Chivito (sandwich)
Uruguay's national sandwich, born from a substitution in 1946.
Chivito is the national dish of Uruguay. It is a sandwich made with sliced beefsteak (churrasco), mozzarella, ham, tomatoes, mustard, mayonnaise, and black or green olives, commonly also including bacon and fried or hard-boiled eggs. It is served in a bun, often accompanied by French-fried potatoes, and may include additional ingredients such as red beets, peas, grilled or pan-fried red peppers, and slices of cucumber.
Quick Facts
- Creator
- Antonio Carbonaro
- Main Ingredient
- Bun, churrasco beef, bacon, fried or hard-boiled eggs, ham, black or green olives, mozzarella, tomatoes, mustard, mayonnaise
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The chivito originated in Punta del Este, Uruguay, at a restaurant called 'El Mejillón Bar' in 1946. A woman ordered a sandwich of chivito (barbecued kid goat) for a hurried, meal-expecting child. The restaurant owner, Antonio Carbonaro, did not have this meat and used beef fillet steak instead, creating the sandwich now known as chivito.
Reader's Guide
The chivito is a significant cultural symbol of Uruguay, recognized as the national dish. Its name derives from the Spanish word 'chivo' (goat), and the sandwich's creation story involves a substitution of beef for goat meat. Variations include the Canadian chivito (chivito canadiense), which adds panceta, and the chivito al plato, served as a platter rather than a sandwich, usually with French fries. In Argentine cuisine, a similar sandwich is called lomito. The dish reflects a blend of local ingredients and culinary adaptation.
Did You Know?
- It was created in 1946 at 'El Mejillón Bar' in Punta del Este when a woman ordered a goat sandwich and the owner used beef instead.
- The name 'chivito' is the diminutive of 'chivo', meaning kid (young goat).
- A variation called the Canadian chivito includes panceta.
More in National dishes 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced