As popular as mate, asado, or dulce de leche, the choripán is undoubtedly one of the crown jewels of Argentine gastronomy. But… do you know what makes this humble sandwich so special? Keep reading to uncover its history, key ingredients, and the best spots to savour an authentic choripán in Buenos Aires!
You’ve probably heard of choripán – it’s as iconic in Argentina as mate, asado, or dulce de leche, all pillars of the country’s rich culinary tradition.
But… do you know what choripán is? Here, we’ll tell you what it’s made of and where to find the best ones in Buenos Aires.
A Staple of Argentine Cuisine
Within the country’s culinary culture, choripán is an essential classic. The name comes from a fusion of “chorizo” (a type of sausage) and “pan” (bread), which are its main ingredients. Although it’s often considered street food, it also plays a key role at Argentine asados (barbecues), typically served as a starter before the main cuts of meat. That’s why you’ll find it in most Argentine parrillas (grill restaurants), though it has also made its way into more contemporary, gourmet establishments – and even vegan menus.
There are several variations of choripán, but the traditional version is made with a baguette-style bread (often referred to locally as pan francés), Argentine chorizo criollo (either beef or pork), and chimichurri sauce. Chimichurri is a typical Argentine condiment made with parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and either sweet or hot paprika. While recipes may vary slightly, chimichurri remains one of the defining flavours of Argentina.
Now that you know what it’s made of, let’s explore the best spots in Buenos Aires to enjoy a great choripán.
El Desnivel
Located in San Telmo, this classic Buenos Aires eatery is popular for its famous choripanes. Despite its wide menu of Argentine cuisine, the Choropán stands out among other popular dishes such as empanadas, roasts, blood sausage, bondiola, thick flank steak and homemade pasta.
At El Desnivel the key is how tasty their chorizos are. Seasoned with a mix of spices and different sauces, they have an unbearable flavour. Additionally, you can choose to taste it at a local table, but also order for takeaway.
Defensa 855, San Telmo.
La Cabrera
This grill is a mandatory stop in Argentine gastronomic tourism since it was among the 50 best restaurants in Latin America for three years in a row. Located in the Palermo neighbourhood,
La Cabrera offers choripanes with the typical Argentine flavour, perfect as an entry before the delicious grilled meat. La Cabrera has a delivery service and the option of “Choribondi”, a grill food truck that travels through different events, fairs and exhibitions.
José Antonio Cabrera 5127, Palermo
La Alameda Sur
Surrounded by a park shaded by plane trees, eucalyptus and pine trees, La Alameda is tucked away a few metres from the sculpture of Lola Mora, Las Nereidas. It’s an excellent place to eat with family or friends and is the only stand on the Costanera Sur that offers the possibility of eating both indoors and outdoors.
Beyond the typical choripán, with chimichurri and Creole sauce on the side, you’ll find different options for dishes and drinks. Although La Alameda is settled in a traditional restaurant, the stalls on the waterfront always have that imprint of street food so typical of choripán.
Costanera Ave. Dr. Achával Rodríguez 1431, Costanera Sur.
(no website or social media)
Buenos Aires Verde
Find a wide selection of non-meat recipes of this classic of Argentine gastronomy In Buenos Aires Verde, choripán is reinvented with a version based on gluten and yamaní rice, seasoned with the spices that give chorizo its typical flavour.
The Veggie Chori served in bread buns with sautéed onions, cheese, grilled egg, green leaves, pickles and barbecue. This must-try in Argentina’s culinary tradition is a delicious option for those who choose not to eat meat.
Gorriti 5657, Palermo.
Solomia Parrilla
In Solomia Parrilla you can find a special version of choripán called “Chori Chipa”, undoubtedly a star of the place. The famous Chipa Chori is composed of homemade chorizo in cheese bread, radding Creole or chimichurri sauce. Its owners affirm that the key is the combination with cheese is a perfect flavour match.
Quesada 1699, Núñez
La Dorita
La Dorita, in each of its locations, recalls the typical Buenos Aires culture. This grill chain with more than 15 years of history has branches in Puerto Madero, Belgrano and Palermo.
An original version of the classic Choripán: the choricampi, ranks La Dorita at the top of the list. The recipe consists of grilled chorizo wrapped in homemade country dough. Topping the dish, they offer an inevitable duo, creole sauce and chimichurri.
Humboldt 1892, Palermo.
Chori
Both in the Buenos Aires neighbourhoods of Mataderos and Palermo, and in the more remote city of La Plata, you can find the choripanería at Paso Chori. This place offers more than ten options, among which you will find choripanes prepared with lamb, pork or wild boar chorizo.
There are also black pudding sandwiches and vegetarian variants with eggplant pasta, spinach, goat, honey and smoked cheese.
But if you are looking for the Argentine flavour of the classic choripán, Chori offers the classic Chori de Cancha with chimichurri, popular in football stadiums. All options with salads and drinks.
Thames 1653, Palermo.
Parrilla Jose Luis
Located opposite the southern terminal of the Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, la Parrilla José Luis serves choripán, honouring the concept of street food, sited in a truck with outdoor tables.
With more than 50 years in the business, they offer not only choripán but also the typical bondiola sandwiches and hamburgers.
Costanera Norte s/n.
Choripán in Buenos Aires to Suit Every Taste
This is it with our list of the favourite places to eat choripán. Whether on a grill as an appetiser, in a restaurant or at a street stall, choripán is always an excellent option. We hope that on your visit to Argentina, you can explore and savour this famous sandwich, so traditional in Argentine cuisine.
Find the best places to eat choripán in Buenos Aires on the map