El Quincho

For a taste of Argentina head to El Quincho at Riverside Market in the Christchurch CBD. As soon as you step inside you’ll notice the open kitchen and its impressive wood fired grill where most of the menu is prepared. ‘El Quincho’ refers to an exterior grilling area found in most Argentinian homes.

Outfitted with a big table and plenty of chairs it’s a place to prepare and share traditional grilled fare (known as Asado) with friends and family. The quincho is an important part of Argentine culture and owners, Samuel and Gina, have brought this to our city in a way that is equal parts delicious and authentic.

Using Manuka and Beech coals the team fires up the grill seven days a week to bring diners juicy, smokey and intensely flavourful dishes. One of the most popular, ‘Parrillada’, is the best way to sample a bit of everything. This one of a kind platter for two features chargrilled chicken, beef rump cap, housemade chorizo, crispy pork belly, grilled house made bread and an assembly of sauces like chimichurri, aioli, criolla, and red hot wine. This hefty plate is a comprehensive study of tender meats and bold tastes.
If you’re after something fast head to the menu’s ‘Quickest’ section where an array of burgers can be found.

The ‘Choripan’ is made with Argentine style homemade chorizo, lettuce, tomato, grilled capsicum, red onion, aioli and criolla sauce atop a soft burger bun. The chicken burger wows with chargrilled chicken thighs, lettuce, tomato, aioli and minty ilawja sauce. The pork burger is constructed with slow grilled pork belly, lettuce, coleslaw with mustard dressing and chargrilled apple puree. These aren’t your average burgers and make for a filling, nutritious meal any day of the week.

It’s not just the charcoal grill, however, that lends El Quincho’s dishes their tasty qualities. All of the meats are sourced locally from within Canterbury and every sauce is homemade with fresh herbs and spices. Each one offers punchy notes and the right amount of acidity to compliment the meats’ rich profiles. The criolla sauce, for example, consists of lemon juice, oil, garlic, oregano, parsley, capsicum, onion, and a secret mix of spices.

Samuel and Gina, originally from Córdoba, Argentina are lifelong foodies and it shows in their restaurant’s dishes, service and fit out. Their team is knowledgeable, swift and friendly and the fit out allows visitors to be both a part of and slightly removed from Riverside’s hustle and bustle. The bright interior houses six tables and bar seating with excellent views of the grill. Enter the restaurant from Riverside’s Durham Street side but feel free to enjoy your meal in the larger market if you wish.