La Lucha

In Lima, Peru, sandwich shops known as sangucherías have gained popularity over the last 30 years, serving various sandwiches including the Chicharrón con Pan, which is made with braised pork belly that has been deep-fried to create crispy skin, and the Butifarra, a sandwich filled with seasoned pork shoulder or tenderloin in spicy salsa criolla. La Lucha is the most well-known sangucheríía.

Lima based La Lucha now has locations in the food courts at Costanera Center and Alto Las Condes shopping malls where customers can try these famous Peruvian sandwiches. At both locations, customers place their orders at a counter and wait for their sandwiches to be delivered to the pick-up spot. During peak hours, the restaurant can become a bit chaotic, but the delivery time is reasonable given that the sandwiches are not pre-made.

The Chicharrón con Pan has been renamed "La Lucha" on the Santiago restaurant's menu, while the Butifarra is now called "Lomito Peruano" in Santiago. The sandwiches still have the same great ingredients and seasoning found in the restaurants in Lima.

Peruvian cuisine uses more seasoning and spices than most other South American cultures, such as ají amarillo (a yellow chili pepper) and turmeric, which add unique flavors to the sauces in these sandwiches. This is why La Lucha's sandwiches are more flavorful than those found at traditional fuentes de soda, like Fuente Alemana, in Santiago.

If you prefer sandwiches with a lot of condiments and prefer to eat with utensils, La Lucha's sandwiches may not be to your liking. However, if you appreciate a delicious, spicy sandwich that can be eaten with your hands, La Lucha is one of the best options in town. Another competitor, La Sanguchera, located in Costanera Center, also serves great sandwiches with table service, making it a good alternative for sandwich lovers to try.