Chivito

Chivito is Uruguay's cherished national dish, a mouthwatering sandwich that features a thin slice of tender beef steak nestled in a bun. This delightful creation is typically loaded with mozzarella, tomatoes, mayonnaise, olives, bacon, eggs, ham, and occasionally additional treats like red beets, peas, peppers, and cucumbers. In Argentina, you'll find a similar sandwich called lomito, though the term chivito there retains its original meaning of "kid meat."

Interestingly, the name chivito comes from the Spanish word for goat, chivo. However, in Uruguay, it has come to represent something entirely different. The story goes that in 1946, in Punta del Este, Uruguay, an Argentinian woman ordered a chivito sandwich expecting goat meat but was served beef fillet steak instead. And thus, a culinary icon was born!

There are several variations of the chivito. The Canadian Chivito, for example, includes Canadian bacon. Then there's the chivito al plato, which replaces the bun with a platter, serving the ingredients alongside Russian salad or French fries.

Every year around October 19, the town of Maldonado, Uruguay, hosts a chivito celebration to coincide with Maldonado Day. This festive event features food tastings, children's activities, live music, and dance performances. Held in Plaza San Fernando on various dates, this celebration honors the chivito and its special place in Uruguayan culture.