5 Classic Latin American Dishes You Have to Try

Latin American cooking may not feature on any list of the world’s most expensive foods, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth exploring. So, if you’re headed south of the border, here’s five classic Latin American dishes you simply have to try.

1: Ceviche
A Peruvian speciality that’s gone global, this tangy marriage of raw fish with leche de tigre (the citrus, spicy marinade) is now on menus around the world, and should be on any foodie’s travel food bucket list.

2: Asado
The pampas of Argentina produces some outstanding beef, and asado is, without question, the national dish of Argentina, not to mention Uruguay, and at least as sacred as the South African brai or Australian barbie. Fire up a hefty mixed grill, pick up some steaks and sausage, and mix up a chimichurri sauce.

3: Tacos al Carbon
Yes, yes, there’s more to Mexican cuisine than tacos, but the classic, open-fire version – even if it will come with more by way of carbs and less by way of veggies than you’d expect from the west – is an experience not to be missed.

4: Casado
When it comes to Costa Rica typical food, the casado is an absolute classic, with its blend of cooked veg, raw veg, barbecued meat and, yes, plenty of salsa. Although you call it chilero, not salsa, in these parts.

5: Feijoada
All across Brazil, you’ll find folk feasting on feijoada, the spicy, hearty, meat and bean stew that’s like a slice of Portugal translated to the tropics. You’ll never look at chilli con carne the same way again.

Image: Asado in Uruguay 006 courtesy of Pacecharging on Flickr.
Text: Beryl Cherry