Argentina is a country that is famous for its food, and once you spend some time with a few of the locals, you will see that food and meals with friends play an important part in the country's culture. From the snacks that can be picked up from stalls and markets through to complex and tasty dishes that take several hours to prepare, Argentina is a great place to visit for the food lover. Here are some of the most popular meals and dishes that you can enjoy during your trip to Argentina.

Asado

Often considered to be the national dish or food of Argentina, this beef based barbecue is generally held as a celebratory event where different people will bring side dishes, while the main chunks of beef, sausages and peppers are barbecued, before being served as a communal meal. Argentinians are the world's largest producers of beef, and you will certainly get plenty of chances to try an asado if you spend time in the country. Read about the best steakhouses in Buenos Aires.

Empanadas

These pastry pockets are common across South America, but there are so many different varieties to enjoy in Argentina that you might be eating for quite some time if you wanted to try them all. Including savory and sweet fillings, these pastries can be bought at stalls and at bakeries, and the most common varieties are beef and chicken empanadas that are cooked in a sauce spiced with cumin and paprika.

Alfajores

These stuffed cookies are one of the best options if you are looking for a sweet treat to enjoy, and are usually stuffed with a filling before they are dusted with sugar so that they are ready to serve.

This is one of the most popular ways to enjoy dulce de leche, while there are also plenty of other options available too.

Locro

Generally found in the Andean areas of the country, Locro is a hearty stew that is perfect for areas where the altitude provides a cooler climate, and is also often served on the anniversary of the May Revolution by tradition. The stew will usually be made with beef or other meat, along with corn, potatoes and vegetables, and is usually served with bread to provide a good filling meal.

Mate

This interesting drink is one that is served around the country, and is a caffeinated beverage that has a strong kick, and is made by stewing the yerba mate leaves in hot water. This is then drunk through a metal straw from a round gourd that is very distinctive when compared with some of the other drinking vessels found in the country.

Choripan

The choripan is one of the most popular take away foods in the country, with roadside stalls, markets and small shops all places where you can commonly pick up this spicy sausage sandwich. Filled with pork and beef chorizo, a large piece of crusty bread is toasted along with the sausage, and then served with a generous serving of onions, aubergines and pepper. The choripan is finished with a good squeeze of chimichurri to add to the overall flavor of the dish.

Carbonada

Another great dish for the higher altitude areas, and one that is often eaten across the country during the winter, the carbonada is a stew that is made with beef, bacon and plenty of vegetables such as corn, potatoes, carrots and peppers. The mixture is then placed inside a hollow pumpkin before being cooked on the barbecue, and finally finished with a layer of fruits such as dried apricots and raisins on top.