Top 12 Dishes and a Complete Guide to Uruguay Food

A mixed bad. Probably this is the best way to describe the food of Uruguay. It is a mixture of several European cuisines. Due to colonization of countries like Spain, Italy, Portugal, their livelihood had influenced that of Uruguay. A cultural influence was also inevitable. Even after several years, these cultures reflect in Uruguay food, street, livelihood.

If you are planning to taste the best Uruguay food, travel to the country. They are the best in making the dishes. I think food is an important part of traveling. How would you know about a culture without knowing about its food and language?

They have their kind of pizzas and pasta. Here is the list of best dishes in Uruguay that you must try if you are in Uruguay. Try and eat less, we bet you will fail. Uruguay food can make you drool like never before.

Things to know about Uruguay food

It is all about meat (beef, pork, chicken everywhere)
May sound bland, but not that bland
Sweet or savory, extremely tasty

Best dishes of Uruguay

Asado

Are you a meat lover? This dish is for you. Uruguayans love to meet. Asado is the perfect proof of that. The dish contains all kinds of meat. It is a traditional dish with barbecued meat (chicken, pork, beef). Along with that, you will get come achuras and sausages. Asado is made on big occasions, in a gathering. The one who makes the dish is called Asador. Special occasions are incomplete without special Uruguay food, Asado.

Con Salsa Caruso Pasta

Pasta con salsa Caruso has a great influence of Italian cuisine on it. Though not exactly the same. It has a base of creamy sauce. The dish is packed with stuffed has, pasta and mushrooms. Some of the restaurants top it with parmesan cheese. Have a bite and you will know about the Italian influence we were talking about. Interestingly, many people say the dish was first cooked for Italian Singer, Enrico Caruso. We are not sure about the authenticity of the story. We can assure you an authentic Uruguay food that is easy to cook at home with a basic ingredient.

Arroz Con Leche

Enough of savories, let us talk about some sweet dishes now. Arroz Con Leche is one of the best desserts that you will have in Uruguay. It is one of the best Uruguay food that I have tasted. A rice pudding dessert has a light-hearted aroma. Cinnamon is the key player in the dish. Tastes even better if you have it with your cup of coffee.

Choripán

Choripan is both an Argentinian and Uruguayan food. Not just these two countries, Choripan is popular all across South America. It is made of smoky chorizo sausage and baguette buns. The chorizo sausage sandwich with tangy toppings like tomatoes and onions. It comes with a side of chimichurri.

Chajá

Another dessert you cannot miss, Chajá. It is more of an exquisite dish. Essentially, an Uruguayan meringue, the dish is no less than a piece of art itself. It is made of sponge, apricots, and meringue. They also add whipped cream to it. Are you not eager to taste already? Order one for you to have the taste of one of the best Uruguay foods.

Empanadas Criollas

Each country has its name for this dish. Here in Uruguay, it is Empanadas Criollas. Some call it meat patty, some call it empanadas. We all love this always available street food. It is made of beef, onions, olives, pepper, garlic, and other seasonings.

Farinata

Are you a pancake lover? Well, taste the Uruguayan style flat pancake called Farinata. It is made of chickpea flour. The Farinata is seasoned with rosemary, salt, and pepper. It also has an Italian influence. However, Farinata is common in Italian cuisine as well. They stuff it inside a focaccia bread.

Milanesa a la Napolitana

Here comes the much-awaited Uruguay style pizza. As we all know Uruguay food is the result of European influence. But they always have an Uruguay special twist to it. Here Napolitana comes from Naples. It is baked beef with a bit of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese cover. They season it with onion, ham, and peppers. Special mention, you may get it with horse meat. Try that if you want to.

Churros with Dulce de Leche

Another delight for the sweet lovers, Churros with Dulce de Leche is one of the most popular food in Uruguay. It is available in almost every street. You will see almost everyone having this dish on their menu. Uruguayans eat this as their evening snacks. You can also have it as snacks. However, remember, one plate is enough for two people. The fried pastry is quite heavy like most of the Uruguay foods are.

Revuelto Gramajo

This is an Uruguayan version of French fries for you. The dish combines ham, crumbles eggs, sautéed onions, and green peas, along with the French fries. It is a good dish for sharing. If you are with friends, this dish will be a perfect one to order. It goes very well with beer.

Pasta Frola

Uruguayan tart is one of the best foods from Uruguay. It is filled with quince jam. Like other tarts, it is also covered with long pastry stripes. Pasta Frola is perfect for breakfast. Uruguayans have a second breakfast around 4 – 6 PM. Some may have it then as well. They are served with coconut sprinkled on the top. They even substitute quince jam with Dulce de Leche.

Tortas Fritas

A friend bread served with sugar on the top is what a Torta Frita is. Uruguayans love this dish as a quick snack. Hit the road on a rainy day, you will see vendors selling Tortas Fritas on street. It is a rainy-day snack for Uruguayans. Most of the families make their own Tortas Fritas at home.

Uruguay food is made of all the good features from cuisines all across Europe. Due to the colonial invasion by many countries, Uruguay food has gone through many evolutions. But what we have in the end, is just amazing. Try each of these 12 dishes when you are in Uruguay and let us know which one you like the most!