Marraqueta

Marraqueta, also known as French bread or Portuguese roll, is a delightful, crispy bread roll made from simple ingredients: wheat flour, salt, water, and yeast. Its crunchy texture has garnered fans across South America, Portugal, Spain (especially in Mallorca), Hong Kong, and Macau.

In Bolivia, this bread is referred to as "pan de batalla." Introduced to La Paz in 1908 by a Greek immigrant, it has since become a cultural staple. This small, slightly salty bread is individually sold and holds a cherished place in La Paz's culinary heritage.

In Brazil, it is known as "pão francês" and is frequently used to make a popular snack called "pão na chapa." In Chile, the marraqueta goes by "pan batido" or "pan francés." It typically comes as a set of four small rolls that can be easily separated. This version is believed to have been brought to Valparaíso by French bakers in the late 19th century and is now integral to Chilean cuisine.

In Hong Kong and Macau, the bread is affectionately known as "piggy bun" a variation of the Portuguese roll introduced by colonizers. In Hong Kong, it's often served with butter and condensed milk, while in Macau, it is famously used to make the delightful Pork Chop Bun.