A sweet temptation to be enjoyed in Uruguay: alfajor (pastry)
Uruguayan alfajores are the perfect combination for the palate of young and old. This candy has as many versions as tastes, it is made of two or more cookies, joined by a sweet filling and generally covered with chocolate, icing or powdered sugar. The filling is usually dulce de leche, although there are also fruit alfajores, chocolate mousse and even Tannat.
The history of the alfajor dates back to ancient times and its origin is a matter of debate, since it is present in several cultures. However, it is in Latin America where the alfajor has acquired a unique identity and has become an emblematic sweet of the region.
It is believed that the idea of the alfajor comes from the Arabs, who introduced this sweet into the Iberian Peninsula during their occupation. The word “alfajor” derives from the Arabic word “al-hasú”, which means “stuffed”. These sweets consisted of two or more cookies joined by a filling of honey, almonds and spices. With the arrival of the Spanish colonizers in America, the alfajor moved to the continent.
In Uruguay it is one of the most consumed sweets. The most common varieties are chocolate, snow and cornstarch, with dulce de leche filling. It is also common to find other types of fillings: chocolate, meringue, jams, fruit varieties, toppings, types of wafers (cookies, sponge cake, coconut), shapes and decoration. The “yo-yo” are considered a variant of alfajores, which is also traditional in Uruguay.
As a mass-produced candy, its birth dates back to the 60’s in Uruguay. Such is the variety, that throughout our country, you can find up to 500 different recipes of this product.
The main alfajores manufacturing plants are located in the departments of Montevideo, Maldonado and Lavalleja: Alfajores de Minas, Punta Ballena, Portezuelo, Juana La Loca, Lapataia, Agua Helada, among others. They export to the United States, Spain and Mercosur countries. It is difficult not to find this product of habitual elaboration in bakeries, confectioneries and in handmade form.
INTERNATIONAL ALFAJOR FAIR
From the creators of the Alfajor World Championship, comes to Uruguay the International Alfajor Fair, which takes place on June 9, 10 and 11, 2023 at the former Frigorífico Anglo, in the town of Fray Bentos, Rio Negro, a space considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The activity will be held with free admission from 12:00 to 21:00.
The world of alfajor includes numerous experiences and proposals for all ages, such as exhibition and sale of alfajores from all corners of Uruguay, a space for children’s pastries where the little ones can learn how to make alfajores and various artistic shows.
The stage will feature a full schedule of lectures and masterclasses by renowned professionals, there will be musical performances all three days and also a gastronomic space with food trucks.
During this event there will also be a pre-selection of Uruguayan alfajores that will participate in the next Alfajor World Championship and the Best Alfajor of Uruguay will be chosen. The selection will be in the hands of the Official Jury of the Alfajor World Championship, composed by the chef Lucas Fuente (Montevideo – Uruguay) and the Bachelor in Communication Mariano López (Mar del Plata – Argentina).
WHERE TO TASTE HOMEMADE ALFAJORES?
MONTEVIDEO
• Alfajores del Uruguay Café (Ciudad Vieja)
Boutique dedicated to this classic rioplatense and where you can spend a pleasant time. They make 23 flavors of gourmet alfajores, including dulce de leche, liqueurs, Tannat and native fruits, among others.
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• Café culto (Ciudad Vieja)
The proposal is to enjoy a good coffee and homemade alfajores, among other desserts in a warm atmosphere.
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• Nómade (Parque Rodo)
It is the ideal place to try the alfajor made with Belgian chocolate, dulce de leche, peanuts and sea salt, “it is the perfect combination”, according to some of its customers’ reviews.
Address: Canelones 2154, Montevideo
Telephone: (+598) 92 870 425
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• Doña Inés, sweet temptations (Pocitos)
They love details and make you feel at home with a variety of authentic, 100% handcrafted flavors.
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• Philomène Café (Punta Carretas)
You can have breakfast, lunch or tea, always accompanied by handmade recipes and good music. The alfajores will “steal” your sleep, be sure to try them.
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MALDONADO
• La Rebelión Café, Punta del Este – casero
With a unique view of the bay, it offers a delight of sweet and savory options; with a coffee and alfajor worth trying.
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• Lapataia
The Lapataia tourist dairy farm, in addition to enjoying a day in the countryside, offers the possibility of tasting its exquisite sweets and alfajores just a few minutes from Punta del Este.
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LAVALLEJA
• Los Alfajores de Minas
They are a classic in Uruguay. Since 1953 they have been producing this unique alfajor, which surprised with new versions: Origen Legendario with its “Intenso” line. In December 2010 they won the Guinness World Record for making the largest alfajor in the world.
More info / Where?
FLORES
• Cuatro de Julia (Flores)
A family project that besides tempting with sweets, they love to arouse emotions and surprise with their alfajores filled with dulce de leche, quince jelly and even carrot jam. It also sells it in Montevideo in some markets where food is sold.
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• Barlovento (Flores)
Another craving of the land of the Grutas del Palacio Geopark are the handmade Barlovento meringue alfajores or the classic dulce de leche or marroc – peanut and chocolate cream – filled alfajores, which are a must in the department. At the moment they can only be found in supermarkets and in the cafeterias of the service stations of Trinidad, then their commercialization will be extended to the rest of the country.
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