Mendoza is a city in Argentina known worldwide for its vineyards and delicious Malbec wines. Mendoza is not only a place for wine lovers; it's also a city with a rich culinary tradition. The province’s food is as extraordinary as its wine, with various flavours influenced by local ingredients, centuries-old recipes, and a mix of Spanish, Indigenous, and Italian influences.
In this blog, we’ll take you through some of the must-try dishes in Mendoza and suggest perfect wine pairings to elevate your experience. We will also share tips on how renting a car in Argentina can help you explore Mendoza’s diverse food scene. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, explore Mendoza's delicious flavours!
Mendoza is at the foot of the Andes Mountains, with fertile lands that support a thriving agricultural industry. The region produces some of Argentina’s best wines and has an abundant supply of fresh produce, meats, and grains. These make Mendoza a fantastic destination for food lovers, as local restaurants serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, perfectly paired with wines from the surrounding vineyards.
Many dishes in Mendoza are family traditions, while others reflect the province's diverse cultural influences. Whether sitting down for a hearty meal at a local parrilla (steakhouse), visiting a vineyard for a gourmet experience, or grabbing a snack from a food market, Mendoza’s cuisine will surprise and delight you.
Now, let’s explore some of the top dishes and wine pairings you can’t miss during your visit to Mendoza.
No visit to Mendoza would be complete without trying Asado, Argentina’s iconic barbecue. Asado is more than just a meal; it’s a social event. The cooking method involves grilling meat over an open flame, often served with traditional accompaniments like chimichurri sauce, salads, and bread. The meats include beef ribs, sausages, flank steak, and short ribs.
When pairing wine with asado, you can’t go wrong with a classic Mendoza Malbec. The rich, full-bodied flavours of the wine complement the smoky, grilled meats perfectly. Malbec’s fruity notes and robust tannins help balance the richness, making it the ideal choice for this iconic Argentine dish.
Empanadas are a beloved snack or starter across Argentina, and Mendoza has its regional variation. Empanadas mendocinas are filled with minced beef, onions, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and sometimes raisins. They are seasoned with cumin, a spice commonly used in Mendoza’s cuisine, and then baked or fried to crispy perfection.
To balance the bold flavours of the empanadas, try pairing them with Torrontés, a white wine native to Argentina. Torrontés is known for its aromatic qualities, with floral and fruity notes that will complement the richness of the beef and the spices in the empanadas. This pairing is a great way to start your meal in Mendoza.
Another favourite in Mendoza is milanesa, a breaded and fried meat cutlet similar to a schnitzel. It can be made with beef, chicken, or pork and is served with mashed potatoes, fries, or a fresh salad. The crunchy, golden exterior gives way to tender meat, making milanesa a delicious and comforting dish.
For a wine pairing that works well with the crispy texture of milanesa, try Bonarda, another red wine variety grown in Mendoza. Bonarda is lighter than Malbec but has rich flavours that pair well with the meat’s breaded crust. Its soft tannins and fruity notes make it a match for this dish.
Locro is a traditional Argentine stew, typically served during national celebrations like Independence Day (July 9) and May Day. This hearty dish is made with meats (usually pork and beef), beans, potatoes, corn, and squash. It’s a warming dish perfect for the cooler months and is beloved for its rich, comforting flavours.
A glass of Syrah is an excellent choice to pair with the rich, meaty flavours of locro. Syrah’s spicy and smoky notes blend well with the slow-cooked flavours of the stew. The wine’s medium body and bold flavour will enhance the richness of the locro without overpowering it.
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious street food snack, choripán is a must-try. This simple yet tasty dish consists of grilled chorizo sausage served in a crusty bread roll, often topped with chimichurri sauce or salsa criolla (a fresh, tangy salsa made with onions, tomatoes, and vinegar). Choripán is a popular street food in Mendoza, enjoyed by locals and tourists.
A Malbec Rosé is a fantastic wine choice for this casual yet satisfying meal. Its crisp acidity and berry flavours pair wonderfully with the smoky sausage and tangy sauce. The wine’s light body won’t overwhelm the dish but will still bring out the best flavours in the choripán.
Provoleta is a well-known Argentine appetizer made from provolone cheese, grilled until it becomes soft and melty. It’s served with a sprinkle of oregano and a drizzle of olive oil. This dish is simple but incredibly satisfying, especially when paired with fresh bread for dipping.
A glass of Chardonnay pairs beautifully with provoleta. The wine’s buttery texture and notes of citrus and oak will complement the creamy, salty flavour of the melted cheese. This pairing is an excellent way to kick off a meal, especially when served as a starter or shared with friends.
Humitas are a traditional Argentine dish made from fresh corn wrapped in corn husks and steamed. The corn mixture is typically combined with cheese, onions, and spices, creating a savoury, delicious parcel of flavours. Humitas can be served as a main dish or a side, offering a light and satisfying alternative to heavier meat dishes.
Humitas pair well with Malbec, as the wine complements the corn's sweetness and the cheese's richness. The fruitiness of the Malbec helps balance the savoury flavours of the dish, making it a harmonious pairing.
In Mendoza, wine and cheese are often enjoyed together, especially with local artisanal cheeses like Pategrás and Reggianito. These cheeses are made with locally sourced milk and have a rich, creamy texture with hints of nuttiness and saltiness. They pair wonderfully with the region’s wines, enhancing the flavours of both the cheese and the wine.
When it comes to pairing cheese with wine, Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon are excellent choices. Both wines have bold flavours and tannins that work well with the richness of the cheeses. Whether you're having a casual wine and cheese platter or a formal wine tasting, this combination is a perfect match.
Due to the Italian influence in Mendoza, pasta and pizza are popular dishes in the region. Mendoza offers a variety of Italian-stle pizzas topped with fresh ingredients like mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. The pasta options range from hearty meat-filled ravioli to lighter, vegetable-based pasta.
Cabernet Franc is ideal for wine pairing with pasta or pizza. It has a lighter body than Cabernet Sauvignon but boasts vibrant red fruit flavours and a touch of herbaceousness. This wine complements the rich flavours of pizza and the delicate pasta taste.
Dulce de leche is a sweet caramel-like spread used in many Argentine desserts. Some of the most popular dulce de leche-based desserts include chocotorta (a no-bake cake made with chocolate cookies and dulce de leche) and alfajores (shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche and often rolled in coconut or powdered sugar). These desserts are the perfect way to end a meal in Mendoza.
To accompany dulce de leche desserts, a late-harvest wine such as a Pedro Ximénez or Torrontés is an excellent option. These wines are sweeter, with concentrated fruit flavours, and their richness enhances the caramel notes of the dulce de leche.
Mendoza’s food scene is diverse, and while the city offers plenty of culinary delights, the surrounding areas are equally exciting to explore. By renting a car in Argentina, you can visit nearby vineyards, artisanal markets, and regional towns known for their local dishes and wine offerings.
With Finalrentals, renting a car is easy and convenient. You can choose a vehicle that suits your needs, whether looking for something compact for city exploration or a larger car for a wine tour in the nearby countryside. Renting a car lets you create your itinerary, visit lesser-known food markets, and explore the local food culture at your own pace.
A rental car is ideal for visiting Mendoza’s world-class wineries. You can take a self-guided tour through the vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and stop at local restaurants that serve traditional Argentine dishes paired with Mendoza’s best wines.
Mendoza offers a rich and diverse culinary experience that delights food lovers. From the smoky flavours of asado to the sweet indulgence of dulce de leche desserts, there is no shortage of delicious dishes in this beautiful region. Pair these dishes with some of the best wines in the world, and you have a truly unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Consider renting a car in Argentina to enjoy your Mendoza adventure and its food and wine culture. It allows you to explore the city and beyond at your own pace, uncovering hidden gems and experiencing the full flavours of Mendoza. Pack your appetite, grab a glass of Malbec, and explore Argentina’s best food and wine.
