Héctor Moure, former owner of iconic bakeries such as Belgrano (now Antigua Belgrano) and Norec, has over five decades of experience in the baking industry. When he talks about baked goods, he does so with passion and seriousness. “For starters, bread is a chemical process,” he tells us. Many factors make good bread, but the ingredients, tools, type of oven, hygiene, kneading, and preparation are fundamental to crafting a quality product. Miga sandwiches, Héctor's specialty, are made with miga bread and are costly in every sense. “Not only financially: kneading the bread, cutting it, sanitizing the machines, spreading the butter the right way, assembling the sandwich, and cutting it all take time and training, with a lot of waste from the cuts,” Moure reveals.
The seasoned baker adds that ideally, butter should be “whipped before spreading, but never melted.” As for mayonnaise, he insists it's essential in the second layer of triple sandwiches. How to recognize quality miga bread? Look at its bubbles—or as Héctor explains, “the alveoli, the air spaces you see in a slice. They should be even, which is helped by the flour available in Argentina.” Another key feature is moisture, and to retain it, Héctor advises “covering the miga sandwiches with a clean, damp cloth, preferably kept out of the refrigerator.”
These sandwiches are also portable, making them ideal for quick lunches or impromptu events. The variety of flavors and combinations make them suitable for all tastes and occasions. From the classic ham and cheese to more sophisticated options with milanesa, smoked salmon, vegan products, or even Japanese-style bread, miga sandwiches are an institution in Argentine cuisine. Here are the top 10 in Buenos Aires.
In this notable city café, with its impressive bar, stunning stained glass windows, and 1950s décor, triple miga sandwiches are a permanent fixture. Their standout flavor is ham, Roquefort, and tuna. Their specialty: artichoke.
Where: Av. Rivadavia 3899.
Offering a variety of fillings, from classics to bold flavors like their famous milanesa filling, these miga sandwiches are a must in the city for their soft texture.
Where: Florida 31.
With three generations of bread-making tradition, they define their identity as “a blend of Italian panetteria, local bakery, and contemporary pastry influences.” They offer traditional flavors with deli additions like cantimpalo and great veggie options.
Where: Rivadavia 5391.
Classic menu options: ham with tomato, cheese, lettuce, peppers, egg, pineapple, Roquefort and celery, Roquefort and walnut, and hearts of palm with golf sauce. There are also chicken variations. No room for error, and perfect to take for a riverside stroll.
You may also be interested in: The 10 best specialty coffees for studying or working remotely
Where: Av. Maipú 707, Vicente López.
A Palermo classic. This bakery excels in both sweet and savory, and their miga sandwiches are the top recommendation among clients, offering 12 combinations on both white and dark bread.
Where: Av. Raúl Scalabrini Ortiz 3154.
Shokupan is a slice of Japan in the capital. Shokupan is a Japanese-style loaf, soft and fluffy like miga bread. The “shoku,” akin to miga sandwiches, is the star. With a golden crust and soft interior, they come with meat, vegetarian, and vegan fillings.
Where: Loyola 1620.
Perfect for a coffee and tasty triples. They have traditional flavors and excellent vegetarian options, like avocado paste with arugula and tomato or celery with Roquefort. Vegan options are also available.
Where: Juncal 905.
Their miga sandwiches are well-known throughout the Buenos Aires metropolitan area since 1969. A family business, they’re renowned for their artisanal products: pastries, cakes, almond nougat, marron glacé, bonbons, and, of course, their famous miga sandwiches. Beyond classic flavors, we recommend pastrami or liverwurst with sweet pickles, cold roast with tomato and egg, homemade pickled eggplant with cheese, and fresh basil, tomato, and cheese.
You may also be interested in: 10 of the best asian cafes options in Buenos Aires
Where: Av. Pueyrredón 1881.
A family bakery with three generations, lots of history, and a variety of products in the heart of Saavedra. Near the Club Atlético Platense stadium and close to parks, the miga sandwiches at Artiaga deserve attention, with great combinations and generously sized triples.
Where: Zapiola 4782.
This bakery, with over 30 years in Villa Pueyrredón, also offers a variety of products. Their miga sandwiches have a loyal following. They even offer vitel toné, though jamón crudo is the most popular choice.
Where: Av. Gral. Mosconi 2443.
Discover Time Out original video
