Argentina celebrates its Independence Day on July 9. What better excuse to enjoy a bit of Argentina in Hong Kong.

It might be a good idea to make your dinner reservations early, as tables on this big celebration no doubt book up early. Here in Hong Kong, Comida Grill (G/F, 22 Staunton St, Soho, 2530 3118) are sure to get your mouth watering with their Argentinean steaks. A few doors up, La Pampa (G/F, 32 Staunton St, 2868 6959) offers a variety of Argentinean dishes, including steak, achuras (sausage) and for dessert, pancakes with the popular dulce du leche sauce (milk caramel). Of course, you can wash it all down with copious amounts of Argentinean red or white.

To take home, Watsons stocks a good wine selection from Mendoza and you can try before you buy at Watson’s Wine Bar (Shop 3, L/G F, Century Square, 1-13 D’Aguilar St, Central, 2537 6998).

All that steak leaves a lot of leftovers, so it’s not surprising Argentina is famed for the quality of its leatherware. For leather gifts and gloves, try the Sai Kai Leather Shop (G/F, 8, Changsa St, Mong Kok, 2385 1448) or if you want something a bit bigger, the Mee Tak Company Ltd (37-39 Jervois St, G/F & 1/F, Central, 2544 8877) make and import all types of leather furniture, including sofas.

Lastly, it would be impossible to mention Argentina without including its national dance, the tango. The Hong Kong Tango Academy (22/F, Great Smart Tower, 230 Wan Chai Rd, Wan Chai, 9486 4984) teaches the traditional Buenos Aires style. Beginners and their friends are invited to lessons every Friday and Saturday, making it a activity perfect for an Argentinian celebration.

Mel Coghlan

Rodrigo Fenosa
Manager, Piel del Toro (62 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai, 2528 0997, www.pieldetoro.com.hk)

Places to find people from Argentina in Hong Kong?
Even though there’s no real Argentine community in Hong Kong, there are some places where you can find us such as La Pampa steak house. And of course our bar, Piel de Toro, where you can enjoy drinks, listen to nice Hispanic music, and meet some Argentines as well.

Thing that feels most Argentine in Hong Kong?
I feel really Argentine drinking Mate (like a green tea, traditional in Argentina) and listening to Argentinean music at home.

Things you most miss from home?
One of the biggest differences between Argentina and Hong Kong is the space, the green grass. I miss my garden with my parrilla (BBQ grill) to cook lots of asados (Argentine BBQ) with family and friends.

What’s the best thing about Argentina?
In Argentina the best things are the amazing places you can visit; the food is excellent, wines are really good, and the music is very good. I think it’s even better when you listen and watch tango. Last but not least, the best thing about Argentina is the women, for sure!