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What to eat in Uruguay? Top 48 Uruguayan Foods

Last update: Sun Apr 27 2025
Top 48 Uruguayan Foods
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Uruguayan Foods

01

Barbecue

URUGUAY and  one more region
4.6
Asado
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Considered an epitome of Argentinean gastronomy and culture, asado (lit. roast; roasted) is much more than merely a meal. In Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, and in a number of other South American countries, it is both a culinary and social event attended by friends and family to share the joy of outdoor cooking.


Asado traditionally features a wide selection of grilled meats, mainly beef, which Argentina is most known for. The meat is cooked on a special brick-built grill called la parrilla, and the fire can either be made with charcoal (parrilla al carbón) or wood (parrilla a leña) which is more typical for the countryside and known as asado criollo, a term that indicates a more rustic, traditional style of grilling. 
02

Dessert

URUGUAY and  one more region
4.5
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MAIN INGREDIENTS

Dulce de leche is a type of condensed milk sweet from Argentina and Uruguay. Traditionally, it is made by heating sweetened cow's milk until it caramelizes and achieves a thick consistency, enough to act as a spread, a filling for cakes and pies, or an ice cream topping.


The legend says that dulce de leche originated in Buenos Aires in 1829, when a maid of Argentinian leader Juan Manuel de Rosas was preparing la lechada by heating sugar and milk. As she left it on the fire a bit longer than usual, she noticed it had become a dark brown substance, and that's how dulce de leche was born. 
03

Cookie

URUGUAY and  one more region
4.4
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Argentinian alfajores are sandwich cookies consisting of two round, crumbly sweet cookies with a dulce de leche or milk jam stuffing between them. The combination is then coated with a layer of chocolate or sprinkled with confectioners' sugar.


The name alfajor stems from the Arabic word al-hasú, which means stuffed or filled. Although the cookies can be found throughout Latin America, they are originally from Andalusia, Spain. When the Spaniards came to America, they brought their foods and traditions along the way, and with time, almost every country in Latin America has adapted the Spanish alfajor to make it their own. 
04

Sandwich

URUGUAY and  one more region
4.3
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Choripán is the ultimate in Argentine street food, a sandwich consisting of a chorizo sausage and a variety of condiments in a crusty bun. It is usually consumed on the go, since it is mostly sold at street stands throughout Latin America.


The name choripán is derived from two words: chorizo, referring to the sausage, and pan, meaning bread.

05
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Chivito is a delicious sandwich from Uruguay and the country's national dish. Meaning little goat in Spanish, a legend says that in the 1940s, a chef in a restaurant was asked to prepare roasted goat, but since he didn't have one - he made a sandwich with bits of just about everything he had in the kitchen, and chivito was born.


The sandwich is filled with meat - slices of churrasco (grilled/roasted and thinly sliced beef), ham, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, melted mozzarella, and a topping of fried (or sometimes boiled) eggs. The sandwich buns should be quite large, such as ciabatta rolls. 
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Roast Beef Sandwich

MOST ICONIC Chivito

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06

Snack

URUGUAY and  one more region
4.2
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Tortas fritas are fried biscuits from Argentina and Uruguay, consisting of flour, butter, lard, milk, and baking powder. The dish is traditionally consumed with a cup of yerba mate, usually on rainy afternoons during autumn and winter. It is customarily served with fruit jams or dulce de leche on the side.

07

Cake

PAYSANDÚ, Uruguay
4.0
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Chajá is an Uruguayan cake consisting of layers of sponge cake, whipped cream, meringue, and peaches, while a layer of dulce de leche on top is often seen, but not mandatory. The cake was invented in the 1920s by Orlando Castellano at the Confitería Las Familias in Paysandú.


He was inspired by a local bird, el chajá (crested screamer), and that's how this delicious cake was invented. Nowadays, it is a staple at Uruguayan feasts and celebrations.

MOST ICONIC Chajá

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08

Sandwich type

URUGUAY and  one more region
3.9
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Sandwiches de miga are prepared with crustless white bread, and they can consist of two or more bread slices per sandwich. It is believed that they developed under strong European influences, primarily British and Italian. The most common variety of the sandwich is made with mayonnaise, cheese, and ham, but there are no restrictions concerning the possible fillings.


Although sandwiches de miga are usually consumed as an afternoon snack, they are also a staple at parties, celebrations, or family gatherings. A common variety is called a tostado – a toasted sandwich de miga that is traditionally served warm. 
09
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The unique combination of cheese (ideally, salty and firm manchego cheese) and a slice of flavorful quince paste known as dulce de membrillo makes the Uruguayan treat known as Martín Fierro. The dish got its name from a character with the same name, popularized in the stories of José Hernández, who wrote about freedom and gauchos - an equivalent to the American cowboys.


Hernández always ordered a dessert based on the popular Argentinian treat known as Vigilante - a dish of cheese slices combined with a sweet potato paste. Uruguay's version of the dish replaced the sweet potato paste with quince paste, and since Hernández was a famous activist for gaucho rights and his every move was observed, the news of his preference for the Uruguayan version of the dish quickly spread across the country. 
10

Street Food Sweets

URUGUAY and  one more region
3.8
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Garrapiñada is an Uruguayan and Argentinian street food item consisting of peanuts roasted in a combination of sugar, water, and vanilla essence. When the peanuts are completely coated and the syrup hardens, they are ready to eat. This treat can be found on the streets of Uruguay and Argentina, where it is sold by vendors called garrapiñeros.


They put the peanuts in a small, long bag and hand it over to customers who then eat the peanuts on the go. Apart from peanuts, garrapiñada can also be made with almonds and walnuts.

11
Flatbread
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay  and  one more region
3.7
12
Sweet Pastry
URUGUAY  and  one more region
3.6
13
Dessert
URUGUAY  and  2 more regions
3.5
14
15
Beef Dish
URUGUAY  and  3 more regions
3.4
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Uruguayan Food Producers

01

Olive Oil

MALDONADO, Uruguay
4.5
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Agroland is a leading producer in Uruguay, renowned for its high-quality extra virgin olive oil under the Colinas de Garzón brand and premium wines from Bodega Garzón. Located in Maldonado, the company focuses on sustainable practices and offers immersive experiences like olive oil and wine tastings, farm tours, and eco-friendly activities within its olive groves and vineyards.


Agroland combines innovation with tradition, making it a top destination for agro-tourism and gourmet enthusiasts.
AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

Olive Japan - Gold

2023, 2022, 2015, 2014, 2013

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal

2020, 2017

02
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AWARDS

Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold

2019

Terraolivo IOOC - Gran Prestige Gold

2017

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold

2016, 2014

BEST Olivares Salteños Olive Oils
03

Olive Oil

MALDONADO, Uruguay
4.4
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O'33 José Ignacio, produced by Madebar , is based in Maldonado, Uruguay. This olive oil producer is known for its high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The brand emphasizes sustainable farming practices and uses local varieties of olives. The production processes are designed to maintain the integrity and flavor of the oil, ensuring a premium product.
AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold

2016, 2015

Terraolivo IOOC - Gran Prestige Gold

2015

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold

2014

04

Cheese

MALDONADO, Uruguay
4.4
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold

2024

BEST Los Senderos Cheeses
05
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AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold

2023, 2020

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold

2014

Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold

2014

06

Liqueur

FLORIDA, Uruguay
4.3
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2021

BEST Bumbu Rum Co. Liqueurs
07

Beer

FLORIDA, Uruguay
4.2
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AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold

2024

BEST Swells'a Brewing Beers
08

Olive Oil

URUGUAY, Uruguay
4.2
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Compriste ACISA is an olive oil producer based in Uruguay. The company focuses on producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil using sustainable agricultural practices. Compriste ACISA cultivates several varieties of olives to create distinct blends and single-varietal oils.


The company also emphasizes traceability and quality control throughout the production process.
AWARDS

OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro

2022

BEST Compriste Acisa Olive Oils
09
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AWARDS

OLIVINUS - Prestigio Oro

2022

OLIVINUS - Medalla de Oro

2022

BEST Da Trindade Martinez Olive Oils
10

Spirit

FLORIDA, Uruguay
4.2
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AWARDS

The Luxury Masters - Gold

2023

The Luxury Masters - Master

2023

11
Olive Oil
URUGUAY, Uruguay
4.2
12
13
14
15
Wine
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay
4.0
16
Wine
MALDONADO DEPARTMENT, Uruguay
3.9
17
Spirit
FLORIDA, Uruguay
3.9
18
Beer
FLORIDA, Uruguay
3.8
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Uruguayan Food Products

01
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Colinas de Garzón Trivarietal is a premium olive oil produced by Agroland, based in Uruguay. It is crafted from a blend of three distinct olive varieties: Arbequina, Coratina, and Frantoio. This combination results in a well-balanced and complex flavor profile, with notes of freshly cut grass, almonds, and a hint of pepper.


The olives are harvested at optimum ripeness and go through a meticulous cold extraction process to preserve their natural qualities and health benefits. The product is marketed as a high-quality, artisanal olive oil suitable for gourmet cooking and elegant dishes.
AWARDS

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold

2017, 2014

Terraolivo IOOC - Gran Prestige Gold

2015

OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro

2023, 2022, 2021, 2019

02
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AWARDS

Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold

2019

Terraolivo IOOC - Gran Prestige Gold

2017

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold

2016, 2014

03
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Colinas de Garzón Olio Novo is a premium extra virgin olive oil produced by Agroland. This product is renowned for its superior quality and characterized by a fresh and robust flavor profile. The olives used to produce Olio Novo are meticulously hand-picked and cold-pressed to maintain the highest level of purity and taste.
AWARDS

Terraolivo IOOC - Gran Prestige Gold

2017

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold

2015

04
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Colinas de Garzón Arbequina is a high-quality extra virgin olive oil from Uruguay, made exclusively from the Arbequina olive variety. Known for its mild and fruity flavor profile, it offers delicate notes of green apple, almond, and a light, smooth finish.


This oil is perfect for salads, drizzling over fresh dishes, and pairing with delicate flavors, bringing a balanced and elegant touch to any meal.
AWARDS

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold

2015, 2014

05
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Colinas de Garzón Olio Novo 2023 is a premium extra virgin olive oil from Uruguay, crafted from the best olives of the 2023 harvest. This limited edition oil features a vibrant, fresh profile with intense green fruitiness and herbal notes. It has hints of freshly cut grass, green banana, and a mild peppery finish.


The oil is well-balanced, with a harmonious combination of bitterness and spice, offering a rich, complex flavor. Perfect for drizzling over salads, grilled vegetables, or Mediterranean dishes, this oil reflects the high quality and freshness of the 2023 harvest.
AWARDS

OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro

2023

OLIVINUS - TOP 20

2023

06
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Colinas de Garzón Giovanni Alessandro is a premium extra virgin olive oil produced by Colinas de Garzón, an esteemed olive oil producer from Uruguay. This particular oil is a blend named after Giovanni Alessandro, and it is known for its exceptional quality and refined flavor profile.


It is crafted from the finest olives and is characterized by a smooth texture, with complex fruity and herbaceous notes. This oil is ideal for gourmet dishes, enhancing the flavors of salads, grilled vegetables, and delicate proteins.
AWARDS

OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro

2023

07
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AWARDS

OLIVINUS - Prestigio Oro

2022

08
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Colinas De Garzón Olio Novo 2021 is a premium extra virgin olive oil produced by Agroland, a company known for its high-quality agricultural products. This specific olive oil is characterized by its fresh, robust flavor, and high nutritional value, making it a desirable choice for culinary enthusiasts seeking top-tier ingredients.


It is typically harvested early in the season to capture the distinct aromas and rich, fruity notes of the olives. The 2021 edition continues the tradition of excellence associated with the Colinas De Garzón brand, reflecting the optimal growing conditions and meticulous production practices employed by Agroland.
AWARDS

OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro

2021

09
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Colinas De Garzón Olio Novo 2020 is an extra virgin olive oil produced by Agroland, a company based in Uruguay. This particular olive oil is crafted from a blend of carefully selected olive varieties grown in the fertile hills of Garzón. The oil is known for its fresh and robust flavor profile, which includes notes of freshly cut grass, green apples, and almonds.


Its vibrant green color and aromatic complexity make it suitable for enhancing salads, vegetables, and various Mediterranean dishes.
AWARDS

OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro

2020

10
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Colinas de Garzón Corte Italiano is an extra virgin olive oil produced by Agroland, a company known for its high-quality agricultural products. The olives used for this particular blend are harvested from olive groves located in the Garzón region of Uruguay.


This region's unique climate and soil contribute to the distinctive flavor profile of the oil.
AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

Olive Japan - Gold

2023, 2022, 2013

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold

2017, 2015

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Wine
MALDONADO DEPARTMENT, Uruguay
4.5
41
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47
Wine
MALDONADO DEPARTMENT, Uruguay
4.3
48

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 48 Uruguayan Foods” list until April 27, 2025, 3,233 ratings were recorded, of which 1,729 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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