10 Must-Have Argentine Souvenirs
You already know your trip to Argentina can’t be complete without some proper souvenirs to take back home and share –or brag about– with your loved ones. Picking up the right memento is a whole other deal though. Enough with the mugs, magnets and key chains… In this post we’re throwing out some epic ideas to make sure you step up your trinket game. Happy shopping!
| SOMETHING CLASSIC |
You saw this one coming, didn’t you? Still, as touristy as it might seem, this is a non-negotiable one. This unique cultural icon can be seen anywhere, from the office to the parks, we bring it pretty much anywhere we go, and sipping on a mate is something that you’ll come across more than once during your visit to Buenos Aires. Knowing that it symbolizes friendship, it comes as no surprise this is one of the top picks to bring back home and spread the love, or the yerba. You’ll need the mate cup, a bombilla (metal straw, they usually come together) and the yerba (tea you put in it). If you want to look like a pro, then the termo (thermus) is the ultimate accessory. They come in different sizes, materials and colors.
| SOMETHING LEATHER |
| SOMETHING RED |
Perhaps you’re thinking steak, but since asados can’t be packed on your luggage (at least not yet!), a top-notch bottle of Malbec –or a few– come right next in line. Suffice to say that Argentina is one of the world’s largest producers of wine and that our Malbec came once-again-but-who’s-counting, Number 1 in the Global Malbec Master Series 2016.
| SOMETHING SWEET |
They say there’s nothing a dollop of Dulce de Leche can’t fix… or maybe it’s just us, Argies. Whatever the case, this one-of-a-kind caramely, creamy, milky sauce is a must-try, and a must-take-home to show friends and family what they’ve been missing out on as well. If you’re into excessively sweet things –and let’s face it, who isn’t?– Dulce de Leche will change your life forever. Peanut butter, step aside.
| SOMETHING ARTSY |
Nothing like a good hand-painted or hand-drawn piece of art to bring home a bit of the local porteño vibe. Replace your average tchotchke and invest in timely memories. Supporting the local artists when buying an object that will most likely take up very little space in your suitcase is a big plus, but the real glory comes when you find a breathtaking art-work from picturesque La Boca staring back at you in your living room.
| SOMETHING BITTER |
Or bittersweet we should say when mixed with its long-time companion: Coke. Granted, Fernet is actually from Italy, but with our huge Italian heritage and whatnot Fernet and Coca became one of this city’s cultural trademarks. This herbal flavored, at times pungent, aperitif can prove challenging to some palates. Dare try it and maybe you’ll understand why it is one of our favourite drinks. Better yet, bring back some with you and spread the word! Tip: make sure it is Branca!
| SOMETHING MUSICAL |
When in Rome…we’re guessing Opera, but when in Buenos Aires, you gotta go Gardel or some of his more contemporary fellas. There’s no denying it, Tango is still a huge part in the city’s cultural scene. What better way to pay an homage than taking back with you a fundamental piece of the local rioplatense music. Some of our recommendations include –but are not limited to– Tanghetto, Gotan Project, Bajofondo Tango Club and Otros Aires.
| SOMETHING GRAVY |
The one sauce that will make you put down the A1! There’s a reason why Chimichurri is the country’s go-to condiment and, lucky for you, if you’ve been in the city longer than 24 hours then you have probably tried it and went to foodie’s heaven. A flavorful dose of Chimichurri sauce can be used as a marinade, though most often it blankets grilled meats and heaps of other savory foods. Your barbeques nights just got better.
| SOMETHING COMFY |
What if we said you can have both style and comfort all in one? You can now go home looking more hip and way more comfortable using these shoes. That’s right, the iconic Alpargatas let you have the best of both worlds. Try a pair on and you will instantly see why this unbelievably comfortable footwear is our local favourite. They come in all colors and fabrics, there is one for every outfit!
| SOMETHING SWEET |
(because one was not enough)
This is the cookie of all cookies. A crumbly delicacy, that may or may not have been dipped in chocolate, sandwiching a dollop of dulce de leche or mousse. The Alfajor has become somewhat of the national cookie and can pretty much indulge your breakfast, dessert or snack time. The brand Havanna will have enough options for whatever strikes your fancy. Just try not to eat them all before you leave the airport!
You will be able to easily find them all at any of the local “ferias” –or fairs– that abound in Palermo, Recoleta and San Telmo neighborhoods. Feel free to ask us for details!
