El Chinito

The sandwich Lima built a ritual around.

  • District: Lima Centro (varias sedes)
  • Cuisine: Sanguchería

El Chinito is one of Lima's most emblematic sandwich shops. It was born in 1960 in downtown Lima, founded by Félix Yong, and its original shop stands at the corner of Calle Chancay and Zepita in the historic center. Today there are several branches across the city, including one on Jirón Carabaya in the center and another on Av. Angamos Este in Surquillo, which is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm. The star is the pan con chicharrón: hearty fried pork sliced into a fresh Peruvian French bread roll, with rounds of sweet potato and zarza criolla, the classic onion salad. The menu has grown over the years with turkey, ribs and pork loin, and even a chaufarroncito, a fried rice with little pieces of pork crackling that brings Chinese and Peruvian flavors together. A chicharrón sandwich costs about S/ 14 and the turkey sandwich about S/ 16, though prices can change. El Chinito was named Best Sanguchería (Mejor Sanguchería Peruana) at the Premios Summum 2025 and ranked first again in the 2026 top 10.

Why we chose it

  • Named Best Sanguchería at the Premios Summum 2025 and ranked first in the 2026 top 10.
  • A family business born in 1960 that became a Lima ritual.
  • Its pan con chicharrón is a classic of Peruvian cooking.

Highlights

  • Founded in 1960 in downtown Lima by Félix Yong
  • Pan con chicharrón with sweet potato and zarza criolla
  • Turkey, ribs, pork loin and chaufarroncito on the menu
  • Original shop at Chancay and Zepita, in the historic center
  • Best Sanguchería, Premios Summum 2025; first place in the 2026 top 10

Ideal for

  • a classic Lima sandwich stop
  • visitors exploring the historic center
  • a quick, budget-friendly lunch
  • food lovers who enjoy Peruvian street-food classics

Practical information

Hours
The Av. Angamos Este branch in Surquillo is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm; hours vary by branch, so confirm before you go.
Price
A chicharrón sandwich costs about S/ 14 and a turkey sandwich about S/ 16 (prices can change)
Good to know
The original shop is at Calle Chancay and Zepita, in the historic center; other branches include Jirón Carabaya 318 and Av. Angamos Este 2482, Surquillo.
Tips
Pair the sandwich with a visit to the historic center, then try the chaufarroncito if you want a second dish.

Frequently asked questions

What is El Chinito known for?

Its pan con chicharrón: fried pork in a fresh bread roll with sweet potato and zarza criolla, a classic of Lima's sandwich shops.

Where is El Chinito?

The original shop, from 1960, is at Calle Chancay and Zepita in the historic center. There are other branches, such as Jirón Carabaya 318 and Av. Angamos Este 2482 in Surquillo.

How much is a sandwich at El Chinito?

A chicharrón sandwich costs about S/ 14 and a turkey sandwich about S/ 16, though prices can change.

What are El Chinito's opening hours?

The Surquillo branch on Av. Angamos Este is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm. Hours vary by branch, so confirm before you go.

Has El Chinito won a Summum award?

Yes. It was named Best Sanguchería (Mejor Sanguchería Peruana) at the Premios Summum 2025 and ranked first in the 2026 top 10.