Chori

The choripan, basically a fire-grilled sausage on a bun, is about the only street food Porteños have ever known. As interest in North American handheld foods gained popularity worldwide it seemed the trusty ole choripan had fallen out of favor. Other than a few trusty restaurants cum chori-stands scattered about in San Telmo, the occasional stand set up at flea markets and fairs, and a rash choripan stands lining the river in Puerto Madero, it was becoming harder and harder to find a basic choripan on the street.

And even though Buenos Aires is breaking out of its steak and pizza gastronomical shackles, it seems more exotic and foreign fare seems to be the food of choice for restaurateurs seeking to capitalize among on the popularity of handheld among Argentina’s younger crowd seeking inexpensive meals out in a casual setting. The choripan seemed to be getting lost in all the confusion.

That is, until the renegades that broke all the steakhouse commandments over at La Carnicería decided to gussy up the basic ole choripan and give it some lustre. In a brightly painted and cleverly decorated corner restaurant with an ultra-casual, order at the counter ambiance, the choripraneurs over at Chori have given the humble sausage sandwich its rightful place in the Palermo dining scene. With a half-dozen or so exotic varieties of sausage made of grilling, and bunch of unusual ingredients piled on fresh-baked rolls, these Choriographers have made eating a choripan fun again.

For the pork sausage, smoked or not smoked, that’s the question. Wanting something a bit less oinky? No problem. Take your choice. Lamb or fish sausage. They even have a vegetarian sausage. You Brits might want to give a black pudding (blood sausage) on a bun a try.

In summary, these guys have some unique and tasty sausages with creative condiments on fresh bread that elevate the sausage sandwich to a higher level. And you can enjoy it in a clean, casual dining environment at a reasonable price. At the time of my visit you could get a basic choripan, a side of potato salad, a drink for meager 150 pesos (about $8 US). That’s not bargain basement, but it won’t break the bank either.