VivePatagonia
Food and drink

Cordero al palo: spit-roasted lamb

The dish that defines Patagonia: hours over a slow fire and nothing but salt.

The lamb is opened flat in a cross on an iron stake, planted at an angle beside the fire, and turned every so often for three or four hours. No rub, no marinade: the meat here doesn’t need it.

You’ll find it at estancias (ranches), at traditional country festivals, and in several restaurants across the six cities. In high season it’s best to ask ahead, because it’s made to order.

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