- Joel Muñoz
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
Mate, beyond Argentina
Mate has transcended the borders of Argentina and South America, gaining popularity worldwide. From coworking spaces in Europe to homes in Asia, more people are discovering this beverage for its energizing properties and cultural significance. For many foreigners, mate represents a unique way to socialize and connect.
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Every country has its own customs and small daily rituals that are part of the local culture. Recently, an article was published discussing Argentine customs that might surprise foreigners, especially in the workplace. Of course, mate was one of the highlights!
An “acquired taste” for foreigners
Passionate, affectionate, and with flexible hours, one of the things that most attracts foreigners in Argentina is the opportunity to share a round of mate with colleagues. In both Argentina and Uruguay, it's quite common for bank or public institution employees to sip mate while serving customers.
Charles is French and has been living in Argentina for six years. Before arriving, he had never heard of the infusion, and its bitter taste was completely unknown. Today, he drinks mate every morning without fail, especially when someone at work offers it to him (Charles is a freelance digital marketer and works in a coworking space in Buenos Aires). “Something I also find very good is the fact that it can be sipped for a long time. A mate from my thermos lasts an hour or more, which is great compared to a cup of tea or coffee that gets cold.” For him, the closest thing is the Japanese tea ceremony, but at least in Europe, there is nothing similar.
A tradition that never dies for Argentines
Formal attire, clear rules, professional treatment among colleagues, and... no mate! For an Argentinian, adapting to the work environment in another country isn't easy either. Although coffee and tea are very popular around the world, they are more of an "individual" habit and are best kept discreet in the office.
Giuliano is 28 years old and in 2017 he left Argentina to live in Denmark, where mate doesn't exist, despite the fact that Scandinavians tend to consume quite a bit of caffeine, he says. However, he keeps the habit alive with the yerba mate he receives from his relatives. Many of his friends see it as a kind of tea and are curious about both mate and the bombilla: "Once in Sweden, they asked me if it was a pipe."
It's worth mentioning that mate is gaining increasing popularity outside of Latin America.