I heard this sentence at a minimum of 10 years ago, but it still has the same ring to it. Mr. Anthony Bourdain was visiting MVD; he actually had family roots here. In his special, honest, unfiltered, unjaded way here it is. "Montevideo is like BA...without the LA."
*BA = Buenos Aires / LA = if you don't know this then...haha
Before we go into what to eat here, don't miss an asado. Yes, get them at restaurants and outside activities, but meeting locals and having them at someone's house in the backyard is an experience you need to have...and a great insight into the life and minds of the Uruguayans. But I digress...
Uruguay is known for its delicious cuisine, with a mix of Spanish, Italian, and indigenous influences. Here are some traditional foods you should try when visiting Uruguay:
Asado: Uruguayans love their barbeque, and asado (grilled meat) is a staple dish. You can try beef, pork, chicken, and lamb, all grilled to perfection.
Chivito: This is Uruguay's national dish, a sandwich filled with beef, ham, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. It's hearty and delicious.
Milanesa: Similar to a schnitzel, milanesa is a breaded and fried meat cutlet that is served with potatoes or salad.
Empanadas: These are savory pastry pockets filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. They are perfect for a snack or a quick lunch.
Uruguayan pizza: Uruguay has its take on pizza, with a thicker crust and lots of cheese. Try it with ham, mushrooms, and olives.
Dulce de Leche: This caramel-like spread is used in many Uruguayan desserts. You can find it on toast, as a filling for pancakes or croissants, or even on ice cream.
Tannat wine: Uruguay is known for its delicious red wines, especially Tannat, which is the country's flagship grape variety.
Enjoy your culinary journey through Uruguay!
Maps are so confusing, well maybe just to me. I feel like USA is HUGE, for example. I lived in Australia before, and realized only there that Australia and the US are basically the same size. Or that the US is over TWICE the size of Western Europe with all of those countries. Then enter Uruguay....
Uruguay has a total area of approximately 68,000 square miles (176,000 square kilometers), which is a bit smaller than the size of the US state of Missouri (180,000 square kilometers or 70,000 square miles).
To put it in perspective, the United States is more than 55 times larger than Uruguay in terms of land area. Uruguay is a nice LITTLE country tucked in between some much bigger neighbors for sure.
Uruguay is sometimes referred to as the "Switzerland of South America" due to its political stability, strong economy, and reputation as a safe and neutral country.
Uruguay has a long history of democracy and political stability, which has earned it a reputation as one of the most politically stable countries in the region. It is also known for its strong economy, which has been growing steadily over the past decade, and its advanced social welfare programs, which are among the most comprehensive in the region.
In addition, Uruguay has a reputation for being a safe and neutral country, much like Switzerland. It is not involved in any conflicts, and it has a long tradition of welcoming refugees and immigrants from around the world. This, combined with its strong economy and political stability, has made Uruguay an attractive destination for investors, tourists, and those seeking a peaceful and stable country to live in.
Well, in no long winded way, here you go! Oh, and if you have something to add, let's hear it:
Beautiful beaches: Uruguay is home to many stunning beaches, including Punta del Este and La Paloma, where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Rich culture: Uruguay has a diverse and fascinating culture that reflects its European, African, and indigenous roots.
World-renowned wine: Uruguay is famous for its Tannat wine, which is considered some of the best in the world.
Delicious food: Uruguayan cuisine is a fusion of European and South American flavors, with dishes like chivito, asado, and empanadas.
Charming towns and cities: Uruguay's towns and cities are full of colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and friendly locals.
Music and dance: Uruguay is home to many different music and dance styles, including candombe, tango, and milonga.
Natural beauty: Uruguay is a small country with a diverse landscape, including beaches, forests, and wetlands.
Sports: Uruguay is a soccer-crazy nation, and you can catch a game at one of the many stadiums throughout the country.
Nightlife: Uruguay's cities come alive at night, with bars, clubs, and live music venues offering entertainment until the early hours of the morning.
Safety: Uruguay is one of the safest countries in South America, with a low crime rate and friendly, welcoming people.
Basically due to the country's Atlantic coastal set up and the adequate temperatures coupled with rainfall levels, it is often compared to that of France's Bordeaux region. This has allowed wine production with a well balanced levels of acidity and alcohol. So you don't have to travel all the way over the Atlantic any longer for some solid wine experiences!
But where to go exactly? And what wines to try? Beyond saying as many as possible, the following places are known here in Uruguay as the best spots to go on your wine adventures: Canelones, Durazno, and Mandolado.
For more information on exact tours and even more places to visit, the best website full of information is HERE.
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