Tucumán, the birthplace of Argentine Independence and the best milanesa sandwich in the country!

Although we live in a world where there is a diversity of opinions, there is something that we all, or at least almost all, agree on. There is no better combination than several layers of milanesa (it can be between 4 or 5, the more the better), fresh lettuce and tomato slices, and plenty of mayonnaise and mustard to bind all these ingredients together, all between two very crispy sandwich buns that make a noise when you bite them. Of course, you can add some “additions” to this such as ham, cheese, a little sautéed onion, fried egg and, for the bravest, spicy chili. If it comes with fries… it has no comparison!

The Milanesa sandwich, the sánguche, the milanga, its most popular names, is a classic from Tucumán, second only to the empanada on the gastronomic podium and is a dish with a lot of history. Its origin dates back to the early 1950s, when Ramón Eduardo Brizuela began selling an innovative product that consisted simply of bread, milanesa, and spicy food as an optional accompaniment. The establishment was located (and is still located today) on 300 Avellaneda Ave. . “Brizuela” remains a place of worship for true mila lovers, with its bar that separates diners from the master sandwich makers who create magic with their hands.

This new dish that was born on the borders of Barrio Norte in San Miguel de Tucumán quickly conquered the palates of those who came to the establishment to try this delicacy that was about to take the place of the milanesa on a plate. However, the history of the mila sandwich does not end there. Another of the greatest exponents of this delicacy was the legendary and remembered José Norberto Leguizamón, popularly known as “Chacho”, who in 1973 began cooking milanesa sandwiches in a tin booth located on the corner of Aconquija Ave,and Camino del Perú Blvd. in Yerba Buena City. Over time this venture grew to become a large establishment that over the last decades received visits from all the personalities who passed through the province.

On March 18, 2010, “Chacho”, this living legend of gastronomy, left us but he also left behind a legacy that is still valid. This date was declared the Milanesa Sandwich Day and it is tattooed in the calendar of the Tucuman identity. However, over time this holiday was also adopted by the rest of the country that invents new versions of this classic. Similarly, and as originality is trendy nowadays, in Tucumán it is now possible to find seitan mila sandwiches to conquer vegetarian palates.

Increasingly popular in every corner of Argentina, the Tucuman milanesa sandwich, with its just-right crunchiness and juiciness, is inimitable. They may try to copy it, but they will never be able to match it.