completo, street food from Chile: what it is and how it is eaten

The completo is a Chilean hot dog served with a range of toppings such as tomato, avocado, mayonnaise, and sauerkraut. It first appeared in Santiago in the 1920s, when the American hot dog was adapted to local tastes. The completo is a popular fast food, eaten as a snack or meal throughout Chile.

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Completo was created in Santiago in the 1920s
Toppings include tomato, avocado, mayonnaise, and sauerkraut
Completo italiano is named for the Italian flag colors
Homemade mayonnaise is often used in Chile
Bread can be a hot dog bun or split marraqueta

What is completo?

A completo is a Chilean take on the hot dog, built on a soft bun and topped with a variety of ingredients. The classic version features a vienna sausage, chopped tomato, mashed avocado, and a generous layer of mayonnaise. Sauerkraut, called chucrut in Chile, is also common. The result is a colorful, filling sandwich, often larger than typical hot dogs, with creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors in each bite.

Where does completo come from?

The completo began in Santiago in the 1920s, when Eduardo Bahamondes brought the American hot dog to Chile after a trip to the United States. He opened Quick Lunch Bahamondes in the city center, but found that Chileans preferred more toppings. Over time, local favorites like tomato and avocado were added, and the completo became a staple in Chilean fast food culture.

How is completo made?

To make a completo, a hot dog bun is filled with a cooked vienna sausage and then topped with layers of diced tomato, mashed avocado (usually just salted), and a thick spread of mayonnaise. Sauerkraut is often added, and sometimes other condiments like ketchup or mustard. At home, people might use marraqueta bread split lengthwise if hot dog buns are not available.

How and when is completo eaten?

Completo is a popular choice for a quick meal or snack, sold at street stands, diners, and casual restaurants across Chile. It is eaten with hands, often accompanied by soft drinks or beer. People enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or as a filling snack. The variety of toppings means each bite is rich and satisfying, and it is common to see people sharing different versions at the table.

Kinds of completo

Several named versions exist. The 'completo italiano' uses tomato, avocado, and mayonnaise, echoing the colors of Italy’s flag. The 'dinámico' mixes several toppings. 'A lo pobre' adds fried onions, fries, and a fried egg, inspired by a traditional worker's meal. The 'tomate mayo' keeps it simple with just tomato and mayonnaise. Some swap the sausage for grilled beef, chicken, or pork, creating a sandwich called 'as' or 'chilenito'.

What completo means

Completo is a symbol of Chilean street food and everyday eating. It reflects local tastes, especially the love for mayonnaise and avocado. The sandwich is widely available and part of daily life, from quick lunches to late-night snacks. Its many variations show how Chileans have made the hot dog their own, adapting it to local ingredients and preferences.

Questions people ask about completo

What is a completo made of?

A completo is made with a hot dog sausage in a bun, topped with tomato, mashed avocado, mayonnaise, and often sauerkraut. Other toppings like ketchup or mustard may also be added.

Where does the completo come from?

The completo comes from Chile. It was first made in Santiago in the 1920s when the American hot dog was adapted to local tastes.

How is the avocado prepared for a completo?

For a completo, avocado is mashed and usually just salted before being added to the sandwich. It is not made into guacamole.

What kinds of bread are used for completos?

The usual bread is a hot dog bun, but at home, people often use marraqueta bread split lengthwise as a substitute.

Are there different types of completos?

Yes, there are several variations, including the completo italiano (with tomato, avocado, and mayonnaise), dinámico (with mixed toppings), and a lo pobre (with fried onions, fries, and egg).

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Completo", 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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