Mexican chefs prepare world's biggest sandwich

Mexico City: In what has become a yearly tradition in Mexico City, workers from 45 restaurants on Friday volunteered to prepare a 48-metre (161 feet) long Mexican sandwich, possibly the largest of its kind ever made.

Even though the effort was not recognised by The Guinness Book of Records, organisers said the idea was to preserve Mexican culinary traditions as people tend to eat more and more fast foods.

The delicious treat was believed to be three metres (10 feet) longer than last year's sandwich, which measured 45 metres (148 feet).

The 'torta', as the Mexican sandwich is known, was a joint effort of 45 restaurants and bakeries from Mexico City.

The sandwich was prepared with basic ingredients such as meat, chicken, beans, onions, lettuces, mayonnaise, tomatoes and chili.

Tortas are a popular dish among Mexicans who buy it from street food stands and restaurants throughout the country.

"The idea is to promote our traditions, and if there's something that we can be proud of, not only here but worldwide, it's the torta," said Jose Luis Valenzuela, Director of National Bakery Chamber.