Food Delivery Apps in Buenos Aires
As an expat in Buenos Aires, food delivery apps offer a convenient way to explore Argentina’s diverse culinary scene from the comfort of your home.
While the city is famous for its traditional asados and cozy neighborhood restaurants, delivery platforms have become increasingly popular, especially among the international community.
These services make it easy to order everything from local favorites like empanadas and milanesas to international cuisine, helping you navigate meal times as you settle into your new home.
What Expats Should Know About Food Delivery in Buenos Aires
Food delivery apps in Buenos Aires operate similarly to those in other major global cities, but with some local nuances.
Unlike in North America or Europe where tipping is often expected through apps, Argentinian delivery culture typically doesn’t include digital tipping (though small cash tips for timely deliveries are appreciated).
Many restaurants maintain traditional lunch and dinner service hours that align with local customs, so you won’t find 24/7 delivery options like in some other countries. Most apps offer both Spanish and English interfaces, but restaurant menus may only appear in Spanish, so having a basic food vocabulary will enhance your experience.
Practical Tips for Using Delivery Services
Palermo, Recoleta, and Puerto Madero generally have the most options and fastest service, while more residential areas might have limited selections.
Always check estimated delivery times carefully, as Buenos Aires traffic can significantly impact delivery windows. For the best experience, look for apps that clearly display:
- Restaurant ratings from other users
- Transparent delivery fees (which can sometimes exceed the food cost)
- Options to customize orders for dietary restrictions
- Real-time tracking features
Common mistakes expats make include not accounting for Argentina’s later dining hours (lunch typically 12:30-2 pm, dinner 8:30-11 pm) and overlooking that some traditional parrillas may not offer delivery at all.
Essential Spanish Vocabulary for Food Delivery
While many apps offer English interfaces, knowing basic food terms helps immensely:
- Delivery: Delivery (pronounced “”deh-lee-ver-ee””) or “envío a domicilio”
- Delivery fee: “”Cargo de envío”” or “”costo de delivery””
- Estimated time: “Tiempo estimado”
- Special requests: “”Pedidos especiales””
- Cash on delivery: “”Efectivo al recibir””
Having these terms handy will help when communicating directly with delivery personnel, who may not speak English.