The diverse landscapes of South America include the barren Atacama Desert in Northern Chile, the lofty Andes which climb through the west coast and the dense Amazon Jungle of Brazil. The range in these natural beauties is reflected in the difference in food between the countries, which is often determined by the climate. Experiencing local food not only gives you an insight into what the locals eat and drink: it can also show community life through the way the meal is prepared, served and shared. Here are our top unmissable South American delights to give your taste buds a treat!
Empanadas: these stuffed bread or pasty snacks come in large and small sizes and can be filled with beef, chicken or cheese. You will come across them sold at one-man stalls throughout Chile and Argentina.
Chile and Argentina are famous for their wines so here is the perfect chance to sample produce from the local vineyards. In some restaurants, wine is cheaper than bottled water! Restaurants serve both red and white wine chilled and warm: you need to specify frio or caliente respectively.
If you are up for adventurous eating then you came to the right continent. If you have the stomach for it you can sample llama steaks, alpaca burgers and even (gulp!) guinea pig with chips.
In Peru and Bolivia weary travellers can fill their bellies with hearty soups packed with nutritious beans and wheat. It's tasty and it's cheap: what more could you ask for?
In the stylish town squares of Peru you will spot ripe orange trees edging the boarders. Orange juice is freshly squeezed (while you watch) throughout this warm region: it's fresh, hydrating and one of your five a day!
South America is not the easiest region for veggies. 'I don't eat meat' is often taken to mean 'I don't eat red meat' and the hapless veggies will be presented with a plate of grilled chicken. The main option available for non-meat-eaters is cheese and avocado sandwiches. They are tasty but you do tend to get bored of them when you've had them for dinner, lunch and yesterday's dinner and lunch and the day before's dinner......
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/south-american-cuisine-a-guide-for-the-backpacker-or-independent-traveller-2197077.html
About the AuthorLJ Marsden is a travel writer and researcher for Roam The World. She caught the travel bug somewhere between the mountains of Patagonia and the temples of Cambodia.