In the vibrant culinary scene of Chile, sandwiches, or “sánguches,” play a significant role in the country’s gastronomic tradition. From the iconic Italiano and chacarero to the classic barros luco, these sandwiches symbolize a blend of flavors and cultural heritage. Seeking to uncover the best of these mouthwatering creations, Argentine youtuber and baker Ramón Garriga embarked on a flavorful journey alongside Chilean chef Álvaro Barrientos.
Their quest led them to explore some of Santiago’s most renowned soda fountains, known as fuentes de soda. In a video titled “¿Cuál es el Mejor Sándwich de Chile? SON GIGANTES con Álvaro Barrientos,” the duo visited three emblematic locales in the Chilean capital: Fuente Alemana, Fuente Chilena, and Fuente Suiza. The video captured their gastronomic adventure as they indulged in the authentic Chilean sandwich experience, characterized by generous portions and rich flavors.
At their first stop, Fuente Alemana in Providencia, the duo encountered the rumano sandwich, a hearty combination of beef and pork, complemented by homemade mayonnaise, a traditional tomato sauce, and sauerkraut. The sheer size of the sandwiches left Garriga in awe, highlighting the grandeur of Chilean sandwich culture. Moving on to the classic lomito de cerdo italiano, featuring tomatoes, avocado, and mayonnaise, both chefs savored the tender pork and flavorful condiments, cementing their appreciation for the local culinary craftsmanship.
Their culinary exploration continued at Fuente Chilena, a soda fountain founded by Barrientos. Here, they sampled the Italiano de lengua de vacuno, a beloved delicacy known for its crispy bread and tender beef tongue. The fricandela completa, a substantial sandwich made with wagyu beef patty, accompanied by sauerkraut, mayonnaise, green sauce, and tomato, showcased the diverse and indulgent offerings of Chilean cuisine.
The final destination, Fuente Suiza, established in 1954, presented a delightful array of treats, including empanadas and the beloved completo sandwich. With a meticulous evaluation of an Italian completo and an original completo, Garriga marveled at the flavors of the bread and vienna sausage, underscoring the artistry embedded in Chilean sandwich-making.
While Garriga refrained from declaring a definitive winner, his experience emphasized Chile’s prowess in bakery and sandwich craftsmanship. The distinctiveness of each soda fountain and the nuanced variations in sandwich preparation highlighted the richness of Chilean culinary heritage. As the video concluded, Garriga expressed his admiration for the diversity and quality of Chilean sandwiches, acknowledging the country’s unique position as a hub of culinary excellence.
In a culinary landscape where tradition meets innovation, the exploration of Chile’s best sandwiches served as a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage and creativity. Through the lens of a passionate baker and a seasoned chef, the journey through Santiago’s soda fountains not only celebrated the art of sandwich-making but also underscored the cultural significance of these iconic creations. As Garriga aptly summarized, the experience of traversing from one fountain to another revealed the nuanced differences and exquisite flavors that define Chile’s sandwich culture, leaving a lasting impression on all those who embark on this flavorful voyage.
