Barrio Chino, Buenos Aires: A Culinary Mecca

Despite the fact that Barrio Chino, or China Town, takes up only 2 blocks in the Belgrano neighborhood of Buenos Aires, it still remains a favorite destination in the city.  It’s basically my version of Disney World, where you can find anything from tofu to hot chili peppers to lemongrass to sriracha to many more delectable (and not so delectable) goodies.  In honor of the year of the rabbit and the Chinese New Year festivities, here are some of my favorite things about the happiest place on earth.

The Grocery Stores

Asia Oriental – Mendoza 1661

Upon entering, your nose may get overwhelmed by the toxic fish stench, but the quantity of imported products, exotic vegetables and small made-to-order counter makes the stank quickly dissipate. Probably the largest supermarket in the area, you can buy Asian-inspired kitchen-ware and appliances, choose from a wide selection of fish and seafood, and stock up on imported sauces and spices.

Casa China – Arribeños 2173

Casa China is the go-to place to get beans, grains, dried fruits and vegetables, and nuts.  A whole portion of the store features dried products (selection of rice and beans) in big tubs where customers can shovel the quantity they desire into bags.  Another section is dedicated to cookies and nuts – so if you are a mani japonés fanatic like I am, Casa China boasts over 10 different flavors.

Supermercados Ichiban and Casa China II – Arribeños 2233 and 2257

You will find very similar products / layouts at both of these supermarkets on the same block in Barrio Chino.  Fresh fish and seafood, grains, wonderful vegetables, imported Mexican goods, soy-based sauces, spice-based sauces and aisles of mystery bottles labeled in Chinese, Japanese and Korean characters. Don’t forget to study the refrigerated sections and take home a package of pre-made dumplings, fried tofu or pre-made dough perfect for any dumpling party. It’s also been known to carry okra and edamame, both rare commodities in the Buenos Aires food community. This is where many Buenos Aires chefs get their produce.

Tina & Co

Tina & Co is the fanciest supermarket in Barrio Chino with the most imported products. The multi-story market is equipped with teas, coffee, cheeses, beers, alcohol, household items, candy, and even a food court that probably isn’t very good.

The Restaurants

Hong Kong Style – Montañeses 2149

Hands down the best Chinese restaurant in Buenos Aires, it’s hard to take a trip to the area without stopping by Hong Kong Style.  The only restaurant in the city to serve dim sum (it’s actually called “tim sum”), HKS has a separate menu featuring about 6 <fairly pricey> dim sum plates.  Order steamed dumplings, kung pao chicken and shrimp fried noodles.  Just don’t go hungry because the kitchen can be slow.

CHINA WORK EXPRESS – Mendoza 1663When the Asia Oriental food bar is too busy or unexplainably closed, this small spot on Mendoza makes for the ideal pit stop to recharge energy during any Barrio Chino run. A colorful display of unknown small plates, each 60 pesos each, sit on a steamer in the window just waiting to be devoured. The trick here is arriving when the dishes are freshly made. And it’s China Work, not Wok.

Restaurante Mian – Mendoza 1725

This tiny spice next to the train tracks specializes in noodle soups and dumplings. (Photo: Herbert)

BBQ Town – Juramento 1656

No need to risk a mugging opportunity in Bajo Flores aka Korea Town, because now BBQ Town has opened up right in Barrio Chino.  Fantastic spread of Korean delights, not only do you get a wide variety of traditional favorites, but it’s also pretty inexpensive too.

Asia Oriental Food Counter – Mendoza 1661 – CLOSED

A simple, affordable, no frills food counter in the middle of a busy Asian supermarket? Sounds like an ideal spot for a Chinese meal to me! There are no menus, just a list of items clearly displayed above the counter in Spanish and Chinese. Everything is fresh and made-to-order, like sesame peanut noodles, dumpling soup or stir fried vegetables. Hop on a stool and do your best to speak up loudly to get the cashier’s attention, and hope he understood your order correctly.

The Street Food

Barrio Chino doesn’t have a prosperous street food culture, but the fried gods are increasing in popularity and more places are starting to open up shop: Sogo grocery store, Casa China and a tiny cart next to Asia Oriental sells crowd favorites like spring rolls, chinese chorizo, pork buns and bubble tea with tapioca pearls.  A few kiosko-like windows are also popping up – one right next to Asia Oriental and another across from Casa China on Arribeños.

Comments