Chivito, sandwich or wrap from Uruguay: what it is and how it is eaten

Chivito is Uruguay’s national dish, a hearty sandwich built on a bun with beefsteak, mozzarella, ham, tomato, mayonnaise, mustard, and olives. Often, bacon and egg are added, and it is commonly served with French fries. The chivito is eaten as a filling meal, especially for lunch or dinner.

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Chivito is Uruguay’s national dish
Made with beefsteak, cheese, ham, and more in a bun
Often served with French fries
Created in Punta del Este in 1946
Chivito al plato is a breadless version

What is Chivito?

Chivito is a large sandwich from Uruguay, packed with layers of sliced beefsteak, melted mozzarella, ham, tomato, mayonnaise, mustard, and olives. Bacon and either a fried or hard-boiled egg are often tucked inside as well. The sandwich is built on a soft bun and is usually served with French fries on the side. Some versions include extras like arugula, green peas, peppers, or onions. It is a filling, savory meal, with the flavors of grilled beef, creamy cheese, and tangy condiments.

Where does Chivito come from?

The chivito’s name means 'little goat', but in Uruguay it refers to this beef sandwich. The story goes that in 1946, at a restaurant in Punta del Este, a woman from northern Argentina asked for a sandwich with kid (young goat). The owner, Antonio Carbonaro, did not have goat meat and instead used beef fillet steak. This substitution became popular and the chivito sandwich was born, eventually becoming Uruguay’s national dish.

How is Chivito made?

To make a chivito, a bun is split and filled with slices of grilled beefsteak, then layered with mozzarella cheese, ham, tomato, mayonnaise, mustard, and olives. Bacon and a fried or hard-boiled egg are often added. Some versions include vegetables like arugula or onions, or peppers for extra flavor. The sandwich is assembled so that the cheese melts over the warm beef, and the condiments soak into the bread. It is commonly served with a side of French fries.

I took the picture in a Chivito restaurant called Marcos. I took the pictures with the cooperation of the staff, who let me in the kitchen to take the pictures. — I took the picture in a Chivito restaurant called Marcos. I took the pictures with the cooperation of the staff, who let. Photo: Carlinosin at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How and when is Chivito eaten?

Chivito is usually eaten for lunch or dinner, as it is a substantial meal. It is served as a sandwich, often with French fries, and sometimes as a platter (chivito al plato) without the bun. People enjoy it in restaurants, at home, or in casual settings. The sandwich is not tied to any festival or religious occasion; it is part of everyday eating in Uruguay.

Kinds of Chivito

A Canadian-style chivito (chivito canadiense) adds panceta, a type of Italian bacon. The chivito al plato is a version served on a plate, with the ingredients arranged without bread, often with fries. Some versions include extra toppings like arugula, peas, peppers, or onions, depending on local taste or the cook’s preference.

What Chivito means

Chivito is recognized as the national dish of Uruguay and is a point of pride in the country’s food culture. It is widely available in restaurants and is a symbol of Uruguayan identity. The sandwich’s origins are tied to a specific story and person, which adds to its cultural importance.

Questions people ask about Chivito

What is a chivito made of?

A chivito is made with sliced beefsteak, mozzarella, ham, tomato, mayonnaise, mustard, olives, and often bacon and egg, all inside a bun.

Where does the chivito come from?

Chivito comes from Uruguay and is considered the country’s national dish. It was first made in Punta del Este in 1946.

Is chivito always served as a sandwich?

Chivito is usually served as a sandwich, but there is also a version called chivito al plato, where the ingredients are served on a plate without bread.

What is usually served with a chivito?

Chivito is commonly served with French fries on the side, making it a complete and filling meal.

Does chivito contain goat meat?

Despite its name, chivito does not contain goat meat. It is made with beefsteak; the name refers to a story about its origin.

Good reading and sources

The Best Moments From Anthony Bourdain’s Visit to Uruguay on ‘Parts Unknown’Eater, Article

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Chivito (sandwich)", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

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