The Most Popular Food in South America, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the food you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 07:07
In South America, the diversity of culinary traditions reflects the rich tapestry of cultures spread across the continent. From coastal seafood to highland grains, the region's food portfolio offers unique tastes and historical depth. Understanding which dishes rise to the top can help travelers and locals alike better appreciate the culinary breadth and pinpoint must-try dishes while visiting different countries.
By participating in ranking the most popular foods, users contribute to a crowd-sourced insight that benefits both connoisseurs and culinary novices. Each vote helps to highlight hidden gems and reaffirm the status of beloved classics, making this dynamic ranking a reliable guide for anyone's gastronomic journey through South America.
What Is the Most Popular Food in South America?
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198votesEmpanadas is a popular pastry filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, vegetables, and spices. They are commonly found in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.Empanadas are a popular traditional dish in Colombia, consisting of a savory pastry filled with various ingredients. They are typically deep-fried until golden and crispy, providing a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Empanadas can be found all across Colombia, from street food vendors to upscale restaurants. They are commonly enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. The creator of Empanadas is not specific to Colombia, as this dish has variations and influences from various culinary traditions. However, Empanadas are believed to have originated in Spain and were introduced to Colombia during the colonial period.
- Varieties: There are various types of Empanadas in Colombia, including beef, chicken, pork, cheese, potato, and vegetarian options.
- Dough: The dough is typically made from a combination of flour, water, and sometimes eggs or butter. It is rolled thin and folded over the filling before being sealed.
- Filling: The filling can vary depending on the type of Empanada. Beef Empanadas are often filled with ground beef, onions, and spices. Chicken Empanadas may contain shredded chicken, vegetables, and herbs. Cheese Empanadas have a filling of melted cheese, and potato Empanadas are stuffed with seasoned mashed potatoes.
- Spices: Empanadas are seasoned with a variety of spices, such as cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder, to enhance the flavors of the filling.
- Cooking Method: Empanadas are typically deep-fried until golden and crispy. However, they can also be baked or pan-fried for a healthier alternative.
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224votesAsado is a South American barbecue consisting of various meats such as beef, pork, and chicken, cooked over an open flame. It is a popular dish in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.Asado is a traditional Argentine barbecue that consists of various cuts of meat cooked on a grill called a parrilla. It is considered a national dish of Argentina and is a quintessential part of their culinary culture.
- Meat Varieties: Asado typically includes beef ribs, steaks, sausages, and other cuts of meat.
- Grilling Technique: The meat is cooked over hot coals generated by burning wood or charcoal.
- Slow Cooking: Asado is cooked low and slow, allowing the meat to become tender and flavorful.
- Seasoning: The meat is typically seasoned with salt prior to grilling, but no other spices or marinades are used.
- Wood Selection: Different types of wood, such as oak or quebracho, are traditionally used to provide a distinct smoky flavor to the meat.
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332votesCeviche is a seafood dish made with raw fish marinated in citrus juices and spices. It is commonly found in Peru and other coastal regions of South America.Ceviche is a popular appetizer in Mexico that consists of raw seafood, typically fish, marinated in citrus juices, such as lime or lemon, which effectively 'cooks' the fish. The dish is usually seasoned with various ingredients like onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and chili peppers. The result is a fresh and flavorful seafood dish that is often served chilled.
- Main Ingredient: Seafood (commonly fish)
- Marinade: Citrus juices (lime or lemon)
- Seasonings: Onions, tomatoes, cilantro, chili peppers
- Preparation: Raw seafood 'cooked' in citrus juices
- Serving Temperature: Chilled
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416votesArepas is a type of flatbread made from cornmeal that is popular in Colombia and Venezuela. It is often filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.Arepas are a staple food in Colombia, popular for their versatility, delicious taste, and ability to satisfy hunger. They are a type of flatbread made primarily from cornmeal dough and are typically round or oval in shape. Arepas can be either grilled, baked, or fried, resulting in varying textures and flavors. They are commonly consumed throughout Colombia and are often enjoyed as a breakfast item, snack, or accompaniment to main meals.
- Ingredients: Cornmeal, water, salt (optional)
- Shape: Round or oval
- Texture: Soft or crunchy, depending on cooking method
- Cooking methods: Grilled, baked, or fried
- Sizes: Varies from small bite-sized arepitas to larger meal-sized arepas
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59votesFeijoada is a stew made with black beans and various cuts of meat such as pork, beef, and sausage. It is a popular dish in Brazil.Feijoada is a traditional Brazilian dish that is considered the national dish of Brazil. It is a hearty and flavorful stew made with black beans and a variety of pork cuts such as bacon, sausage, and different parts of the pig. This dish is traditionally served with steamed rice, sautéed collard greens, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and slices of orange.
- Main Ingredients: Black beans, pork
- Pork Cuts: Bacon, sausage, pork ribs, ears, and feet
- Accompaniments: Steamed rice, sautéed collard greens, farofa, and orange slices
- Preparation Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
- Traditional Occasions: Served during special events, family gatherings, and on Saturdays
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65votesChurrasco is a type of grilled meat that is popular in Brazil and other South American countries. It is typically made with beef and served with a variety of side dishes.Churrasco is a traditional Brazilian barbecue style that is known for its flavorful and tender grilled meat. Originating from the southern region of Brazil, it has become one of the most popular food traditions in the country. The word 'churrasco' itself means 'barbecue' or 'grilled meat' in Portuguese.
- Meat: Churrasco primarily consists of grilled beef, but can also include other meats like pork, chicken, lamb, and sausages.
- Preparation: The meat is typically seasoned with salt and then slowly cooked over an open flame or charcoal grill to enhance its natural flavors and achieve a crispy and caramelized outer layer.
- Cuts: Churrasco utilizes different cuts of meat, including picanha (rump cap), contrafilé (sirloin steak), fraldinha (flank steak), costela (beef rib), and linguiça (sausage). Each cut has its own unique texture and flavor.
- Serving Style: In a traditional churrasco, the meat is typically served on skewers and sliced directly onto the plate of each guest. It is often accompanied by side dishes like farofa (toasted cassava flour), rice, beans, vinaigrette salsa, and crispy fried potatoes.
- Gaucho Influence: Churrasco is strongly associated with the gaucho culture, which represents the traditional cowboy lifestyle of the southern region of Brazil. The gauchos are skilled in the art of grilling and have passed down their techniques and knowledge for generations.
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713votesPupusas is a Salvadoran dish made with a thick, handmade corn tortilla that is stuffed with cheese, meat, or beans. It is a popular street food in El Salvador and other Central American countries.Pupusas are a traditional and iconic dish in El Salvador, which is a small country located in Central America. They are thick, round, handmade tortillas filled with various ingredients and cooked on a griddle until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Corn masa: Pupusas are made with a special dough called masa, which is typically made from ground corn.
- Fillings: They can be stuffed with a variety of fillings such as cheese, beans, pork, chicken, loroco (a local edible flower), or a combination of ingredients.
- Serving: Pupusas are often served with curtido, a pickled cabbage slaw, and a tomato-based salsa.
- Cooking method: They are cooked on a flat griddle called a comal until they develop a golden-brown color and the filling melts.
- Popular street food: Pupusas are commonly found in street food stalls, markets, and pupuserias (places specializing in pupusas).
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811votes
WikiHes · CC BY-SA 4.0Lomo saltado is a Peruvian dish made with marinated beef stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and french fries. It is often served with rice.Lomo saltado is a traditional and highly popular dish in South America, particularly in Peru. It is a flavorful stir-fry that combines influences from Chinese cuisine with local Peruvian ingredients. The dish is known for its tender strips of beef (lomo), sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables, and seasoned with a unique blend of soy sauce and spices. Lomo saltado is typically served over a bed of white rice and accompanied by french fries, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.- Origin: Peru, South America
- Main Ingredient: Beef (lomo)
- Other Ingredients: Onions, tomatoes, peppers, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic
- Cooking Technique: Stir-frying
- Serving Style: Rice and french fries on the side
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95votesTamales is a traditional dish made of masa (a type of dough made from corn) filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, wrapped in a corn husk and steamed. It is popular in various South American countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
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1011votesAlfajores is a popular dessert in Argentina and other South American countries made of two shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche (a caramel-like sauce). They are often dusted with powdered sugar or covered in chocolate.Alfajores are a type of biscuit that originated in Spain and are popular throughout Latin America. They consist of two round shortbread cookies sandwiched together with a sweet filling, typically dulce de leche, a creamy caramel-like spread. The cookies are then often rolled in shredded coconut or dusted with powdered sugar. Alfajores have a soft and buttery texture, with a delightful combination of flavors from the cookie and the sweet filling.
- Origin: Spain
- Filling: Dulce de leche (caramel-like spread)
- Cookie Texture: Soft and buttery
- Coating Options: Shredded coconut or powdered sugar
- Shape: Round
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Ranking factors for popular food
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Number of consumersMeasure the number of people who regularly consume the food item in question. This can be assessed through surveys, sales data, and restaurant orders.
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Regional distributionDetermine how widespread the food item is across various countries in South America. A food item that is popular in several countries will have a higher overall popularity ranking.
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Cultural significanceAssess the role of the food item in the cultural traditions and history of the countries in South America. Foods with strong cultural ties tend to be more popular.
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VersatilityConsider the various ways in which the food item can be prepared and served. The more versatile a food item, the more likely it is to be embraced by a broad range of people.
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Availability and affordabilityAnalyze the ease with which people in South America can access and afford the food item. A popular food item should be widely available and relatively affordable.
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Taste and flavor profileEvaluate how well the food item appeals to the general taste preferences of people in South America. Tastes may vary between countries, but a popular food item should cater to a variety of flavor profiles.
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Nutritional valueExamine the health benefits of the food item in question. Foods that provide important nutrients and positive health effects will likely be more popular.
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Influence from other countriesAssess how the food item is influenced by or adapted from other countries' cuisines. Given the diverse history and cultural exchanges in South America, many popular foods may have roots in or adaptations from other regions.
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Media presenceConsider how frequently the food item is featured in media such as cooking shows, food blogs, and social media. A strong media presence can contribute to the popularity of a food item.
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Buzz and trendsKeep track of emerging food trends and the overall buzz around certain food items. Popular food items may be part of current food trends or have a steady, long-lasting presence in the culinary scene.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in South America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1442 views
- 223 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular food in south america
South America is a continent with a rich and diverse culinary culture, influenced by the indigenous populations and the European colonizers. With its varied climate and geography, South America is home to a vast array of ingredients and dishes. From the fiery spices of Mexico to the hearty stews of Argentina, South America's cuisine is as vibrant as its people. But what is the most popular food in South America? With so many delicious options to choose from, it's a tough question to answer. However, one thing is for sure: South American cuisine is a true feast for the senses.
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