The Ultimate Guide to Asado in Buenos Aires
If there's one thing you absolutely must experience when visiting Buenos Aires, it's asado. More than just a barbecue, asado is Argentina's most sacred culinary ritual - a centuries-old tradition that brings families, friends, and even strangers together around fire, meat, and wine. As Betty and Marcelo, we've spent our lives celebrating this tradition, and we want to share everything you need to know about experiencing authentic asado in Buenos Aires.
What Is Asado and Why Does It Matter?
Asado is Argentina's traditional barbecue, but calling it just "barbecue" doesn't do it justice. It's a social ritual that has been at the heart of Argentine culture since the days of the gauchos on the Pampas. The word "asado" refers both to the event and the technique of slow-grilling meat over wood or charcoal on a parrilla (grill).
Every Sunday across Argentina, families gather for asado. It's how birthdays are celebrated, friendships are sealed, and stories are passed down through generations. In Buenos Aires, asado is more than food - it's identity.
How an Authentic Asado Experience Works
The Ritual
A true asado is never rushed. The asador (grillmaster) begins by lighting the fire with wood or charcoal, letting it burn down to glowing embers. This alone can take 30 to 45 minutes. The timing and heat management is an art passed down through generations.
The Cuts
A proper asado in Buenos Aires features a progression of cuts, each with its own character:
- Chorizo and morcilla - Grilled pork sausage and blood sausage kick things off as the appetizer
- Empanadas - Handmade meat pastries, served while the main cuts cook
- Matambrito - Thin pork belly, quick to cook and incredibly flavorful
- Colita de cuadril - Tri-tip, a classic Argentine cut with deep beefy flavor
- Ojo de bife - Ribeye, the crown jewel of any asado, cooked to perfection over embers
Each cut is served in sequence, from lighter to heavier, allowing you to savor the full range of flavors.
The Accompaniments
No asado is complete without chimichurri (a fresh herb and garlic sauce), salsa criolla (a tangy onion and tomato relish), crusty bread, and of course, Argentine Malbec wine. The combination of smoky meat, bright sauces, and bold red wine is unforgettable.
Where to Find the Best Asado in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires offers many ways to experience asado, from traditional parrilla restaurants to private dining experiences. Here are the main options:
Parrilla Restaurants
Classic steakhouses like La Cabrera in Palermo Soho and El Desnivel in San Telmo offer excellent grilled meats in a restaurant setting. You'll order individual cuts from a menu and enjoy them at your table.
Street Markets and Ferias
Weekend markets like the Feria de San Telmo often feature street-side asado vendors grilling choripán (chorizo sandwich) - a great casual introduction to Argentine BBQ.
Private Asado Experiences
For the most authentic and immersive asado experience in Buenos Aires, a private asado dinner puts you right next to the parrilla. You watch the asador prepare every cut from raw to plate, learn about the traditions and techniques, and share the meal family-style with other guests. This is how Argentines actually experience asado - not in a restaurant, but gathered around the grill with good company.
What to Expect at an Asado Dinner
If you join an authentic asado dinner in Buenos Aires, here's what a typical evening looks like:
- Arrival and welcome - You're greeted with a glass of Argentine wine (usually a crisp Torrontés white)
- The fire is lit - Watch the asador prepare the coals and begin grilling
- Starters arrive - Empanadas, chorizo, and morcilla are served as the main cuts cook
- Cultural storytelling - Your host shares the history and traditions behind each cut and technique
- Main course - Matambrito, colita de cuadril, and ojo de bife are served in succession with chimichurri, salsa criolla, and bread
- Dessert and digestif - Dulce de leche ice cream followed by fernet with cola, the classic Argentine after-dinner drink
- Malbec throughout - Argentine wines flow freely all evening
The entire experience typically lasts 2.5 to 3 hours, and you'll leave with a full stomach, new friends, and a deep appreciation for Argentine culture.
Experience Asado with Betty and Marcelo
We invite you to our Palermo Soho workshop for an authentic asado experience that goes beyond a restaurant meal. Marcelo, our grillmaster, prepares every cut right in front of you on our parrilla, while Betty shares the stories and traditions that make asado the soul of Argentina.
With a front-row seat to the entire grilling process, premium Argentine wines, and the warmth of a family gathering, our asado dinner is how this tradition was meant to be experienced.
U$D 104.00 per guest - Book your asado experience →
Learn more about our asado experience or explore the best steakhouses in Buenos Aires.
FAQ: Asado in Buenos Aires
What is the difference between asado and parrilla?
Asado refers to the entire social ritual of grilling and sharing meat, while parrilla specifically means the grill itself. In Buenos Aires, "parrilla" also refers to steakhouse restaurants, while "asado" describes the traditional communal experience.
What cuts of meat are served at an Argentine asado?
A traditional asado typically includes chorizo (pork sausage), morcilla (blood sausage), empanadas, matambrito (pork belly), colita de cuadril (tri-tip), and ojo de bife (ribeye), served in progression from lighter to heavier cuts.
Is asado suitable for vegetarians?
Traditional asado is centered around meat, but many hosts offer vegetarian alternatives. At Betty and Marcelo, we prepare a specially crafted vegetarian menu when notified in advance, including grilled vegetables, provoleta cheese, and other Argentine specialties.
How long does an asado dinner last?
A proper asado lasts between 2.5 and 3 hours. The slow pace is intentional - asado is about savoring each course and enjoying the company, not rushing through a meal.
When is the best time to experience asado in Buenos Aires?
Asado is a year-round tradition in Buenos Aires. Argentines grill in all seasons. Evening asado dinners are the most popular, typically starting around 8:00 or 9:00 PM, aligning with Buenos Aires' famously late dining culture.