It’s no secret that South America is chock full of mouth-watering cuisine. But if you ask the average traveler (or consult the average guidebook), you’ll most likely get the same list of things to do, over and over again.
So where do you go for fresh ideas? I’ve put together a diverse selection of interesting culinary experiences in three South American cities, based on personal experience, insider tips and recommendations from a few locals. My choice of these three cities is in no way meant to diminish the appeal of all the other great cities of South America and what they have to offer … I’ll be covering them later, and I’m open to your recommendations!
Bogota: Healthy and Lively
Colombia’s cuisine offers a multitude of interesting tastes, from warm arepacorn cakes to ajiaco, a soup made of chicken, corn, potatoes and avocado.The good thing is that vegetarians don’t need to miss out on the flavor when visiting Bogotá, the nation’s governmental and economic hub. With an ever-growing number of restaurants serving meat-free dishes, the choices are so good that they’re attracting meat-eaters as well.
For a good introduction, check out Suna. This restaurant, whose name derives form the muisca language word for “camino,” specializes in organic, local sustainable produce and recipes inspired by the indigenous Chibcha culture. You won’t find anything fried here, and your body won’t need to suffer the effects of refined sugars or hydrogenated fats, either. Pick up a sandwich or sit down over a Ceviche Glacial (snapper prepared with coconut milk and chipotle), you’ll leave feeling full and healthy.
If you’re looking for an especially lively restaurant in Bogota, the unavoidable favorite is Andrés DC. It almost feels silly to even mention this popular restaurant since everyone — even some people who’ve never been to Bogota — have heard of it. The main culinary focus is on beef, but people also flock here for its over-the-top entertainment, which includes live music, performances and a decidedly enthusiastic waitstaff, most of whom appear to be auditioning for Hollywood stardom.
Buenos Aires: A Delicious Weekend
Long known as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is an alluring metropolis where locals dine late and certainly know how to make the most of their weekends.
So how do you tap into the local vibe to satisfy your taste buds? Begin with a Friday night visit to Plaza Serrano in the Palermo district, where the people watching is memorable and small restaurants and bars serve a variety of interesting cuisine and liquid refreshment.
Any weekend afternoon is good for a visit to Costanera Sur, in Puerto Madero. “It’s very local, with choripan(a sausage sandwich), steak sandwich and French fry stands that you can smell blocks away,” says one local. “It borders the river, and is good for walking, jogging, biking, sun-bathing, drinking mate[a warm beverage made from dry leaves, something like tea] and shopping for crafts.”
Also worth a stop during your culinary Buenos Aires tour is Recoleta’s Plaza Franci, where you can walk through the craft market, or take a table at one of the local cafes to sample some steaming mate. For lunch, head to La Americana, a local empanada restaurant near El Congreso. By the end of the visit, you’ll be enjoying the city just like a local.
Sao Paulo: Sabor Brasileiro
Considering that it’s the largest city in South America and one of the largest cities in the world, it’s no surprise that Sao Paulo is home to a wide variety of tempting cuisine. Indeed, it’s possible to make a trip around the world without even leaving the city, so get your palate ready for some mouthwatering experiences during your Brazil vacation or business trip.
Of course, most globetrotters want to sample the best Brazilian fare when they visit. Many local foodies recommend Tordesilhas, since it serves dishes from several regions around the nation, including Minas Gerais and Bahia. Favorite dishes include chicken with jabuticaba fruit sauce.
For a tasty fusion experience in São Paulo, consider a stop at Mestiço, a fine contemporary fusion venue in the Consolação district. Some of the best flavors from Brazil’s Bahia region are blended with Thai elements — with delicious results — at this long-running venue, providing a multi sensory introduction to the culinary creativity and diversity of this city as a whole.