Chajá

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Chajá is an Uruguayan cake consisting of layers of sponge cake, whipped cream, meringue, and peaches, while a layer of dulce de leche on top is often seen, but not mandatory. The cake was invented in the 1920s by Orlando Castellano at the Confitería Las Familias in Paysandú. He was inspired by a local bird, el chajá (crested screamer), and that's how this delicious cake was invented. Nowadays, it is a staple at Uruguayan feasts and celebrations.