If you're visiting Argentina, drinking Yerba Mate is a must!
What is mate?
Mate (pronounced 'mah-tay') is a traditional infusion consumed in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil. It's made by steeping dried yerba mate leaves in hot water and drinking through a metal straw called "bombilla".
The most typical way of preparing mate consists of filling a gourd with yerba mate leaves, adding hot water (not boiling — 70-80°C / 160-180°F), and sipping through the bombilla. The mate is refilled with hot water several times — this action is known as "cebar". One serving of yerba can last many refills before losing its flavor.
Experience mate in Buenos Aires
If you want to experience the real feel of being a "porteño" (Buenos Aires local), don't miss drinking mate. It's an acquired taste — bitter and earthy — but once you get used to it, you'll be hooked. Many tourists end up bringing mate sets home as souvenirs!
Sharing mate
What makes mate unique is that it's meant to be shared. A group of people drink from the same gourd and bombilla, passing it around in a circle. The person preparing and serving the mate is called the "cebador".
Sharing mate is a deep social tradition — it represents friendship, trust and belonging. It's a core part of Argentine and Uruguayan identity.
You can drink mate anywhere: at home, at the office, in the park, while traveling. Many Argentinians drink mate for breakfast and as an afternoon drink instead of coffee or tea.
Our aim at el-mate.com is to provide a quick guide for first time tourists or anyone who wants to understand and experience this wonderful drink: el mate.
