SINGAPORE, Aug 11 ― In Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical on Argentina’s best loved First Lady, Evita, Eva Duarte sings: "I want to be a part of BA, Buenos Aires, Big Apple.”

That biography captures the excitement and romance of Argentina’s capital — a vibe that extends to its lively food scene. Here are some eateries that will leave you hungry for more.

Best steak of your life: Parilla Don Julio

Guatemala 4699, 1425 Buenos Aires

parrilladonjulio.com.ar

Argentinians only started delving into pork very recently, and seafood restaurants are rare, despite Argentina’s long coastline.

There’s only one thing the Argentinians know: Beef. And boy, do they know it well. Beef is the Argentine staple and is practically their exclusive source of protein.

Buenos Aires is full of parilla (the double Ls form a "j” sound) and asado joints. Parilla is the word for metal grill and grill restaurant in Argentina, while asado means barbecue and ribs.

Of all the city’s parilla and asado establishments, Don Julio is the pick of the bunch. Here, the tables aren’t covered with cloth but with cow leather. The attentive waiters will be happy to show you the grill and the cuts of meat available.

The most popular is the bife de chorizo, sirloin that releases beefy juices of satisfaction and happiness with every bite. Bife de chorizo is not to be confused with chorizo, a sausage, which is also a good choice.

The more adventurous can try offal like sweetbreads and kidneys, but do save room for the excellent desserts.

El Obrero is decked with foot-ball inspired furnishings and decorations.

Best lunch: El Obrero

Agustin Caffarena 64, La Boca

El Obrero means the labourer. This diner’s working-class environs are a little dodgy, so it’s best to go in broad daylight. Despite its humble surroundings, El Obrero has become like our own Founder Bak Kut Teh — a place where international celebrities come to have authentic local grub and take photos with the proprietors.

The decor is football-inspired. The owners are clearly fans of the Boca Juniors, whose stadium, La Bombonera, is just a stone’s throw away.

The specialty is — you guessed it — steak. You could try the other Argentine classic, milanesa napolitana, which is a veal or chicken steak covered with breadcrumbs, deep fried, and served with tomato sauce, ham and cheese. Ask for a caballo and you’ll get a runny, sunny-side-up egg on top.

Dine at Todo Mundo Club Resto Bar for some fun, festive action.

Best atmosphere: Todo Mundo Club Resto Bar

Anselmo Aieta 1095, San Telmo

todomundosantelmo.com.ar

Todo Mundo is on the corner of Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo, the oldest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, with crumbling colonial buildings and cobblestone streets.

Every Sunday evening, on festive occasions or whenever the locals feel like it, a milonga (spontaneous dance gathering) takes place in Plaza Dorrego. Even if you’re seated outside the restaurant, you’ll get a great view of young and old, and even pets, joining in the tango and salsa.

Drink enough Malbec and you may even bust some moves. There’s no snootiness and everyone is welcome to enjoy the party.

Todo Mundo has a stage indoors and frequently hosts live bands and dance performances. Of course, Todo Mundo would not make it onto this list if its steak wasn’t special, tender and tasty. It’s served with a large, white mound of glorious garlic aioli.

Be sure to try a glass of dama juana.

Best snack: Lo De Freddy aka Nuestro Parilla

Carlos Calvo 471, San Telmo

One patron described this place as a meat cave and I can think of no better epithet. It’s a hole-in-the-wall eatery on the side of Mercado de San Telmo (San Telmo Market). Its owner, Freddy, holds court with his buddies and employees, a seemingly interchangeable bunch. You’ll recognise Freddy by his rat tail.

The place smells of hot fat and machismo. There is often a queue for the signature choripan (sausage on bread). There is also morcilla (blood sausage) and other meats on offer.

There are tubs of red salsa and chimichurri that you can help yourself to with a generous hand. Chimichurri is a mixture of oil, herbs and spices. Every restaurant and family has its own secret chimichurri recipe, so I can’t tell you precisely what’s in there. But Freddy does not stinge on the garlic.

Complete your meal with a glass of dama juana (fat lady) wine — the huge bottle on the counter. It may be the heaviest tipple you’ll ever sample. ― TODAY