Christchurch has a strong barbecue culture.
From backyard grills to restaurant kitchens across the city, locals love food cooked over fire. The smell of smoke, the sound of sizzling meat, and the joy of sharing a table are all part of the experience.
Around the world, barbecue takes many forms.
In Argentina, that tradition is called asado.
It is slower. More social. Built around the fire.
At El Quincho, inside Riverside Market, our parrilla crew shares this Argentinian approach to BBQ with the food lovers of Christchurch.
If you are exploring BBQ in Christchurch, here is a look at the Argentinian style.
In Argentina, barbecue is more than cooking.
It is a gathering.
The fire is prepared slowly. The grill fills with different cuts of meat. Friends arrive early and stay late.
There is no rush.
The focus is simple:
good meat, good fire, good company.
Different cuts cook across the grill at their own pace. Sausages might come first. Then ribs. Then steak.
Food arrives in stages, shared between everyone at the table.
As we often say in the kitchen:
“The fire brings people together.”
This spirit is what guides the grill at El Quincho every day.
Argentinian cooking celebrates simplicity. High-quality ingredients, cooked carefully over flame.
Here are a few classics you will often find coming off the grill.
One of Argentina’s most loved street foods.
A grilled chorizo sausage served in fresh bread and topped with chimichurri.
Simple, smoky, and deeply satisfying.
Argentina is famous for its beef.
Cuts are seasoned simply with salt and grilled slowly over fire. The outside develops a beautiful crust while the inside remains tender and juicy.
Golden pastry pockets filled with savoury ingredients such as beef and onion.
They are a traditional starter and a comforting favourite across Argentina.
A thick slice of provolone cheese grilled until bubbling and slightly crisp.
Rich, smoky, and perfect alongside barbecue.
Argentinian BBQ keeps seasoning simple, but a few classic sauces add brightness to the plate.
Argentina’s most famous sauce.
Made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and chilli flakes, chimichurri adds freshness and balance to grilled meats.
A vibrant mix of tomatoes, onion, peppers, oil, and vinegar.
It brings colour and lightness to smoky barbecue dishes.
Right in the heart of Christchurch, Riverside Market has become one of the city’s favourite places to explore food.
Inside the market, El Quincho focuses on one thing: authentic Argentinian BBQ.
The grill burns daily. The aroma of fire and steak fills the market hall.
Here, the experience is simple.
Food cooked over flame.
Plates meant to be shared.
A small taste of Argentina in Christchurch.
Visitors often discover Argentinian BBQ for the first time here.
Locals return when the craving for smoke and steak calls again.
If you are curious about Argentinian food, the best way to understand it is simple.
Sit down.
Order something from the grill.
Share the table.
Visit El Quincho at Riverside Market in Christchurch and experience authentic Argentinian BBQ cooked over fire.
Full belly. Happy heart.
Where can I find Argentinian BBQ in Christchurch?
You can experience authentic Argentinian BBQ at El Quincho inside Riverside Market in Christchurch.
What is Argentinian BBQ called?
Argentinian barbecue is called asado, a tradition of cooking meat slowly over charcoal or wood.
What sauce is served with Argentinian BBQ?
The most famous sauce is chimichurri, made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar.
Where is Riverside Market in Christchurch?
Riverside Market is a popular food hall located in the Christchurch CBD with a variety of restaurants and food vendors.
