SANTIAGO — Every June 9, Chileans celebrate Día del Barros Luco, paying tribute to a sandwich that has earned its place as a national culinary icon. Named after President Ramón Barros Luco, the simple yet beloved sandwich — made of grilled beef and melted cheese — continues to feature prominently in kitchens and eateries across the country.
The sandwich’s namesake, Ramón Barros Luco (1835–1919), served as Chile’s 25th president from 1910 to 1915. Born on June 9, his birthday now doubles as the official day to commemorate the Barros Luco. A long-standing figure in Chilean politics, Barros Luco held various ministerial roles before his presidency and supported major public works, including the founding of the José Victorino Lastarria High School, the construction of the School of Engineering at the University of Chile, and the establishment of the San Antonio port.
Legend has it that the Barros Luco was born at Confitería Torres, a historic café still operating on Alameda Street in downtown Santiago. A frequent visitor, Barros Luco routinely ordered an off-menu sandwich of grilled beef and cheese served on marraqueta — a crusty, airy bread already a staple in Chile since the 19th century. His regular order attracted the curiosity of other diners, and over time, the sandwich gained popularity. Once Barros Luco became president, the café officially named the dish in his honor. Some contemporaries even referred to it as the “presidential sandwich.”
Traditional preparation begins with marraqueta, though other breads like pan frica or pan amasado are also used. The beef, typically posta or asiento, is tenderized and grilled, then topped with cheese — often Gouda or Chilean queso mantecoso — until melted.
The enduring appeal of the Barros Luco lies in its simplicity and the warmth of its cultural roots. It remains a favored choice in restaurants, homes, and celebrations, embodying both culinary tradition and historical homage.
And as a curious aside, the word “sandwich” itself traces back to John Montagu, the 18th-century Earl of Sandwich in England. A passionate gambler, Montagu reportedly asked for meat between slices of bread to avoid interrupting his games. The practical dish caught on and was named after him — a term Chileans later adapted into the local “sánguche.”
