Cover The iconic Obelisco de Buenos Aires monument in Buenos Aires is one not to be missed for first time travellers (Photo: Getty Images)
The iconic Obelisco de Buenos Aires monument in Buenos Aires is one not to be missed for first time travellers (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
Argentine chef Agustin Ferrando Balbi of the Michelin‐starred restaurant Andō in Hong Kong, on the best ways to eat and drink through his home town of Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a city that doesn’t just feed you, it seduces you with parrillas that are a meat lover’s paradise, bodegones that cradle generations of culinary memory, and a cultural landscape so vibrant it makes some metropolises look like tepid culinary footnotes. For Agustin Balbi, chef-owner of Michelin-starred Andō in Hong Kong, his love for Buenos Aires runs in the blood. But despite having amassed a library of beautiful memories from his childhood, the Argentinian native believes his best memory is yet to come.
For the upcoming summer, Balbi tells Tatler Dining that he is high with anticipation, for he will be travelling back home with his son for the first time on a month-long trip. Before he jets off, we caught up with Balbi for his insider tips on eating and drinking well in the “Paris of South America”.
Read more: Hélène Darroze’s insider guide to eating and drinking well in Paris
Above Agustin Balbi is an Argentine and the chef-owner of Michelin-starred Andō in Hong Kong (Photo: Andō)
Agustin Balbi is an Argentine and the chef-owner of Michelin-starred Andō in Hong Kong (Photo: Andō)
1 / 1
The first thing I do when I arrive in Buenos Aires is...
make a beeline for a parrilla (a street food stand, often serving grilled meats), or El Cuartito, a standing pizza place on Corrientes Street. This street is also where some of the most famous theatres are located, just minutes from the iconic Obelisco de Buenos Aires monument.
My favourite hotel to stay in is...
The Palacio Duhau—Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. This stunning property offers the highest levels of comfort and luxury, oozing elegance and sophistication. The beautiful architecture and impeccable service make it a truly exceptional place to stay.
Above Cafe Tortoni, an iconic café that opened in 1858, is iconic to Buenos Aires, Argentina (Photo: Getty Images)
Cafe Tortoni, an iconic café that opened in 1858, is iconic to Buenos Aires, Argentina (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
My go‐to breakfast spot is...
Cafe Tortoni, an iconic café that opened in 1858. In its basement is a stage for jazz and tango as well as literary performances. Over the years, it has welcomed many renowned figures, including Argentine politicians Lisandro de la Torre and Marcelo Torcuato de Alvear, popular idols Carlos Gardel and Juan Manuel Fangio, and international luminaries Albert Einstein and Hillary Clinton.
For a first‐time visitor to Buenos Aires, you shouldn’t miss…
Obelisco, situated on the widest avenue in the world, 9 de Julio. Other notable landmarks include the Teatro Colón and the Plaza Ateneo library, which is housed inside a theatre.
Above Main dining room of Aramburu in Buenos Aires (Photo: Facebook/ Arambubu)
Main dining room of Aramburu in Buenos Aires (Photo: Facebook/ Arambubu)
1 / 1
My favourite date‐night spot is...
Aramburu, a fine‐dining restaurant known for its modern Argentine cuisine of the highest calibre. Rendezvous away to the charming bar after dinner, and perhaps end the night in the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo to immerse in the vibrant tango culture of Buenos Aires.
In case you missed it: The most romantic restaurants in Singapore for date nights
A beloved restaurant is...
El Preferido en Palermo, best known for its elevated interpretations of Argentine classics. The delicious plates are a true showcase of how the people of Buenos Aires eat at home. The restaurant also boasts amazing gelato and makes its charcuterie in‐house.
The best bar I’ve been to in Buenos Aires is...
Florería Atlántico. This acclaimed bar comes highly recommended and is widely recognised in the world of mixology for its innovative craft cocktails. My favourite cocktail is the Ostende, a tropical fruit cooler with a herbaceous splash of absinthe. It is a must‐visit spot for a taste of the vibrant nightlife of Buenos Aires.
Above Caminito street in La Boca at Buenos Aires, Argentina (Photo: Getty Images)
Caminito street in La Boca at Buenos Aires, Argentina (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
My favourite way to spend a day in Buenos Aires is…
to start with a museum visit. But not just any museum; it is the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (Malba). After that, I enjoy a leisurely walk around Recoleta, visiting the Palermo lakes. For lunch, I look forward to indulging in a delicious Milanesa at a traditional bodegón (family-run restaurant). In the afternoon, head toward La Boca and stroll through the iconic streets of Caminito; make sure to see La Bombonera, the home stadium of the world-famous football team Boca Juniors. To relax, the historic San Telmo is your best bet, and I usually find myself in a nice parrilla for dinner. Of course, end your day with a spectacular tango show.
Above Don’t leave Buenos Aires without trying Argentine asado (Photo: Getty Images)
Don’t leave Buenos Aires without trying Argentine asado (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
Don’t leave Buenos Aires without trying...
Argentine asado (grilled meats). For an authentic plate, head to Don Julio in Palermo. My friends Pablo Rivero and Guido Tassi currently run this establishment, which was awarded a Michelin star and a Michelin Green star, and topped the 2024 Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list. It offers the highest‐quality beef, sourced from the same Argentine producers in Cañuelas as we do at my restaurant Andō (in Hong Kong). Make sure to try the beef empanada, among other local specialities, paired with the finest Argentine wines.
