For travelers, their trips get more exciting by trying out food fares of the locals. This is because there are types of foods that can never be found in their own countries or hometowns.

Definitely, there is nothing like the experience of eating tacos in Mexico or Kimchi stew in Korea. Tasting local cuisine is really part of traveling that everyone must not miss so when visiting Latin America, here are the top eight foods to get to know and feast on:

Steaks

According to Backpackers, Argentina's specialty are its line of steaks. True enough, the country is known worldwide for the delectable steaks and meats that it serves.

Steaks are typically expensive in many countries, but in Argentina, it is very affordable and come in various shapes and big servings. For the Argentines, this food fare is often eaten with wine or dry sherry on the side.

There are also establishments that offer the whole package for take outs; in Buenos Aires, one can order a big steak together with a bottle of red wine. The best part is, you can get this much in the same price as the whole pizza you use to order back in your country.

Churassco

This is a beef or grilled meat cuisine and often included in Latin American cuisine. It is especially popular in Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, Nicaragua and Uruguay. This is often served grilled style in steak houses called the churrascaria. There are restaurants in Brazil that offer churrasco as an all-you-can-eat buffet treat.

Empanada

This is one of the most popular snack in Latin America. In Brazilian Portuguese, it is known as pastel while Bolivians called this saltena. This pastry is stuffed with various fillings like meat, cheese, fruits, vegetables and huitlacoche, and usually baked or fried.


As a traveler, you cannot leave Latam without tasting this one.

Arepa

This is common in Colombia and Venezuela. Arepa has many variants and it is the ingredients that make them unique in South American regions. The same corn flour tortillas used in Mexico is the same ones used to make this.

These are breads that are served with egg, cheese jam, and avocado fillings. They are typically eaten during breakfast or as a snack.

Ceviche

Latina listed Ceviche as one of the foods that every Latin woman should learn to make. This is because it is a traditional favorite in the region.

The dish is raw fish that marinated in citrus juices like lime or the local bitter orange called naranja agria. Spices like chilli peppers, onion, salt and black pepper are added in the marinade to achieve the savory taste. Often, this is served in small glass as an appetizer. Corn on the cob and sweet potato are the common accompaniment of ceviche.

Ropa Vieja

It is a shredded beef served with fried plantain, black beans and rice. One of its main ingredients is the Cuban sofrito which gives its unique taste. The sofrito is cooked with the comobination of green peppers, tomatoes and sauteed onions. Aside from Ropa Vieja, sausages and smoked meat are also served with the sofrito sauce. Beer and wine a must when having this fare.