Is there anything better than a sandwich? They are adaptable, portable (mostly), and satisfying. You have so many choices! Even more exciting, sandwiches are just about everywhere you go! If you wanted to, you could take a culinary world tour just focused on the simple yet delightful sandwich. So, pack your imaginary bags, and take a look at six sandwiches representing global cuisine.
1. Choripán (Argentina)
Choripán is the ultimate street food in a country where asado (barbecue) is more than just a cuisine. It’s deeply embedded in the culture. This deliciously simple sandwich is all about the smoky, grilled chorizo. That’s served on a crispy roll and topped with chimichurri sauce. That’s an herbaceous blend of parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. You’ll find this delicious sandwich at football games, being sold by street vendors, and at social gatherings.
2. Smørrebrød (Denmark)
This is a satisfying open-faced sandwich with great visual appeal. The Smørrebrød starts with a dense slice of dark rye bread. From there, the possibilities are pretty endless. Although, there are a few guidelines. These sandwiches are cold, flavorful, artfully arranged, yet simple. Think smoked salmon with capers and dill or a smear of pate.
3. The Gatsby (South America)
This hefty sandwich is meal within itself, and one that will likely lead to leftovers. This is a sub-style sandwich that begins with steak, chicken, or fish. That’s topped with french fries, lettuce, tomatoes, and a spicy sauce. This huge indulgence of a sandwich is typically split between friends, and a popular street food item in Capetown.
4. Bánh Mì (Vietnam)
There’s not much good to say about Colonialism, but it’s hard to deny that something wonderful happened when French and Vietnamese culinary influences led to the Bánh Mì. Here, the ingredients can vary, but some elements are always the same. This sandwich is served on a baguette that is crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. Pickled carrots, daikon, sliced cucumber, and cilantro are always present. Mayonnaise and spicy chili sauce are also commonly included. The rest can vary. Pork belly, grilled chicken, tofu, eggs, and liver spread are quite popular.
5. Croque Monsieur (France)
This begins as a simple ham and cheese sandwich but gets elevated to so much more. The Croque Monsieur is ham and gruyere cheese served on thick toasted bread. The sandwich is then coated with bechamel sauce, sprinkled with more cheese, and oven-toasted until the outside is brown and bubbly. Add a fried egg on top, and you’ve just created a Croque Madame.
6. Katsu Sando (Japan)
This is a simple sandwich with versions that can be found in Japanese convenience stores, but also high-end restaurants. The inexpensive versions are usually chicken or pork cutlets, breaded with panko, and fried crispy. These are then served on Japanese milk bread, always with the crusts removed. If you haven’t tried it, milk bread is a soft, slightly sweet bread often used for sandwiches. If you want something fancier, there’s a Wagyu beef version that’s one of the world’s most expensive dishes served between sliced bread.
Other Sandwich Options
Craving more? Here’s a checklist of amazing sandwiches you have to try:
- A New Orleans Po Boy
- Venezuelan Arepa
- Cemita
- New England Lobster Roll
- Vada Pav
- Shawarma
- Bocadillo
Enjoy a Sandwich
Get out and try at least one of these sandwiches. Better yet, do some digging and find the sandwiches that define your culture or city, and try those too! Hate to eat alone? The Hily app is a great resource for finding other foodies right where you live!