What is dulce de leche? Best dulce de leche in Buenos Aires

/ Buenos Aires, Culture

Visitors in Argentina always try foods with this delicious product but, what is it? In this article, I’ll share all the information you need to know about dulce de leche. 

What is Dulce de Leche? 

Dulce de leche is a type of toffee or caramel, used in baking. The original recipe is milk and sugar. In Argentina, you’ll find it in products like facturas, alfajores, desserts and ice cream. 

For some foreigners, it might taste really sweet because of its high amount of sugar. However, nowadays you can buy healthier options in supermarkets and health shops called ‘dietéticas’. 

What is the origin of dulce de leche? 

The origin of dulce de leche has been claimed by many countries. In Argentina, the origin is marked on 24th June 1829. 

There are also many myths around its creation. There are records of this product in letters dating 1814. There are also versions that Bonaparte’s cook was boiling milk and sugar and got distracted, which gave birth to dulce de leche in France. 

Others state that dulce de leche came from Indonesia and was then taken to the Filipinas around VI. When they were under Spanish rule, around XVI, this product was exported to America, mainly to Mexico. Once there, it started to expand to the rest of the continent. 

That’s the reason it has several names, have a look at the list below: 

  • Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay, Puerto Rico and Ecuador: dulce de leche
  • Colombia, Venezuela and Guatemala: arequipe 
  • Chile: manjar 
  • Perú: manjar blanco 
  • Mexico: cajeta 
  • Cuba: fanguito 

What is the difference between caramel, butterscotch, condensed milk and dulce de leche?

The difference between caramel and dulce de leche is that caramel is made with sugar and water, no milk! Caramel is darker in color and if you let it dry it gets hard. Butterscotch is made with brown sugar and butter, it’s sweeter than caramel.

As I mentioned above, dulce de leche is made with sugar and milk, its consistency is lighter, and you can spread it on cakes, bread, pancakes, or just eat it with a spoon! 😋

If you heat up condensed milk for a  few hours you get dulce de leche. But the condensed milk bought in the supermarket is not the same as dulce de leche.  

What do you eat dulce de leche with?

Dulce de leche can be found in many pastries like facturas and churros, cakes, cupcakes, and desserts. It’s also used in alfajores, candies, mousse, chocolate and it’s a popular ice cream flavor. 

You can also spread it on pancakes, bread, and toast. Nowadays, you can even find it in coffee! 

Because of its sweetness, it goes very well with tea or black coffee (no sugar!). Check out Havanna stores and have an alfajor or any treat with a lovely coffee! 

What is the best brand of dulce de leche?

In Argentina, there are over 50 brands of dulce de leche, you can find many in the supermarkets and stores around the city. It’s perfect for a sweet souvenir! 

Nowadays, dulce de leche is made not only with cow milk but goat and sheep too. There are also vegan, organic, and suitable for celiac options.

Popular brands: 

  • Campo Quijaño: from Salta province, it won best dulce de leche six years in a row. 
  • Cabaña San Marcos: goat dulce de leche 
  • Chimbote: originally from Mar de Plata
  • Mi Nona: this dulce de leche is also exported to Europe 

‘Dulce de leche repostero’ is a specific type that is used for baking, with a harder consistency it’s ideal for making desserts and cooking. 

Why is dulce de leche so popular in Argentina?

Dulce de leche is so popular in Argentina because it is used for many traditional Argentine recipes, especially alfajores, Argentina’s most famous and traditional sweet. 

Every 11 October ‘Día del dulce de leche’ is celebrated in Argentina since that day it was named ‘Gastronomic and food cultural Heritage’. 

It’s also estimated that in Argentina 3 kg are consumed per person every year, and over 128,000 tons are produced per year of which 90% is for local consumption and the rest 10% for export. 

Where can I find the best dulce de leche in Buenos Aires, Argentina?

There are many specialized shops that sell dulce de leche and products with this sweet delicacy. Here, there are two stores where you can buy dulce de leche and also taste it!  

Dulce de leche and Co (Palermo): Here you’ll find brands from different regions in the country. 

La Vaca Lechera (San Telmo): This store is located in the heart of San Telmo. Here there are around 20 different brands. 

I hope this gives you all the information you might need about Dulce de Leche in Argentina.

Have a look at these posts about food in Buenos Aires! 🧉