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From La Ponderosa to your table.

About Us

Inspired by Almena – the eldest daughter of the founder

Our Story

De Paso is not just a Peruvian sanguchería — it’s a living tribute to flavor, the land, and the moments that truly matter.

Fausto Schmiel, our founder, grew up surrounded by the aroma of ají sizzling in the pan, the steam of rice cooked over wood fire — yes, wood fire, just like it was always done at home — and the deep, bold flavors that only a Peruvian mother can create in a countryside kitchen. He was raised on a small farm called La Ponderosa, in northern Peru, where life revolved around simplicity, authenticity… and food.

From a young age, Fausto felt a strong connection to nature, walking through the fields with his father. He loved planting, caring for crops, and watching seeds grow into food. That passion led him to study Agricultural Engineering, where he discovered something profound: the earth is wise, generous, and every ingredient carries a story. He learned that food doesn’t just nourish the body — when grown with care, it also feeds the soul.

That’s when he truly understood the power of cooking — not as a chore, but as an act of love. Cooking is about transforming what the earth gives us into something that brings people together, something that comforts. There’s no greater joy than a full table, a reunited family, and a meal made with love.

Together with his wife and daughters, De Paso – Sanguches of Peru was born — a sanguchería that tells the story of Peru in its own way: not only through beloved recipes, but through two cultural treasures that reflect the country’s soul — the Peruvian sánguche and the Peruvian Paso Horse, a symbol of grace, identity, and living heritage.

Because in Peru, we don’t say “sandwich”… we say sánguche.
And it’s more than just a different word — it reflects how we express ourselves through our own cultural voice. It’s how we’ve taken a global concept and made it unmistakably Peruvian, infusing it with our ingredients, our creativity, and our soul. The Peruvian sánguche carries history between slices of bread. Whether it’s chicharrón, lomo saltado, or a triple, each one is a flavorful expression of heritage and love — served by hand.

Here at De Paso, we don’t just make sánguches. We invite you to taste Peru in every bite, to experience our culture, and to take a seat at our table — as if you were part of the family.

Our Mission

At De Paso – Sanguches of Peru, our mission goes beyond preparing food — we aim to create meaningful moments.

Every sánguche we serve is a celebration of Peru — of its traditions, its history, and its heartfelt warmth.

We are committed to offering an authentic experience where every guest feels at home, welcomed with genuine care, and served dishes crafted with fresh ingredients, high quality, and a deep respect for our roots.

We want every visit to De Paso to be a flavorful journey to the heart of Peru — a shared moment, a memory in the making. Because we believe food doesn’t just feed — it brings people together.

Our Vision

At De Paso – Sanguches of Peru, we dream of building bridges between cultures — bringing the flavors of Peru to new tables, new hearts, and new generations.

We envision a future where Peruvian sánguches are celebrated around the world for what they truly are: a unique fusion of flavor, history, and creativity. Our goal is for guests not only to eat well, but to understand and feel the soul of Peru in every bite.

As a family, we see ourselves growing — opening new doors in new cities, while staying true to our beginnings: humility, authenticity, and a deep respect for our heritage.

Through this journey, we hope to inspire pride in our Peruvian community, spark curiosity in those discovering our culture, and most of all, continue to be a place where great food and warm service always go hand in hand.

Cravings confirmed by our customers

Saw them on DoorDash, tried the Saltado sánguche... and now I’m hooked.

– Jason Lee

Tech guy & sandwich addict

We ordered for the whole family and everyone loved it. The chicha morada is a must!

– Melissa Carter

Mom & Foodie

Best sánguche I’ve had outside of Lima. The pork one is insane — crispy, juicy, perfect!

– Carlos Herrera

Local Guide