17 South American Flavors And Drinks Every Traveler Should Experience
If bold flavors and culinary surprises are your thing, South America is calling your name. This vibrant continent serves up more than just stunning views—it’s a feast for the senses.
From street food sizzling with spice to rich, time-honored dishes passed down through generations, every bite tells a story. Whether you’re sipping wine in Argentina or tasting ceviche by the Peruvian coast, food becomes the heartbeat of your adventure.
Get ready to explore a land where every meal is unforgettable.
1. Feijoada – Brazil’s Celebrated Stew
With every bubbling spoonful of feijoada, I taste the soul of Brazil. This hearty stew, rooted in Afro-Brazilian traditions, brings together black beans and a medley of pork cuts with smoky sausages.
How the orange slices brighten the rich flavors keeps me coming back for more. Feijoada is often a reason for families to gather and celebrate.
Sundays in Brazil almost demand this meal, surrounded by friends, laughter, and the irresistible rhythm of samba. I can’t help but feel the joy in every bite.
2. Ceviche – Peru’s Coastal Gem
When I first tried ceviche in Lima, its brightness took me by surprise. Fresh fish marinated in zesty lime juice, spiked with chili, and crowned with onions—it’s refreshment in a bowl.
This isn’t just food, it’s a celebration of Peru’s rich Pacific bounty. Locals say the secret lies in the leche de tigre—citrusy marinade that tingles the senses.
If you listen closely in a cevichería, you’ll hear animated chatter and laughter. Ceviche is more than a dish. It’s Peru’s national pride, best enjoyed by the ocean breeze.
3. Mate – Argentina’s Social Sip
Did you know mate isn’t just a drink, but a ritual? I found that sharing mate in Argentina feels like being part of a family. The earthy aroma of yerba mate, sipped through a bombilla, connects everyone at the table.
Each person takes their turn, passing the gourd in a friendly circle. There’s an unspoken etiquette, and it’s almost an honor to be invited to join.
Are you ready for a caffeine kick with deep-rooted tradition? Mate wakes me up and lets me belong, all in one warm sip.
4. Aji de Gallina – Peruvian Comfort
Where creamy comfort meets vibrant spice, I find aji de gallina. This warming dish is all about shredded chicken dressed in a golden aji amarillo sauce.
Each mouthful carries a subtle heat and a smooth, almost velvety texture. At Peruvian tables, it’s a beloved favorite—especially at family gatherings.
If you crave cozy, bold flavors, aji de gallina hugs you from the inside. The blend of cheese, nuts, and peppers is nothing short of magical, always leaving me wanting more.
5. Arepas – Venezuela’s Versatile Delight
How could I ever forget my first bite of a hot arepa? Venezuela’s fluffy corn cakes have a crisp edge and endless filling options.
I tried mine with creamy cheese, but others love shredded beef, black beans, or avocado. Each region puts its own spin on arepas, making them a street food legend.
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner—arepas never go out of style. There’s a special joy in pulling one apart and seeing the steamy center waiting inside. Total comfort.
6. Pisco Sour – Peru’s Proud Cocktail
If you’re searching for a drink with flair, look no further than the pisco sour. Peru’s signature cocktail is a lively mix of pisco brandy, tart lime juice, and creamy egg white foam.
Bartenders vigorously shake each glass, then add a dash of bitters on top for aroma and drama. That first sip—zesty, sweet, and strong—never fails to impress me.
This cocktail is often the centerpiece at parties or celebrations. There’s an undeniable buzz when everyone raises their glasses for a pisco toast.
7. Asado – Argentina’s Legendary Barbecue
With smoke curling up from the grill, asado feels like the heartbeat of Argentina. Every cut of beef is carefully selected, seasoned, and grilled over wood or charcoal.
I’m always swept up by the social spirit—there’s banter, music, and endless wine. Asado isn’t just about the meal, but the entire ritual from fire-lighting to the last bite.
Weekends in Buenos Aires come alive when families gather for asado. I can smell the anticipation, and the feast is worth every second of waiting.
8. Moqueca – Brazil’s Seafood Sensation
This vibrant stew, moqueca, feels like Brazil’s coast in a pot. Coconut milk, fresh fish, shrimp, and bold spices simmer together, creating irresistible aromas.
Moqueca is usually served with farofa and rice, plus a squeeze of lime for brightness. I always notice how the Bahian touch—dendê oil and cilantro—makes every spoonful sing.
Families hand down moqueca recipes through generations, each adding their own twist. For me, the rich broth and tender seafood are pure happiness in a bowl.
9. Chicha Morada – Peru’s Purple Drink
Did you ever sip a drink made from purple corn? Chicha morada is Peru’s refreshingly sweet answer to soft drinks—with a history stretching back to the Incas.
Spices like cinnamon and cloves add warmth, while fruit brings a gentle tartness. I find it as beautiful as it is delicious, especially on a hot day.
Families make chicha by the pitcher, and it always brightens up parties and picnics. For me, it’s a taste of Peruvian tradition with every cool gulp.
10. Empanadas – Latin America’s Hand Pie
If I could pick a travel snack, it would be empanadas—every time. These flaky hand pies come stuffed with savory fillings, from spicy beef to cheesy vegetables.
Are empanadas the ultimate comfort food? For me, absolutely. Every region adds a twist, with different doughs and shapes.
Empanadas are found at fiestas, markets, and family kitchens everywhere. I love the surprise of breaking open a fresh one and discovering what’s inside. Pure happiness in every bite.
11. Dulce de Leche – Argentina’s Sweet Treasure
Where velvety sweetness meets nostalgia, I find dulce de leche. This caramel spread is made by slowly simmering sweetened milk until it’s thick and golden.
Spreading it on toast or swirling it into desserts, I feel like a kid discovering candy for the first time. Dulce de leche is everywhere in Argentina—on cakes, cookies, and even ice cream.
If you want to taste pure joy, try a spoonful straight from the jar. It’s impossible not to smile.
12. Tacu Tacu – Peru’s Crispy Comfort
How did I live so long without tacu tacu? This Peruvian classic turns leftover rice and beans into a crispy, golden cake.
Fried up with spices, sometimes crowned with steak or a fried egg, tacu tacu surprises me every time. The crunchy crust hides fluffy, flavorful insides.
Are you up for a humble dish with huge taste? Tacu tacu always wins my heart at lunchtime. Locals love it as hearty comfort food that never disappoints.
13. Cachaça – Brazil’s Sugarcane Spirit
With a mischievous kick, cachaça fuels Brazil’s legendary parties. This clear spirit comes from distilled sugarcane juice, carrying a grassy aroma and punchy flavor.
I watch bartenders muddle it with lime and sugar for the iconic caipirinha cocktail, a true beachside ritual. Sipping it straight, I get earthy notes that spark the senses.
Cachaça has been Brazil’s spirit of choice since colonial times, and every region boasts its own style. For me, it’s pure celebration in a glass.
14. Churrasco – Brazilian Grilled Feast
Are you ready for endless grilled meats? Churrasco is Brazil’s answer to a carnivore’s dream—juicy cuts slowly roasted on skewers.
Servers circle dining rooms, slicing beef, pork, and sausages right onto your plate. Each bite comes with a burst of smoky flavor.
Churrasco isn’t just a meal, it’s a lively event where you eat as much or as little as you like. I always leave satisfied, with memories as rich as the flavors.
15. Chimarrão – Brazil’s Green Ritual
Though it looks similar to mate, chimarrão brings its own green, grassy punch. I learned that gauchos in southern Brazil cherish this drink, sharing it from a single gourd.
Hot water poured over yerba mate leaves releases earthy fragrances and a mild bitterness that wakes me up. Passing the gourd feels like a secret handshake among friends.
Chimarrão is as much about connection as caffeine. Every sip carries a sense of tradition, land, and community.
16. Sopa Paraguaya – Paraguay’s Savory Cake
How does a soup become a cake? Sopa paraguaya defies expectations—it’s actually a moist cornbread, loaded with cheese and onions.
Legend says this dish was born from a culinary accident, but its rich, comforting flavor is no mistake. I love its crumbly texture and savory aroma.
Sopa paraguaya is a staple at parties and family gatherings in Paraguay. If you crave something warm and satisfying, this quirky dish is a must-try.
17. Lucuma – Peru’s Golden Fruit
With flavors somewhere between maple and sweet potato, lucuma is a true Peruvian gem. Locals call it the “gold of the Incas,” and I taste why in every bite of lucuma ice cream.
This fruit can be tricky to find, but its creamy texture melts in my mouth. Desserts made with lucuma always feel like a luxury.
If you’re hunting for something new, lucuma adds a subtle, caramel-like sweetness to cakes, smoothies, and treats. It’s pure sunshine in fruit form.