Travelers who are dismayed by the cost of flying to Europe should refocus their attentions southward. Beyond the chocolaty, rich moles of Mexico and below the array of multicultural dishes in Brazil is the flavorful, unpretentious cuisine of Uruguay. Vegetarians, beware: meat is a mainstay in this country.
Must-Have Meats at Mercado del Puerto
In the heart of Ciudad Vieja, or the "Old City," is the Mercado del Puerto, which gives a new meaning to the phrase "meat market." The smell of parrillada, or cuts of meat cooked over coal fires, puts the American concept of barbecue to shame. Each restaurant in the Mercado offers delicious meat, from morcilla and spicy chorizo sausages to smoky, tender steaks. Pairing perfectly with any grilled meat is a glass or two of Tannat, a little-known but powerful wine grown in Uruguay that emphasizes, rather than overshadows, the flavors in the food.
Fill Your Gourd with Yerba Mate
Native Uruguayans enjoy a hot or cold beverage that will make your black coffee look like child's play. Known as the "drink of the gods," yerba mate is an antioxidant-loaded, grassy tea made from the leaves and stems of a rainforest tree. Put away your mugs: yerba mate is best drunk from a gourd with a bombilla, or metal straw. You'll regularly see Uruguayans walking along the beach or down the street with their yerba mate in hand. Purchase yourself a gourd before you leave the country; they can be quite difficult to find in the U.S.
The Chivito Sandwich Packs a Meaty Punch
Montevideo features breathtaking oceanfront scenery along its main haul, and the many cafes along the beach make for perfect lunch spots--and a perfect setting for you to take on the chivito.
The chivito al plato sandwich is comprised of grilled beef, cheese, ham or bacon (or both!), mayonnaise, olives, tomatoes, and melted cheese on a gigantic bun. To further challenge your waistline, chivitos arrive with a side of French fries. Fried eggs, beets, and peppers can be added to the sandwich upon request. If you come to Uruguay, don't miss the chivito, but to save room for any other meals you've planned for the day, share it with a friend or two.
Uruguayan Italian Cuisine and Seafood
Because of Italian immigrants influence on Uruguayan culture, pastas and pastries abound. You'll find homemade gnocchi and hearty Bolognese sauces in the country's many Italian restaurants.
Northeast of Montevideo, in the seaside towns of Punta del Este and Piriapolis, you'll find fresh seafood, vegetables, and cheeses served in oceanfront bistros. Take advantage of a nearby Brazilian favorite and sip a caipirinha (a refreshing cocktail made from cachaça liquor, sugar and crushed lime) with your meal while watching the sun set over the soft, white sand. This culinary best-kept secret won't stay secret for long.
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