<P> Another feature of Argentine cuisine is the preparation of homemade food such as french fries, patties, and pasta to celebrate a special occasion, to meet friends, or to honor someone . The tradition of locally preparing food is passed down from generation to generation, and homemade food is also seen as a way to show affection . </P> <P> Argentine restaurants include a great variety of cuisines, prices, and flavors . Large cities tend to host everything from high - end international cuisine, to bodegones (inexpensive traditional hidden taverns), less stylish restaurants, and bars and canteens offering a range of dishes at affordable prices . </P> <P> Native Americans lived in Argentina thousands of years before the European explorers arrived . Members of an Indian tribe in the southern part of Argentina were farmers who grew squash, melons, and sweet potatoes . Spanish settlers came to Argentina in 1536 . Between 1853 and 1955, 6.6 million immigrants came to live in Argentina from diverse sources such as Europe, the Near and Middle East, Russia and Japan, contributing to the development of Argentine cuisine and making Argentina the second country with most immigrants only second to the United States . Most of the immigrants were from Italy and Spain . The Italians introduced pizza, as well as a variety of pasta dishes, including spaghetti and lasagna . British, German, Jewish, and other immigrants also settled in Argentina, all bringing their styles of cooking and favorite foods with them . The British brought tea, starting the tradition of teatime . All of these cultures influenced the dishes of Argentina . </P> <P> Most regions of Argentina are known for their beef - oriented diet . The Spanish term, "Carne", which means meat, is assumed to be beef in Argentina . In other Spanish - speaking countries--such as Spain--the term is usually qualified with the type of animal, such as "carne de vaca" (beef), "carne de cordero" (lamb), etc . </P>

What kind of food is eaten in argentina