A Xis, also known as a Xis gaúcho, is a sandwich from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul that was inspired by the American cheeseburger. The sandwich consists of meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, peas, corn, and mayonnaise served on a bread bun larger than a typical hamburger bun (around 18 cm diameter).[1] The meat used can vary with some common choices being a beef patty, chicken hearts, fish fillets, chicken breast, calabresa sausage, bacon, or fried eggs.[2][3] Vegetarian variants that use meat alternatives exist. The sandwich is pressed on a grill and served hot.[1][3]

Xis
Xis sandwiches being prepared on a grill
Alternative namesXis gaúcho
TypeSandwich
Place of originBrazil
Region or stateRio Grande do Sul
Associated cuisineBrazilian cuisine
Serving temperatureHot

The sandwich is commonly eaten for dinner after social events.[2]

Origin

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The name Xis comes from the Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation of the English word cheese from cheeseburger.[2]

While the origin of the sandwich is unknown, it existed in restaurants across Rio Grande de Sul by the mid-1970s.[3] According to César Augusto Ribas Moreira, PRB councilor of Canoas, the first restaurant in Canoas to sell Xis sandwiches opened on May 28 in the 1960s.[4]

On 7 January 2016, Municipal Law Nº 5990 was passed in Canoas and inaugurated May 28 as Xis day. The law also set Canoas as the reference city for the typical Xis sandwich and location of an annual Xis festival.[4][5][6]

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References

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  1. ^ a b Dias, Claudia (30 June 2020). "Lanche típico gaúcho, xis é gigante cheio de sabor. Prove receitas em casa" [A typical meal from Rio Grande do Sul, xis are a giant full of flavor. Try recipes at home]. Nossa UOL (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  2. ^ a b c Fraga, Rafaella (10 June 2014). "De coração, carne ou frango, 'xis' é opção de lanche para a Copa no RS" [Heart, meat or chicken, 'xis' are a meal option for the World Cup in RS]. Rio Grande do Sul (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  3. ^ a b c Berwanger, Joana (20 July 2022). "Xis pelo RS: o lanche se tornou um símbolo gastronômico do Estado, confira cidades que oferecem versões saborosas | Destemperados" [Xis throughout RS: the meal has become a gastronomic symbol of the state, check out the cities that offer tasty versions]. GZH (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  4. ^ a b Monteiro, Rosângela (2 January 2016). ""A gente não quer brincar", diz vereador de Canoas que criou o Dia do Xis | DG" ["We don't want to play", says Canoas councillor who created Xis Day]. Diário Gaúcho (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  5. ^ "Vereadores de Canoas denominam cidade como referência na produção do "típico xis gaúcho"" [Canoas councillors name the city a reference in the production of the "typical xis gaúcho"]. GZH (in Brazilian Portuguese). 22 December 2015. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  6. ^ "Lei Ordinária 5990 2016 de Canoas RS". leismunicipais.com.br (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-02-25.