Milanesa Sandwich Day: why it’s celebrated and the secret behind this delight between breads

The Argentine palate is naturally inclined towards sandwiches: the classic choripanes, the always well-appreciated miga sandwiches—check out this article to find out where to try the best ones—and the beloved lomitos are among our favorite dishes.

But there's one more to add to the list: the famous milanesa sandwich, which has its own spot on the national calendar every March 18. According to Taste Atlas, the global encyclopedia of flavors, it’s called a sánguche, not a sandwich, and ranks 30th on its list of the best sandwiches in the world. Mustard, chimichurri, ham, and cheese are common add-ons for this Argentine classic.

The Milanesa Sandwich and a "Tasty" Rivalry

According to the same prestigious encyclopedia, the milanesa sandwich is “especially popular in the province of Tucumán.” But what about Santiago del Estero? Some dismiss this debate, while others claim that, just like the rivalry between Argentines and Uruguayans over mate, or between Chileans and Peruvians over pisco, Tucumán and Santiago del Estero battle over the sandwich’s true origin.

The debate even reached FIFA at one point. During last year’s U-20 World Cup in Santiago del Estero, FIFA posted a video featuring “the best milanesa sandwich,” referencing a local spot in that province. Chairs and tables figuratively flew in the comment section, but no final verdict was ever reached.

“In Tucumán, we truly have a culture around the milanesa sandwich. Here, it has developed in a unique way. That means, for example, that the bread and preparation are different,” explains Diego “Mocho” Viruel, a cultural promoter and the driving force behind the initiative that declared the milanesa sandwich a cultural heritage of the province. He is also the organizer of the Fiesta Nacional del Sánguche de Milanesa, which is held every November in the Tucumán capital.

In Tucumán, we truly have a culture around the milanesa sandwich

Also of interest: The best dulce de leche in Buenos Aires

Part of the Identity

The truth is that the milanesa sandwich is practically part of Tucumán’s identity. Many sandwich shops are family-run businesses that have been passed down through generations, each with its own secret ingredients that set them apart. According to La Ruta de la Milanga, another project led by Viruel, there are over 200 sandwich shops mapped across Tucumán. The number could rise to 350 when considering those that aren’t officially registered.

Since 2010, March 18 has also been a day to remember José Norberto Leguizamón, a historic sandwich maker from Tucumán. He was the man behind Chacho, a business that started as a food cart outside nightclubs and became one of the favorites among locals and tourists. Today, the restaurant is run by his daughter and brother-in-law, who also cater events where the “Chachito,” a mini version of the traditional sandwich, is a hit.

What Makes the Milanesa Sandwich So Special?

Without a doubt, the unanimous answer is the bread. It’s special: crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. It doesn’t hurt the palate, and when you take a bite, it practically melts in your mouth like a sponge.

“The secret is also in the huevada—that is, the seasoning used when preparing the milanesa. In Tucumán, we eat it well-seasoned: garlic, parsley, cumin, and pepper. That’s what makes the milanesa so flavorful,” adds Viruel.

Also of interest: The best chipá in the city

Such is the variety and diversity of preparations that, before the Fiesta Nacional del Sánguche de Milanesa, a provincial contest is held to select the best sandwiches, which then participate in the festival. Visitors get to sample the finest sandwiches from all over the province.

What Drinks Pair Best with a Milanesa Sandwich?

If we dare to suggest pairings, the milanesa sandwich is almost always accompanied in Tucumán households—without much exception—by apple-flavored soda.

Beyond the province, beer seems like an almost inevitable companion: refreshing and the perfect complement to this sandwich, making it even better. If you're in Buenos Aires, we recommend visiting the Mercado de San Telmo and grabbing a seat at Milanguería.

If you enjoy classic flavors, go for a sánguche de milanesa completo (ham, cheese, roasted tomatoes, lettuce) with an Imperial Lager, which has a fresh and intense flavor. If you're more of an innovator, try a coqueta (provolone cheese, grilled egg, and roasted bell pepper) with an Imperial Golden, which is smooth and refreshing.

At Milanno, they’ve taken things further, offering a caprese-style milanesa sandwich with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil pesto. We highly recommend pairing it with an Imperial APA, which has a balanced bitterness and citrusy, floral aromas.

Whether in Tucumán or Buenos Aires, in March or November, the sánguche de milanesa is one of those Argentine flavors that represents much more than just delicious food. It’s family, it’s culture, it’s Tucumán, it’s Santiago del Estero, it’s rivalry, it’s generations, and it’s Argentine DNA.