More than a meal, the empanada: identity and a bridge to the world.

Few things represent Tucumán with such strength and flavor as the empanada. With its irresistible aroma, unmistakable texture, and juicy filling that speaks of inherited recipes, the empanada from Tucumán is not just a traditional dish: it's an emblem of our identity. Present at every party, festival, or family gathering, it has earned its place on the table and in the hearts of Tucumán residents, becoming a living expression of our popular culture.

Although its current version bears a distinctly Tucumán stamp, the empanada's history is long and well-traveled. Its origin dates back to the Middle Ages, when the Arabs brought a similar preparation, known as sfijas or fatay, to the Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish adapted it, shaping it into a filled pastry (that famous "Galician empanada"), and with the conquest, this tradition crossed the ocean and settled in the Americas. In Argentina, the different provinces adopted and transformed the empanada, acquiring unique characteristics in each location. In Tucumán, the knife-cut meat filling, with onion, hard-boiled egg, and just the proper seasoning, baked in a clay oven, is today a symbol that sets itself apart and inspires pride.

But how did the empanada become a symbol of Tucumán? The journey was slow but steady. Throughout the 20th century, regional cuisine began to be revalued as part of the region's intangible cultural heritage. In this context, the empanada emerged as a protagonist, thanks to the role of traditional cooks who passed the recipe down from generation to generation. Over time, contests, festivals, and even Guinness World Records positioned it as much more than a food: the Tucumán empanada became a sentimental heritage. Today, it has its festival: the National Empanada Festival, which has attracted thousands of visitors since 1979.

This is highlighted by Cristina Rojas Lazarte, 2008 National Empanada Champion and a leading figure in the field of this cuisine. “I value all of Argentina's empanadas; to me, they're all delicious. But those from Tucumán have something very special; they're recognized throughout the country,” she notes. She inherited her craft from her mother: “I learned as a child, because empanadas were sold in my house. My mother made them and taught us, because in Famaillá (where she's from), the empanada is a cultural symbol and a way for many families to have work,” she explains.

From Famaillá to the world. In an increasingly globalized context, the empanada has also traveled. For years, Tucumán cooks living in other provinces or countries have offered them at fairs, events, or gastronomic venues, allowing that signature flavor to cross borders. That's why every April 8th is celebrated as International Empanada Day, to recognize the value of this food to our culture and its impact on the world.

One of the greatest promoters of this dish is Cristina, who settled in Buenos Aires, although, she warns, “I come and go because I never leave my Tucumán.” Living in the big city brings her into daily contact with tourists from all over the world. “When they try them for the first time, their faces are filled with happiness and laughter. Just by their expression, you can tell they liked them, and they come back to ask for another, and another,” she says. “What moves me most is when they tell me our empanadas are the best and that they are truly delicious,” she says. “That's why I feel that I represent Tucumán through my work when I teach people how to make empanadas. I see how people pay attention, ask me questions… and I feel that there are many Tucumán residents behind me who make their living from empanadas. It's an honor to represent the province in this way.”

Today, the Tucumán empanada continues to make its mark, not only in family kitchens or at popular festivals, but also in the hands of those like Cristina, who proudly bring it to other corners of the country and the world. In every bite, there is a tradition that lives on and a culture that, far from fading, is savored more strongly than ever.