More Than Just a Sandwich: A Bite-Sized Tour of Latin America In Latin America, street food isn't just a quick meal—it’s a religion. It’s the smoke rising from a grill outside a soccer stadium in Buenos Aires, the sound of a wok searing beef in Lima, and the bustle of lunch hour in Mexico City.
At Mangos Kitchen Bar , we wanted to capture that authentic, on-the-go spirit and bring it to Vancouver. We are thrilled to introduce our new menu of Latin Sandwiches & Tortas .
We’re not just serving lunch; we’re serving history. Here is the story behind the four heavyweights now joining our menu.
🇦🇷 El Argentino: The Soul of the Asado If you’ve ever walked the streets of Buenos Aires, you know the smell of a Choripán . It is arguably the most famous street food in Argentina.
"Choripán" is a portmanteau of chorizo (sausage) and pan (bread). But don't let the simplicity fool you. Our El Argentino features a savory pork sausage grilled to perfection, but the real star is the Chimichurri . This legendary garlic-parsley-oregano sauce cuts through the richness of the meat with a vinegar tang that wakes up your palate. It’s the taste of a Sunday barbecue, now available on a roll.
🇨🇱 El Chileno: The "Italiano" Legacy In Chile, the sandwich culture is massive, and the undisputed king is the Churrasco . Our version pays homage to the beloved "Churrasco Italiano."
Why Italian? It’s not because of the recipe, but the colors! The combination of mashed avocado (green), mayonnaise (white), and tomatoes (red) mimics the Italian flag. El Chileno comes with grilled sliced steak and an unapologetic amount of avocado and mayo. It is creamy, hearty, and incredibly comforting—a true Chilean hug in sandwich form.
🇵🇪 El Peruano: The Wok Fusion Peruvian cuisine is world-famous for its fusion, specifically Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) and Chifa (Chinese-Peruvian). Our El Peruano takes the country’s flagship dish, Lomo Saltado , and puts it between bread.
This isn't just steak; it's stir-fried beef sautéed in a wok with onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, and spices. The key here is the "juguito" (the juice)—the bread soaks up that salty, savory stir-fry sauce, making every bite explosive. It’s a messy, juicy masterpiece that captures the fire of the Peruvian kitchen.
🇲🇽 El Mexicano: The Classic Torta While tacos get all the global fame, the Torta is the everyday hero of Mexico. Usually served on a bolillo (a crusty, football-shaped bread similar to a baguette but softer inside), a good torta is all about the layers.
Our El Mexicano features a Milanesa —a thin, breaded, and fried cutlet that provides a satisfying crunch. We layer it with avocado, mayo, tomato, sweet pepper, and shredded lettuce. It is a textural delight: crunchy, soft, creamy, and fresh all at once. It’s the quintessential Mexico City lunch.
Taste the Culture You don't need a passport to experience these flavors. Whether you are looking for a hearty lunch or the perfect fuel before hitting the dance floor at night, our new sandwiches are ready for you.
Come visit us at Mangos Kitchen Bar and pick your destination.