What are the unmissable dishes of Bariloche?

Bariloche is the cradle of amazing landscapes, outdoor activities, snow sports and nature, but it is also distinguished by its wide gastronomic offer. In its origins, the region had a strong culinary influence from immigrant European cultures, such as the German, Swiss and Welsh colonies. These were mixed with the regional flavors of the original peoples, with ancestral traditions such as curanto that was introduced by the first inhabitants and today is a classic in the town of Colonia Suiza, located 25km from the center of Bariloche.

Today, the diversity of proposals developed in the city make Bariloche’s gastronomy a unique and worthwhile experience.

An outstanding product is the Patagonian trout. This species abounds in Patagonian rivers and lakes and, in addition, there are breeding establishments to ensure the sustainability of the species in natural water sources. They can be tasted both fresh and smoked, accompanied with a variety of sauces and different garnishes. Meats are also an excellent option and the most chosen is lamb. Whether in roasts, stews, smoked or as a filling for empanadas or pasta, they look great in all their variants.

Other products that can be found in their smoked version are wild boar, deer, salmon, salami and a wide variety of cheeses.

Mountain cuisine, such as stews or cheese fondue, are great protagonists in the colder seasons or on summer nights with low temperatures. They can be savored in many restaurants, but the bonus track can be appreciated by those who have walked long kilometers to reach a mountain refuge and delight in these hot and remedial dishes, accompanied by unique landscapes between peaks of hills and lagoons in heights.

Pine mushrooms represent another characteristic product. Pine forests create this added value that is reflected in all kitchens. The mushrooms are harvested in autumn, when they sprout from the humid forests. The chefs, driven by the passion and vocation of service and delight of the visitors, go out to collect them and then carry out the drying and bottling process, to respect the conservation of this natural product. Then, they become sauces, fillings and are the protagonists of dishes with intense, special flavors.

Curanto is an ancestral food, of Araucanian origin, which was brought to the region from Chile by one of the most emblematic families of Bariloche: the Goye family. This dish involves a legendary ceremony: it involves making a well in the ground where hot stones are distributed, it is covered with large nalca or maqui leaves, then the products are distributed and covered with more leaves, damp cloth, and earth. Yes, the food is covered with dirt. It is a recommendable spectacle to see and, of course, try the final result of this traditional method of the native peoples of Chiloé and Argentine-Chilean Patagonia. The products that are included are a variety of vegetables, meat, chicken and lamb.

A good craft beer is always good to accompany the dishes and the city of Barilochense is an expert in this matter. A wide variety of craft beers have been produced in Bariloche for almost 100 years. Due to this tradition, the Craft Beer Festival has been held in February for more than 3 years, where the main brands exhibit their products with other attractions and particular distinctions that make the event so characteristic and unique. The proposal has food trucks from different restaurants in the city and an unmissable musical and artistic agenda every year.

Complying with the tradition of having tea at 5 pm is a gastronomic experience that cannot be missed on a visit to the Patagonian city. It is one of the best activities to enjoy with family, partner or friends and there are a wide variety of options to choose from according to the possibilities and preferences of each one. From hotels with luxurious rooms to some with a more homey style. Some teahouses have views of mountains and lakes and offer tourists an unforgettable experience. Bariloche is full of these exquisite corners that will make you fall in love and want to return.

In the menus of these places, there are options that include red fruits, typical of the area. Rosehip, blackberries, elderberry, calafate, maqui and cherries stand out in the preparation of jams, sweets, fillings and cake decorations.

The handmade ice creams are another classic. Many of the factories are attached to the famous chocolate shops and the flavors stand out for their freshness, quality and, very importantly, for creativity. Of course there are the classic flavors, but also many creations with local products, which arouse emotions through the palate. Some special flavors have witty names such as Sauco de la pasión (passion fruit mousse with sweet elderberry), Patagonia mía, Raspberry nevada, Mousse del Piltri, Autumn cream, Calafate with sheep’s milk, Coconut glacier, among many others, which We invite you to meet on your tour of Miter street and surroundings.

Finally, a flagship product that few people escape being attracted to. The chocolate. It is the favorite of tourists, who already come with the intention of taking their box of chocolates from Bariloche as a souvenir. The city stands out for the attributes of this product: for its creaminess and diversity in sizes, shapes, fillings, flavors and combinations and the great offer. For this reason, it was named the National Capital of Chocolate and hosts the National Chocolate Festival during the long Easter weekend, with an agenda full of activities for the whole family and the preparation of the most delicious chocolate bar. longest in the world, the last being 215 meters long.

For those who want to visit Bariloche soon and want to know how much some of the gastronomic offers mentioned cost, here you will find an approximate price for them:

• In the case of Curanto, it is prepared in Colonia Suiza on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, it is only available at noon and it costs $6,500 for 2 people and $5,500 for 1 person.
• The Patagonian trout dish starts at $5,000 and a lamb à la cruz starts at $5,500 for a generous portion to share.
• In tea houses, full tea with sweet and salty varieties plus infusions for 2 people from $6,000.
• Ice cream in a premium ice cream parlor costs $4,400 per kilo. There are some ice cream parlors where you can get from $2,500.
• With regard to chocolates, the tasting experience in boutique chocolatiers and buying as souvenirs for family and friends is unique. A kilo of premium chocolate in renowned chocolatiers costs $14,000, but there are many options and offers along Calle Miter, where a kilo of chocolate starts at $6,500.
• The breweries is an option that does not fail and you spend approximately $4,500 per person for a hamburger with a pint of beer.
• Fire kitchen restaurants from $6,500 per person.
• Food in a mountain refuge from $5,500 for a complete dinner, that is, a starter, main course and dessert.

However, it should be noted that there is a wide variety of restaurants and bars in the city center and surroundings that, consuming a menu of main course and drink per person, costs around $4,500 per person.