In Argentina, mate transcends the culinary, embodying ritual, connection, and cultural heritage. This ancient infusion unites generations, transforming simple moments into shared traditions. Whether in the bustling streets of Buenos Aires or the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, its presence symbolises hospitality and identity. This article unveils the secrets of Argentinian mate: from the perfect preparation to the best places to acquire artisanal items in the capital. Discover why this drink is the liquid heart of a passionate nation.
Argentine Mate. Photo: © Gabriela Bertolini/Shutterstock.
Argentine mate is much more than a beverage: it is a ritual, a social act, and a tradition that spans the entire country. From the streets of Buenos Aires to the Patagonian estancias, mate is the constant companion of Argentinians.
In this article, we will explore the culture of mate in Argentina, its health benefits, how to prepare it correctly, and the top eight places to acquire the most authentic utensils in Buenos Aires.
History and Significance of the Mate in Argentina
The roots of mate trace back to the Guarani people, who consumed it for its energising properties. Over time, it became a symbol of gaucho culture, and today it is a tradition shared throughout the country.
In Argentina, mate is enjoyed with family, friends, or even in solitude. It is a gesture of hospitality and unity, where the circle of mate fosters bonds and unforgettable moments.
Benefits of Argentine Mate
- Stimulates the mind: Thanks to mateine, similar to caffeine.
- Rich in antioxidants, it helps combat cellular ageing.
- Improves digestion: Acts as a natural diuretic.
- Fosters socialisation: Shared in groups, creating connections.
How to Prepare the Perfect Argentine Mate
- Choose the yerba mate: Popular brands include Taragüi, Rosamonte, and Playadito.
- Heat the water: The Ideal temperature is between 70°C and 80°C (never boiling).
- Fill the mate: To about ¾ full, shake it to create a “hollow” for the first pour of warm water.
- Insert the bombilla: Serve (or “cebar”) with hot water and enjoy.
Types of Mate in Argentina
- Bitter Mate: The classic, without sugar.
- Sweet Mate: With sugar or sweetener.
- Herbal Mate: Mixed with mint, lemon verbena, or boldo.
- Cooked Mate: A filtered version, perfect as a tea.
Where to Buy Mates in Buenos Aires
Regionales Arg
In the traditional neighbourhood of San Cristóbal, Regionales Arg is a true treasure for those seeking mates with Argentine identity. Established in 1987, this shop specialises in artisanal mate items from across the country, offering a carefully curated selection that represents Argentina’s diverse regions.
What sets Regionales Arg apart is its collection of regional mates, featuring Salteño mates made from embossed alpaca, Patagonian models carved from lenga roots, and classic leather porteños with filigree. Their impressive selection of bombillas includes pieces made from silver, alpaca, and bronze sourced from the nation’s leading artisan centres.
The store, styled like an old pulpería, features a “Provinces Corner” showcasing typical mates from each region along with information on their crafting techniques. They offer personalised engraving services and wrap each purchase in burlap packaging adorned with rural motifs.
Larrea 386, Recoleta
Mates Imperiales
Mates Imperiales elevates the tradition of mate to works of art with its collection of imperial mates made from glass and silver. Located in a modern loft in Palermo Hollywood, this boutique workshop specialises in unique pieces where cutting-edge design meets ancient techniques.
Their star creations include mirrored mates with laser engravings of Patagonian constellations, 925 silver bombillas with onyx stone filters, and premium sets presented in vegan leather cases.
What makes this space unique is its visible workshop, where visitors can observe the artisanal processes of silver plating and glass blowing. They offer personalisation services with engravings of initials or special geographic coordinates. Their “Alchemy” line merges native minerals like rhodochrosite and quartz in mate bases to create energetically charged pieces.
The exclusive experience includes tastings of yerbas in cut glass cups to fully appreciate the aromas like a sommelier.
San Pedro 7152 Dpto 4, Mataderos
El Viejo Almacén del Mate
In the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, this colonial façade shop houses treasures of mate tradition. El Viejo Almacén del Mate resembles a living museum: its walls showcase antique mates, including silver ones from the 19th century, alongside contemporary creations from rural artisans.
Specialising in mates made from cowhorn and natural porongo, they also offer alpaca bombillas with “star” filters, an exclusive design to avoid sediment.
What makes it unique is its “Gaucho Corner,” featuring complete kits in beautifully carved wooden boxes that include bronze kettles and field yerbas. The owner, Don Julio, often shares anecdotes about mate and folklore while serving tastings.
Defensa 963, San Telmo
TodoMates
In the heart of Palermo Soho, TodoMates has established itself as the ultimate destination for mate enthusiasts seeking variety and authenticity. With over 15 years of experience, this speciality shop offers the most comprehensive selection of traditional and modern mates in Buenos Aires.
Their two-story showroom meticulously organises over 500 different models: from classic mates made from naturally cured calabash to innovative designs in ceramic glaze featuring urban motifs. The bombilla section stands out with options ranging from simple alpaca models to artistic bombillas featuring carvings inspired by Guarani culture.
What makes TodoMates unique is its “Knowledge Corner,” an interactive area where visitors can learn about the history of the mate, as well as on-site personalised engraving services. They have a Cebadores Club offering exclusive discounts for members and a sustainable line of biodegradable mates and eco-friendly accessories.
Their knowledgeable staff provides expert advice on selecting the perfect mate for personal, family, or corporate gifting. They also organise monthly “Perfect Cebado” workshops and comparative tastings of premium yerbas.
Thames 1861, Palermo Soho
Matucha
In the authentic neighbourhood of Almagro, Matucha reinvents mate culture with a youthful and relaxed vibe. This concept store blends tradition with urban design through its stainless steel and glazed ceramic mates, perfect for modern life.
Their “Anti-Spill” collection includes mates with a perfect sealing system for on-the-go enjoyment, while the “Matuchef” line offers special kits for gourmet cooked mate with exclusive spices and blends. They host creative workshops ranging from mate decoration to mixology with aromatic herbs.
Their “MateBox” is the star product: themed boxes that contain everything needed (mate, bombilla, yerba, and accessories) in designs such as “Office” for the workplace or “Travel” with a compact thermos. The store boasts a modern atmosphere with murals by urban artists and a “Cebado Station” to sample different yerbas before purchasing.
Primera Junta 3077, Flores
Mundo Set Matero
In the Caballito neighbourhood, Mundo Set Matero has become a paradise for collectors and lovers of premium mate. This speciality shop offers an exquisite curation of the best mate items in the country, turning every visit into a journey through Argentinian traditions. Their high-end complete sets with coordinated mates, thermoses, and bombillas are perfect for special gifts.
The “Argentinian Artisans” collection features unique pieces signed by master mate artisans, while the “Premium” line includes selected porongo mates with over 10 years of curing. Their “Connoisseur Corner” offers guided tastings of special yerbas, maintenance and curing workshops, and personalised engraving services with laser technology. Among their standout products are premium trucker mates with alpaca rings, silver mate straws with exclusive designs, and thermoses wrapped in leather with a lifetime guarantee.
TodoMates Palermo
In the heart of Palermo, TodoMates Palermo has solidified its place as the most comprehensive showroom for experiencing mate culture in the capital. With a 300m² space spread over two levels, this concept store reimagines tradition with a contemporary touch.
Their Artisan Gallery features a rotating exhibition showcasing works from 50 mate artists across the country, while the “Argentinian Designers” line presents exclusive collaborations with national design studios. The Experimental Cebado Station allows visitors to try innovative techniques with flavoured yerbas.
Among their highlighted collections are “Pure Leather” with mates covered in cow leather and customizable engravings, the “Essence” line with recycled materials and eco-friendly packaging, and “Classics Renewed” showcasing modern reinterpretations of traditional designs.
They offer premium services such as Saturday workshops on “Art and Mate” with guest artists, advice from yerba mate sommeliers, and a membership system with exclusive benefits.
Costa Rica 4688, Palermo Soho
Mateando Arg
Situated in the vibrant Belgrano neighbourhood, Mateando Arg has become the epicentre of modern mate culture. This three-storey space combines a showroom, thematic café, and artisanal workshop, offering an immersive experience in the world of mate. Their “Roots” collection features mates made from noble woods like lapacho and quebracho, certified sustainable, while the “Vanguard” line offers designs in surgical steel and borosilicate glass.
The “Living Tradition” collection includes unique pieces from rural artisans with documentation of origin.
Among their innovations are the “Mate Lab,” an interactive station for creating your custom yerba blend, the “Mate ID” system for the digital registration of the authenticity of premium pieces, and the “Nomad” line with complete kits in thermal backpacks. They provide unique services such as weekend “Matero Art” workshops, rental of premium sets for events, and a monthly subscription for artisanal yerbas.
Costa Rica 5651, Palermo Hollywood
Argentine Mate, a Hug in Every Sip
Argentine mate is not just an infusion: it is a ritual that weaves stories, unites generations, and transforms simple encounters into memorable moments. From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the mountainous landscapes of Córdoba, its presence is a symbol of identity, warmth, and belonging. Each mate carries with it the legacy of gauchos, the creativity of urban artisans, and the passion of those who share it.
Whether bitter or sweet, in a classic porongo or a cutting-edge design, what truly matters is the invisible embrace created by passing it from hand to hand. Tasting mate in Argentina is to connect with its essence: hospitable, authentic, and full of life. If you visit the country, allow yourself to be captivated by this tradition that, more than a beverage, is the soul of a nation in every sip.
Find where to buy the best mates in Buenos Aires on the map