recoleta. It has a rich history as the city’s oldest café and was once the meeting place of motorsports enthusiasts (this is where its name comes from: La Biela means connecting rod).

You can enjoy your desayuno at La Biela in either their memorabilia-decorated interior, or on their patio under the shade of the Gomero de la Recoleta (a historic giant rubber tree, which is one of the oldest and largest in Buenos Aires).

Some other great spots to try for breakfast are the five historic bars and cafés brought together under the group Los Notables. This includes Café Margot in Boedo, Bar El Federal and Café la Poesía in San Telmo, Bar de Cao in San Cristobal, and Celta Bar in San Nicolás.

People having traditional Argentinian breakfast in a Buenos Aires cafe

Eating Out in Popular Argentinian Travel Destinations

Popular vacation destinations in Argentina, such as Patagonia and Iguazu Falls, all cater to both Argentine and international tourists. Most hotel restaurants, cafés and bars serve breakfast, so you won’t struggle to find somewhere to eat. You will also find western breakfast items on the menu, in addition to typical Argentinian foods, so you may even get lucky with some eggs and bacon.

My favourite spot for breakfast while traveling in Argentina was Pietro’s Café in El Calafate. Located right in the centre of town, it had a traditional yet relaxed environment and offered a varied menu, generous portions, and delicious food at a great price. We enjoyed it so much that we kept coming back!

What About Brunch in Argentina?

When considering what to have for breakfast in Argentina, you might be wondering if brunch is an option.

Although not an Argentinian tradition, if you’re more of a brunch person (or aren’t an early riser) then don’t worry. The traditional Buenos Aires cafés and popular eateries in vacation destinations serve breakfast and lunch items throughout the day, so you can enjoy your morning meal at any time.

Some restaurants are now even catering towards the brunch crowd, given the late-night culture in Argentina and growing western influence. If visiting Buenos Aires, try popular Malvón in Villa Crespo for various egg dishes and bagels, Cocu Boulangerie in Palermo for authentic French bread and patisseries, or Café Crespin in Villa Crespo for a heartier brunch, including delicious French toast.

Orange juice, coffee and plates of eggs, sausage and fruit

11 Argentinian Breakfast Foods You Must Try

Whether you are eating out or preparing food yourself, here are my top 11 foods that should be on your list of what to have for breakfast in Argentina:

1. Yerba Mate

Although not technically a food, the first item on the list of what to have for breakfast in Argentina is the national drink: Yerba Mate (pronounced YER-bah MAH-teh). Mate is popular in many South American countries, but in Argentina, it is more than just a drink: it is a fundamental part of life and a rich tradition.

So, what is yerba mate? Mate is a herbal tea from the dried leaves and stems of the yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) plant. It can be an acquired taste since it is quite bitter (although you can add sugar) and contains about the same amount of caffeine as coffee.

To drink mate, you need three tools: a gourd (the mate cup), a bombilla (a type of metal straw used to drink mate) and a thermos. There is a very specific method to drinking mate and I recommend researching it further (or talking to a local) to learn the proper technique. The general idea is you fill the gourd just over half with mate, tilt the mate to one side and pour in the hot water before putting the straw in (which avoids the straw clogging).

A yerba mate cup, known as a gourd, filled with mate for a traditional Argentina breakfast

Unlike regular tea, heat the mate water to a maximum temperature of 180ºF (82ºC) otherwise the tea will over brew. Then fill the thermos with extra hot water so you can keep topping up your mate.

You won’t find mate served in cafés or restaurants in Argentina. Instead, it is consumed at home or at work and is often shared with family and friends. If you want to try mate, you should invest in your own gourd and bombilla, which can also make a great souvenir!  

2. Medialunas

The first actual food item on the list of what to have for breakfast in Argentina is Argentina’s take on a croissant. Medialunas – which translates to ‘half a moon’ – are slightly smaller, sweeter, and denser than a traditional croissant.

There are two variations of medialunas – one made with lard (‘de grasa’) and the other with butter (‘de manteca’). The butter version is sweeter and fattier than the lard version and is comes with a sticky sugary glaze.

Three medialunas, which are slightly smaller and sweeter croissants

Madialunas are found in most cafés, restaurants and bars serving breakfast, and are sold in any bakery or supermarket. Due to their smaller size, when eating out the typical serving is two, and you can even get them with ham and cheese for a savoury twist.

3. Dulce de Leche

You may have come across this one at home before. But don’t be mistaken, the Argentinian version of dulce de leche (meaning milk candy) is far superior to the versions you get elsewhere.

Dulce de leche – a type of caramel sauce – is a sweet, sticky, brown-coloured spread made from condensed milk. The Argentinian version of dulce de leche is thicker and richer in flavour than the western variations. It can be used as a spread, or as a filling in cookies, cakes, and other pastries and desserts.

A bowl of dark brown dulce de leche, which is a typical Argentina breakfast food

In Argentina, you won’t struggle to find excellent dulce de leche. The supermarket shelves are fully stocked with different brands to choose from. The more expensive the brand, the thicker and richer the dulce de leche.

Dulce de leche is so popular in Argentina that it is consumed at any time of day. It is regularly eaten for breakfast, afternoon tea, dessert, or as an indulgent snack. Even a quick spoonful of it can satisfy a sweet craving.

4. Facturas

Facturas (the Argentine Spanish word for pastries) commonly feature at Argentine breakfast tables. Medialunas are the most popular factura, but some other pastries also worth trying for breakfast in Argentina are:

  • Tortita negra (‘little black cake’): A round cake with a flat base and topped with dark brown sugar – hence where the name comes from.
  • Bolas de fraile (‘balls of weakness’): The Argentine version of a doughnut but without a hole in the middle. They are filled with dulce de leche or ‘crema pastelera’ (custard cream) and are coated in sugar.
  • Libritos (‘small book’): A pastry made from Philo dough which has been folded in half so the sheets of pastry look like a stack of paper.
  • Cañoncitos de dulce de leche (small cannons of dulce de leche): Little tubes made from Philo dough and filled with dulce de leche.
A tray of small pastries called facturas, which are often eaten for breakfast in Argentina

5. Tostadas

One of the most typical items to have for breakfast in Argentina is tostadas (toast). Usually served with cream cheese and jam, this is a simple but delicious way to start to the day.

Although toast is a food item commonly featured in breakfasts around the world, it feels a little more special when ordering it out in Argentina. You will likely be served a variety of toasted breads, delicious local or homemade jams, cream cheese and sometimes even some dulce de leche for a simple but decadent breakfast.

6. Alfajores

Another dulce de leche-based treat – alfajores are melt-in-your-mouth cookies, sandwiched together with rich dulce de leche in the middle. Traditionally in Argentina, the edges of the cookie are also rolled in shredded coconut, but some versions come coated in chocolate or sugar.

This cookie is a must-try in Argentina. Although not strictly a breakfast food, these delicious treats are very easy to find (try any bakery, café, corner store or supermarket), and they will often be available on the breakfast menu. They also go particularly well with a cup of coffee for a mid-afternoon snack, or as an after-dinner sweet treat.

Three Alfajores which are cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche in the middle and rolled in coconut

7. Revuelto Gramajo

This one is for those of you who prefers heartier breakfast foods or a savoury start to the day. Revuelto Gramajo (‘Gramajo scramble’ – named after Buenos Aires’ former Government Administrator, Colonel Artemio Gramajo) is a hash dish made from fried potatoes, ham and eggs, and any other ingredients the cook has on hand.

Revuelto Gramajo is most commonly found in Buenos Aires, where there is a big late-night party scene, so it makes an excellent hangover cure. It is a quintessential Buenos Aires meal and is an excellent Argentinian breakfast food to try the day after enjoying some of the city’s famous nightlife.

➡️ BOOK: Buenos Aires Food Tour

8. Fresh Orange Juice

Another drink worth including on the list of what to have for breakfast in Argentina is fresh orange juice. Although OJ is a common breakfast item around the world, in Argentina you can expect it to always come freshly squeezed, making it extra delicious, sweet and healthy!

You will see orange juice on the menu at any eatery serving breakfast, and it is common to find stalls selling it at parks and markets, where they will squeeze the juice in front of you, so you know it’s fresh.

9. Fresh Fruit

A not-so-traditional food to have for breakfast in Argentina is fruit. Although this doesn’t form part of a typical Argentina breakfast, the selection and quality of fresh fruit in Argentina earns it a spot on the list.

You won’t find a big selection of fruit in the supermarkets in Argentina. Instead, look for independent fruit shops – in larger cities like Buenos Aires you will see them everywhere. As Argentina is a major food producer, you will find excellent-quality fruit including apples, peaches, cherries, watermelon, guava, plums, strawberries, avocados and Murucuyá (a variety of passion fruit).

A fruit and vegetable stand with different colourful produce on display

10. Yogurt

Yogurt is another non-traditional food to have on the list of what to have for breakfast in Argentina. It is worth a mention, since Argentines consume the most yogurt in South America. As a result, a wide variety of yogurt is available, for a light and healthy start to the day.

What might surprise you when looking for yogurt in the supermarkets in Argentina is that it is often sold in bags (the same goes for the milk)! Bagged yogurt is thinner than regular yogurt. So, you can drink a glass of it for a delicious and quick breakfast if short on time.

11. Churros

Technically also a pastry, the final food on the list of what to have for breakfast in Argentina is churros. You probably know of churros as being a Spanish or Portuguese dessert, rather than a breakfast food. Therefore, it may seem a bit too decadent to start the day with, but I think it’s worth the indulgence!

Three sugar coated churros which are sometimes eaten for breakfast in Argentina

The Argentinian take on the classic Spanish and Portuguese churros (a crispy deep-fried dough that is coated in sugar). The difference is that instead of dipping the churros in chocolate sauce (like the Spanish do), the Argentinian version has a delicious dulce de leche or crema pastelera filling.

Want to learn more about Argentinian cuisine? Book a Local Food Tour in Buenos Aires!

Final Thoughts on What to Have for Breakfast in Argentina

You won’t be short of options when deciding what to have for breakfast in Argentina, as long as you have a sweet tooth! But if a sweet start to the day isn’t up your alley, don’t worry as savoury options are becoming more and more common on breakfast menus.

Even if the sweet treats mentioned here don’t appeal to you for breakfast, I recommend you still try them later in the day, to get the full Argentinian food experience.


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