The humble sandwich has many variants, ranging from those that use meat to those made with egg or vegetables. Different fillings and types of bread make sandwiches around the world what they are. Some sandwiches are enjoyed for breakfast, while others for lunch or dinner, or even as snacks. We list eight types of sandwiches from around the world that you must try:
Banh mi, Vietnam
The word ‘banh mi’ comes from ‘banh’, which refers to baked goods, and ‘mi’, which means wheat. Banh mi is essentially a Vietnamese sandwich, made by slitting a crusty baguette lengthwise and filling it with cooked meat or vegetables, pickled carrots, cucumber and coriander. It is usually enjoyed as a snack or for breakfast.
Roti John, Singapore
To make roti John, a French loaf is sliced and covered in beaten eggs, minced meat, vegetables and spices. The coated bread is then fried, until the eggy topping is cooked. It is believed that the unique sandwich was invented by a hawker in Singapore in the 70s. It then spread to other areas and became a signature hawker dish.
Kaya toast, Singapore
Another sandwich originating from Singapore, kaya toast is made by toasting slices of bread and spreading kaya (a paste made with coconut milk, eggs, sugar and pandan flavoring) between them. It is usually served accompanied by soft-boiled eggs and coffee or milky tea. It is believed that Hainanese people are responsible for the inception of the dish.
Breakfast roll, Ireland
Cucumber sandwich, England
Probably the most popular among all sandwiches, the humble cucumber sandwich is a classic that never goes wrong. An essential part of British afternoon tea, it is made by chopping off the crusts of white bread, spreading butter on them, and filling them with thin slices of cucumber that have salt sprinkled on them.
Donkey burger, China
A Chinese take on the hamburger, a donkey burger is made by stuffing a shao bing roll with shredded donkey meat, green peppers and fresh coriander. It has been estimated that the Chinese practice of eating donkey meat can be traced back to the reign of the Ming Dynasty. The sandwich can easily be found at both street stalls and restaurants.
Bake and shark, Trinidad and Tobago
Essentially a street food from Trinidad, bake and shark is a sandwich made by stuffing shark meat and vegetables with chutneys and sauces in a flatbread called ‘bake’. Stalls across Trinidad and Tobago sell the sandwich, and it is especially popular at Maracas beach, which is a sandy beach in Trinidad.
Bombay sandwich, India
A desi take on the traditional sandwich, the Bombay sandwich is a street food staple in Mumbai. To make a Bombay sandwich, the crusts are cut off white bread, which is then slathered with butter and coriander chutney. Sliced boiled potatoes, tomatoes and cucumber and onions are placed between the two slices of bread, and sprinkled with masala. Beetroot slices are added to some versions.