Craving a Peruvian sandwich? Panchitos absolutely hit the spot!…read more
We stopped in for lunch because I had a serious craving for a good Peruvian sandwich, and boy, was I NOT disappointed!
This section of Paterson is often referred to as "Little Peru," and for good reason. Market Street is home to several Peruvian restaurants, small grocery stores, bakeries, and other businesses that give the neighborhood such a strong Peruvian identity. If you love Peruvian food, this is definitely an area worth exploring.
Panchitos has been around for quite some time and is well known within the local Peruvian community. It has that casual, neighborhood feel that makes you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in. The atmosphere is simple, cozy, and welcoming--more of a traditional neighborhood restaurant than a fancy dining destination. There's a nice, relaxed vibe that fits perfectly with the authentic Peruvian comfort food coming out of the kitchen.
Now, let's talk about these sandwiches!
Pan con Lomo
This was exactly what I was craving! Tender sautéed beef tucked inside a crusty roll with caramelized onions and tomato. The beef was savory and flavorful, while the sweetness from the caramelized onions added a really nice contrast. The crusty bread gave the sandwich a great texture without overpowering the filling.
Pan con Chicharrón
This one was a MUST! Crispy, flavorful fried pork belly served with thin slices of sweet potato and salsa criolla, a refreshing Peruvian relish made with red onion. The combination of the crispy, rich pork, slightly sweet sweet potato, and bright, tangy onions was fantastic. Every bite had a great mix of textures and flavors.
And those thin sweet potato slices were so good that we ordered a side of them! YUMMY! They added just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory sandwiches.
Our server was wonderful! She was very sweet and attentive, constantly stopping by to check on us, refill our drinks, and chat with us for a bit. That kind of friendly service always makes a meal even better.
Panchitos also has a much bigger Peruvian menu beyond sandwiches, including favorites like pollo a la brasa, lomo saltado, chaufa, ceviche, aji de gallina, and other traditional dishes. So there are plenty of reasons to come back and work your way through the menu!
I know there are a handful of Peruvian restaurants along Market Street in Paterson, but if you're looking for a delicious Peruvian sandwich for lunch, do yourself a favor and stop at Panchitos. Whether you're craving lomo or chicharrón, there's plenty of authentic flavor packed into these sandwiches.
Come hungry, bring your appetite, and enjoy a little taste of Peru right in Paterson, NJ!