Just as Buenos Aires is a city where eating and drinking well are guaranteed pleasures, we do not always have that possibility. Sometimes you’ll need to eat something quickly and you don’t want it to cost you too much money.
After all, who enjoys paying for fast food that is practically unenjoyable?
Well, Buenos Aires is a city in which eating fast and cheap is totally possible. The question you might probably ask yourself is where and what you can eat. Don’t worry, we have concrete solutions here, since the final decision is yours.
Where to Eat Quickly and Cheaply in Buenos Aires?
When choosing where to eat quickly and cheaply in Buenos Aires, there are several criteria that come into play. Quality of the food, the time you have and, no less important, your interests and preferences.
Fast Food Chains
Cities like Buenos Aires are full of fast food stores. We are referring not only to McDonald’s, Burger King, and other globally recognized chains but also to local companies that offer food just as delicious, if not more, than international ones.
Is it cheap to eat in these types of stores? For a foreigner, yes. For an Argentine, it is not the most economical option. Is it healthy? Of course not. However, finding a McDonald’s, Burger King, or Mostaza (the most important national hamburger chain in Argentina) in Buenos Aires is practically unavoidable.
Buy Food by Weight
Food by weight is sold in stores mainly found in areas such as the Center of Buenos Aires. These stores prepare foods such as empanadas, Milanese, rice, noodles, Chinese food, salads, and other options.
How does this system work? Once you get to the store, you will see many trays with hot or cold food. You take your disposable tray and fill it with the food of your choice. Then, you go to the service counter where they will weigh your food and calculate the final price based on the weight.
These stores generally also have tables where you can eat, although there is the option of having your food wrapped to take to your office or home.
Food Trucks
In Buenos Aires, we know them as food carts. They are small food stores located in parks, squares, green spaces, and areas such as the Costanera of Buenos Aires (right next to the Río de la Plata).
They offer a food menu similar to that of a fast food restaurant, although with a more Argentine touch. Additionally, the price is significantly cheaper, and you have the advantage of being able to see your food being prepared in front of you.
You will find food trucks selling hamburgers and sandwiches, as well as choripán and even Argentine barbecue.
The only disadvantage of this type of food store is that they do not always have the best health and hygiene conditions.
Executive Menus
Are you not convinced by fast food, food trucks, or food by weight? It is normal, as sometimes cheap things can be expensive for your health.
In Buenos Aires, almost all restaurants and bars have executive menus. These are quick, economical, and tasty options so that workers and people in a hurry can enjoy a quick and prepared meal.
This option is ideal when you are looking for a comfortable place to eat. In less than an hour, you can enjoy fish, a Milanese, a plate of pasta, a sandwich, or a salad, receiving the attention of a waiter and without sacrificing quality in the food.
Of course, this is the least economical option of all those analyzed, but it is still ideal to avoid risking your health.
Pizza and Empanadas
In Buenos Aires, pizza and empanada restaurants are very popular. Most of these places offer you the option of eating one or two slices of pizza without having to order a full-size one. The same applies to empanadas.
You will see in many pizza and empanada shops that they not only have tables and chairs but also bars on which you can eat without having to sit down.
If you are looking for something more “homemade” and at an intermediate price, this option is ideal for you.
Vegan Food
A significant portion of Argentines in Buenos Aires have converted to veganism. But even people who are not strictly vegan often opt for this type of food when they are looking for something cheap, fast, and, above all, healthy.
This demand began to be satisfied a few years ago. Firstly, thanks to the vegan food chains that operate as restaurants and takeaway stores simultaneously. But also thanks to the competition generated between these vegan food chains (Green Eat, for example) and other smaller stores.
(Featured Image Source: Jon Tyson/unsplash.com)
