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When we think of typical Indian snacks, sandwiches are probably not the first thing that comes to mind. This is strange in some ways since bread – in many forms – is an integral part of the Indian diet. The origins of baking in India can be attributed to travellers, traders, and armies from the Middle East and Central Asia. However, the mention of maida, the refined wheat flour used in baking, was relatively scarce in Indian texts until the mediaeval era.
But bread really made its entrance into India with the Portuguese occupation of Goa. Since yeast was hard to come by, early settlers used to use feni to ferment their dough and the resulting bread became known as pao (or pav) after the Portuguese word for bread. This pav however was used much in the same way as a roti, for scooping and sopping up rich curries, not for filling with meat or cheese as you’d expect from a traditional sandwich.
It was the influence of the British that led to the rise in popularity of a now-familiar sliced loaf and by the 1970s there were industrial-scale bakeries churning out white ‘sandwich bread’. This new addition offered up a chance for street stalls to start creating new dishes and things like the omelette-toast and the Bombay Sandwich sprang up and soon, sandwiches were a household name.
Video Credits: Your Food Lab/YouTube
Today, sandwiches are a staple of every Indian home. They’re quick fixes for tiffins and easy midnight snacks. Here are 8 desi-inspired sandwiches you can try:
1. Bombay Sandwich:
The OG of Indian sandwiches, this creation from the bustling streets of Mumbai embodies the flavours of the city. It's a delightful combination of crunchy vegetables like cucumber, onion, and tomatoes, laced with a generous spread of spicy green chutney, and sometimes a tangy tamarind sauce. These ingredients are sandwiched between slices of fresh, soft bread, and often accompanied by a layer of boiled potato. The final sandwich is then showered with crunchy sev for a combination of crisp veggies and soft bread for a meal that can be eaten on the go.
2. Cheese Chutney Sandwich:
Simplicity is often the need of the hour and these easy sandwiches are laced with nostalgia…and chutney! It usually features a filling of grated cheese and a zesty coriander, green chilli and garlic chutney, which can be spicy or mild depending on your preference. The blend of cheese and chutney is a contrast of flavour and texture between two slices of bread, often toasted to perfection and some people even add a layer of fresh cucumber for some extra bite. It's a comforting, quick bite that satisfies your taste buds with its fusion of spicy and cheesy elements.
3. Dahi Toast:
The idea of putting yoghurt in a sandwich may raise some eyebrows, but Dahi Toast is a staple for many people and is especially popular with kids. It includes a creamy, spiced hung curd filling with a medley of veggies like capsicum and onions. The yoghurt mixture is generously spread over bread slices, which are then toasted until they acquire a beautiful golden brown hue. It’s most often made with hung curd for its thicker consistency, trying it with regular dahi probably wouldn’t yield the same results. This sandwich offers a contrast of textures, with the crispy exterior and the creamy, tangy interior, making it a refreshing and innovative option.
4. Omelette Sandwich:
Another street food staple of Mumbai, the omelette sandwich is a protein-packed breakfast that combines eggs and bread in a neat portable package. It starts with a fluffy omelette made with eggs and seasoned with spices, typically served with a dash of ketchup. This omelette is then neatly placed between slices of bread, creating a hearty and satisfying breakfast or snack. It's a no-fuss, filling option for those looking to kick start their day with a boost of energy and flavour.
5. Dabeli:
From the Gujarati district of Kutch comes this delectable delight that features a blend of sweet and spicy flavours. It's a unique sandwich filled with a spicy and sweet potato mixture, seasoned with a special dabeli spice mixture thats then loaded onto a pav which is usually buttered and toasted. To enhance the experience, it's garnished with a medley of toppings, such as pomegranate seeds, peanuts, and sev, resulting in a satisfying blend of sweet, spicy, and crunchy flavours.
6. Vada Pav:
You can’t think of street food without mentioning the vada pav, and this Mumbai creation is as iconic as they come. Originally made in the 1960s to cater to mill workers travlling from Dadar station, the dish features a deep-fried masala laden potato fritter, or "vada," sandwiched between a pav, a soft bread roll. The vada is typically spiced a dry garlic or peanut chutney, a dash of green chutney and a handful of fried chillies. Vada Pav is a quintessential example of how simplicity can create an explosion of taste.
7. Chicken Tikka Sandwich:
You’ll probably find one of these at every bakery in the country, and for good reason. Because the chicken tikka sandwich is a delight! It combines the spicy flavours of marinated, grilled chicken tikka in a hearty bread package. The chicken pieces, marinated in a blend of yoghurt and spices, are typically grilled and then either sliced or shredded before they’re placed between slices of bread, often accompanied by fresh vegetables and creamy mayonnaise.
8. Veggie Sandwich:
A tiffin box staple, this simple but delicious creation is a healthier take on a sandwich and even though minimal, manages to be truly satisfying. Typically, it includes layers of sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and perhaps some bell peppers, all seasoned with a choice of condiments like mayonnaise or mustard. It's a go-to option for vegetarians and health-conscious individuals, but you can also make it more indulgent with a sprinkling of cheese The simplicity of the veggie sandwich allows for personalisation, making it easy to tailor to individual tastes.
