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4 Worst Rated Argentinian Pastries

Last updated on June 16, 2026
01

Sacramentos

3.3 ·

Sacramentos is a type of Argentine factura or pastry that is similar to medialunas but usually shorter in size and without the distinctive crescent shape. These soft rolls can be made plain or with sweet or savory fillings such as quince paste (dulce de membrillo), sweet potato jam (dulce de batata), melted chocolate, or ham and cheese. Another difference between sacramentos and medialunas is that the first have their corners closed inwards before rolling, whereas the latter have open corners. The pastry’s name means sacraments, and it is one of many traditional Argentine pastries which were given blasphemous and anti-state names by anti-clergy anarchists who wanted to oppose the church, the state, and the police. Argentinians usually enjoy them for breakfast with a cup of coffee, or as an afternoon snack accompanied by yerba mate, a traditional Argentinian herbal tea. Sacramentos are commonly prepared at home, and they are also available in traditional Argentinian bakeries called panaderias.

02

Bolas de fraile

3.5 ·

Bolas de fraile is the Argentine and Uruguayan version of a doughnut. It is made without a hole in the center, and the doughnut is usually filled with dulce de leche, then dusted with powdered sugar. It is believed that bolas de fraile is derived from a popular Germany pastry called Berliner Pfannkuchen. The name of these tasty doughnuts means balls of weakness, and it is said that the name was invented by anti-clergy anarchists who wanted to oppose a harsh regime that was imposed by the Catholic church.

03

Empanada Catamarqueña

3.5 ·

Hailing from Argentina, empanada catamarqueña is an empanada variety characterized by its garlicky kick. The empanadas are typically made with beef or goat meat, onions, and garlic. Raisins and green olives are also often included in these empanadas for extra flavor and texture. Baked until golden brown, these flavorful parcels are best when served with local beverages.

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04

Arabian Empanadas

3.6 ·

Arabian empanadas are pretty different from traditional Argentine empanadas. They are shaped into a triangle, and a portion of the filling remains visible in the center of the empanada. The filling consists of ground beef or lamb, chopped red and green peppers, green onions, and tomatoes. It is typically flavored with oregano, chili powder, paprika, and black pepper. Interestingly, many people like to squeeze a bit of lemon juice in the center for an extra zing. As the name suggests, these empanadas are a result of Arabian influence, i.e., Arab immigrants moving to South America. They are said to originate from the Córdoba Province, although they are present in the entire country.

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About this ranking

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “4 Worst Rated Argentinian Pastries” list until June 16, 2026, 944 ratings were recorded, of which 682 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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