If you have been in Buenos Aires for more than 24 hours, you have likely realized one thing: Argentines absolutely love empanadas.
We eat them as quick street food on the go, or sit down to enjoy them as a whole meal. We love them all: the vegetarian ones, the classic meat ones, the traditional knife-cut steak (carne cortada a cuchillo), or the creamy corn humita. We love them wrapped in flaky puff pastry (masa de hojaldre) or simple homestyle dough; whether they are bought at a corner shop or made by mom on a Sunday. Basically, we love them in every form.
For a traveler, however, finding the Best empanadas in Buenos Aires, among so many options can turn into an endless scavenger hunt across the city.
But at The Argentine Experience, we believe that to truly understand this national passion, simply eating isn’t enough. You have to get involved.
In this guide, we are going to look at the specific empanadas you absolutely need to try, explain how our chefs curated the perfect fillings for our menu to represent the best of Argentina, and show you why—whether you join our Interactive Dinner or our full Cooking Class—you won’t just taste them; you will create them with your own hands.
Empanadas as a Cultural Symbol (And Why One Is Never Enough)
To the untrained eye, an empanada might look like a simple stuffed pastry. But here, it is a cultural symbol and a dish you simply must try while visiting Buenos Aires.
Technically speaking, the definition is universal: dough meeting protein. It is a concept you can find in different forms around the world, like the Brazilian pastel or the Mexican taco. However, in Argentina, we have elevated this simple combination to cult status. Us Argentines, worship empanadas as a representative emblem of our culture, developing endless regional ways to prepare them that turn a “simple” recipe into a national obsession.
If you travel north to Salta, you will find empanadas small, spicy, and incredibly juicy (often eaten with legs open to avoid the drip!). Stay here in Buenos Aires, and you will find larger, baked versions with endless creativity in the fillings. From the hand-cut meat of the traditional countryside to the cheese-heavy varieties of the city, every region has its pride.
With such a rich map of flavors, simply choosing one style felt impossible. As The Argentine experience, we didn’t want to just copy a recipe; we wanted to create our own version – one that captures the true essence of this national ritual. Our goal was to craft an empanada that contemplates the best features of every region, resulting in a bite that is deeply representative of Argentina, yet uniquely ours.
The Argentine Experience: Crafting the Best Empanadas in Buenos Aires
At The Argentine Experience, our mission goes beyond serving food. As your hosts, we want to immerse you in a complete panorama of Argentine culture in a single evening. To achieve this, we search for the ‘perfect bite’—a recipe that is not only delicious but also a true representation of our country’s identity.
This pursuit involves a meticulous process, ranging from the rigorous selection of raw materials to the ‘engineering’ of the assembly. Nothing is random; everything is perfectly calculated to ensure that no flavor is left out and that every element makes sense together. But we don’t just serve the best empanadas in Buenos Aires; we guide you through the process, we explain the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ because our goal is for you to fully engage with the culture. We want you to taste the tradition, understand its origins, and ultimately, create some of it with your own hands.
The Filling: A Representative Bite
We believe that a single empanada should tell the story of our land. That is why we don’t just “mix” ingredients; we curate them to represent our national flavors.
The Meat
We use Lomo (Tenderloin), the noblest cut of Argentine beef. It is lean, incredibly tender, and a choice that simply never fails. We hand-cut it to retain its texture, ensuring every bite is soft yet substantial.
The Wine
To stamp our national identity on the dish, we cook the meat with Malbec wine. This adds a depth of flavor and sweetness that connects the dish to our world-famous wine regions.
The Technique
Following the traditional recipe, we include hard-boiled eggs, scallions, and green olives. Instead of relying on a standard mix, we have developed a refined assembly system. This unique method ensures that every guest gets a mathematically perfect sample without leaving anything to chance.
The Veggie Option
We apply the same level of curation to our plant-based choice. We feature Portobello mushrooms, a true staple of modern porteño gastronomy. They create a filling so rich and complex that it stands proudly beside our steak classic.
The Dough: The Perfect Vessel
For our dinner experience, where the empanadas are baked, the dough plays a critical structural role. We use a special blend from a local provider that combines the regular masa criolla with puff pastry (hojaldre). This unique mix creates a golden, flaky crust that is robust enough to hold the intense juices of the Malbec-infused tenderloin without breaking, yet delicate enough.
Gluten-Free? We’ve got you covered. We believe no one should miss out on this national treasure. That is why we also offer a specialized gluten-free dough, carefully prepared to ensure that everyone at the table can enjoy the full Argentine empanada experience without compromise.
The Ritual: Your Turn to Create
The empanada is just one step in our extensive dinner journey, but it is one of the most memorable because you get involved. We don’t just serve you; we invite you to master the art of the repulgue (the traditional fold).
- Interactive Fun: Guided by our charismatic hosts, you will learn the thumb-and-forefinger technique to seal your own empanada.
- The Challenge: It’s a moment of laughter at the table. Whether you create a perfect seal or a “Frankenstein” empanada, the fun lies in the attempt.
- The Goal: It’s a hands-on break that transforms the dinner from a passive meal into an active cultural experience where you learn by doing.
The Finishing Touch: The Argentine Sauces
While a perfect empanada stands on its own, we believe in the freedom to explore flavors. At our table, you will find three distinct options to customize your empanada bite:
Salsa Yasgua
A spicy tribute to the North of Argentina. This tomato-based sauce brings a native flavor that adds a kick to the savory filling.
Salsa Criolla
The fresh counterpoint. A vinegar-based mix of peppers, onions, and tomatoes that cuts through the richness of the pastry and cleanses the palate.
Did this make you hungry? If reading about hand-cut tenderloin and golden pastry has you craving the real thing, don’t just dream about it—come taste it. Save a Seat at our Dinner Party!
Still in research mode? If you are not ready to eat just yet, you can keep feeding your curiosity by exploring this curated guide to Food in Buenos Aires.
Empanada Making with The Argetine Experience
If the interactive moment at our dinner sparked your curiosity, our Cooking Class is where you turn that curiosity into a lifelong skill. While the dinner offers a curated tasting of the finished product, the class is a deep dive. Here, you don’t just assemble; you create from scratch and join the party in the kitchen.
Our experience was meticulously designed by a Michelin-recommended chef, ensuring that every step—from the preparation of the fillings to the final plating—follows professional standards, while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and accessible for everyone. Whether you come with a partner, a group of friends, or flying solo, our communal table is the place to meet new people from around the world while we take care of the rest.
What We Will Do At The Argentine Cooking Class
Guided by our team of passionate hosts, we will take you on a hands-on journey through the greatest hits of Argentine cuisine. We won’t just talk; we will cook:
- Chipá: You’ll start by baking these addictive, cheesy, gluten-free breads that are a national obsession.
- Empanadas: You’ll learn the secrets of the filling, practice the repulgue, and discover the joy of the fried empanada—the crispy, golden style.
- Alfajores: For the sweet finish, you’ll assemble Argentina’s favorite cookie, sandwiching plenty of Dulce de Leche between cornstarch biscuits.
- Grilled Tenderloin with Andean Potatoes: You’ll be ready to surprise family and friends back home!
This isn’t a strict classroom; it’s a social lunch. As we cook, we will also explore the rituals of drinking in Argentina with representative wines chosen to complement your creations.
Your Hosts and Chefs
We are here to be your guides, your storytellers, and your friends for the day. Our mission is to create a relaxed environment where you can disconnect, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the simple pleasure of sharing a meal you helped create.
Of course, the magic happens not only in the stories we share but in the hands of our chefs. They are the architects of the experience. Behind every simple instruction lies hours of meticulous preparation and professional technique. They work tirelessly not just to feed you, but to dazzle you, transforming high-quality local ingredients into something extraordinary. Their passion and knowledge adds value to every plate, ensuring that what you cook isn’t just a recipe, but a culinary memory.
The Best Empanadas in Buenos Aires: The Search Ends Here
We started this guide by saying that finding the “perfect” empanada in Buenos Aires can feel like a scavenger hunt. At The Argentine Experience, we have done the hunting for you.
Whether you are carefully folding your dough during our evening ritual or frying your creations in our social cooking class, our promise remains the same: we don’t just serve food; we serve culture. We have engineered the process, curated the ingredients, and designed the atmosphere so that you don’t just eat an empanada but experience the history and passion wrapped inside it.
The wine is poured. The oven is hot. The only thing missing at the communal table is you.
Ready to taste the definition of Argentina? Secure your seat!