Street food in Buenos Aires is synonymous with choripan, grilled meats and hamburgers. In short, it is an explosion of flavor that you cannot miss, but that has secrets and recommendations so that it does not become a bad experience.
Where to find the best street food stalls in Buenos Aires? Far from being a matter of walking and finding them, street food stores are in specific areas of the City.
Here we will tell you where to find the best street food stalls and what things to keep in mind before enjoying your experience.
Street food in Buenos Aires: recommendations and tips
What Types of Street Food Are Available in Buenos Aires?
Street food in Buenos Aires is both diverse and popular. While you won’t find as many street vendors as in cities like New Delhi, various areas of the city do offer this type of cuisine.
A significant portion of Buenos Aires’ street food consists of sandwiches and similar meat-based dishes, such as choripán, pork and beef sandwiches, hot dogs, and hamburgers.
Additionally, you’ll find street vendors specializing in baked goods and sweets, as well as coffee to go. These are commonly seen near subway and train stations.
In neighborhoods like Barrio Chino or Flores, street food reflects international influences, offering flavors from both Asian and Latin American cuisines.
Is Street Food in Buenos Aires Cheap or Expensive?
Cheap! Street food in Buenos Aires is not only affordable but also delicious. In fact, it’s the go-to option for locals who need a quick and economical meal.
For example, a meat sandwich or choripán from a street vendor in Costanera Norte (a popular area for street food) costs around 4 dollars. If you add fries and a drink, you can have a satisfying and complete meal for under 10 dollars.
What Payment Methods Do Street Food Vendors Accept?
While cash was once the only payment option, things have changed significantly in recent years.
Most street food vendors now accept digital payments, including bank cards, digital wallets, QR codes, or bank transfers.
How Safe Is Street Food in Buenos Aires?
Government authorities periodically inspect street food vendors. However, not all vendors have fixed locations. Some set up temporary stalls, especially during events or large gatherings where they anticipate high sales.
While there are government controls, safety isn’t always guaranteed. A good rule of thumb is to check Google Maps for reviews. If the stall appears on the map and has positive reviews, it’s likely a safe choice and a permanent fixture.
Do Street Food Stalls Have Tables and Chairs?
Street food stalls in parks, plazas, and along the Costanera often provide tables and chairs for customers to sit and eat.
However, those located on the streets of Buenos Aires, such as in the Once or Barrio Chino neighborhoods, typically do not.
Food stalls in train and subway stations may or may not offer seating, depending on their location.
Where Can I Find Street Food Stalls in Buenos Aires?
First, it’s important to distinguish between different types of street food vendors based on their operating hours and locations. Permanent street food stalls are those that are always in the same place and neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Some even operate 24 hours a day, such as those along the Costanera.
Second, there are semi-permanent street food vendors that operate daily but not around the clock, such as those in the Once and Flores neighborhoods.
Lastly, there are mobile street food vendors that set up shop on weekends or during special events.
Here are some of the best places to try street food in Buenos Aires:
Costanera de Buenos Aires (North and South)
The most iconic area for street food in Buenos Aires is the Costanera, a pedestrian and vehicular corridor that runs parallel to the Río de la Plata. It is divided into Costanera Sur (Puerto Madero) and Costanera Norte (Palermo, Belgrano, and up to Vicente López).
Along the Costanera, particularly in the Puerto Madero (Costanera Sur) area and in front of the Jorge Newbery Airport (Costanera Norte), you’ll find numerous street food stalls. A common saying among travelers arriving in Buenos Aires is that their first meal in the city should be a choripán or a meat sandwich from the Costanera.
These street food stalls operate daily, with some open 24 hours. The combination of delicious food and the scenic Río de la Plata makes this a top choice for street food.
Fairs
Street fairs in green spaces and tourist areas like San Telmo, Palermo, Parque Centenario, and Plaza Francia often feature street food vendors.
These vendors typically only operate on weekends and require government authorization. The downside is that these areas can become very crowded with both tourists and locals, making it difficult to find a comfortable spot to enjoy your meal.
Barrio Chino
Barrio Chino (Chinatown) is a popular tourist spot for those interested in Asian culture. The food is one of the main attractions, with many street food vendors offering a taste of something different from traditional Argentine cuisine.
Train and Subway Stations
Train and subway stations in Buenos Aires often have street food vendors. Some specialize only in coffee and breakfast items, while others offer sandwiches and more substantial meals.
You’ll find everything from basic street food stalls to more complex setups with counters and seating areas.
Once and Flores Neighborhoods
Both Once and Flores are known for their extensive informal and street markets. Especially on weekends, these neighborhoods in Buenos Aires become crowded with people shopping for everything from clothes to electronics.
Wherever there are large crowds, street food vendors are sure to follow. These vendors don’t have permanent locations but set up only when they see an opportunity to sell to tourists and visitors.
If you want to experience authentic street food in Buenos Aires, a visit to the Once and Flores neighborhoods is a must.
Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Buenos Aires
- If the place you want to eat isn’t listed on Google Maps and has no reviews, it’s best to avoid it.
- Avoid street food, especially meat, during the summer in Buenos Aires. Power outages due to heatwaves are common, and food storage conditions may not be ideal.
- Keep an eye on your belongings when buying and eating on the street.
- Whenever possible, choose stalls where you can watch the food being prepared in front of you.
- You should always have cash on hand just in case the street food store does not offer digital payment methods.
- Tipping is not an obligation at street food stores.
