The World’s Most Delicious Sandwiches

Travel can be daunting sometimes; however, comfort can often be found in a sandwich. Packing ingredients between two (or more) slices of bread is a universal art that connects people around the globe. Sandwiches provide real insight into a destination’s cuisine, representing the key flavors of each country.

Sometimes borne out of necessity, sandwiches can be among the finest dishes a country has to offer. They are honest, substantial, reliable and affordable. In honor of the humble sandwich, let’s explore some of the world’s most notable creations.

Shawarma, Lebanon

When you think of sandwiches, Greece’s souvlaki and Turkey’s kebabs come to mind, but the Lebanese shawarma deserves more attention. Two thin pita breads form the basis of this cylindrical sandwich, filled with your choice of beef, lamb, or chicken. A mix of two meats is often available. The meats are marinated in Middle Eastern spices, including clove, cardamom, cinnamon, and sumac (a lemon-flavored spice), and cooked on a vertical rotisserie until they are succulent.

Shavings of meat are placed onto the pita, complemented by staples such as tabbouleh, pickled turnips, cabbage, lettuce, tomato, and onion. Condiments often include hummus, toum (Lebanese garlic sauce), tahini, and chili sauce. This entire combination is wrapped up and served either as is or toasted to crisp up the bread.

Francesinha, Portugal

In Portugal’s second city, Porto, you’ll inevitably encounter the Francesinha – an indulgent sandwich that might scare away the health-conscious. This famed sandwich is layered with pork meat, sausage, bacon, and a beef patty or steak, all cradled in thick slices of white bread. Sometimes, a third slice of bread is added in the middle to amp up the decadence. The sandwich is then topped with a slice of cheese.

But it doesn’t end there; the Francesinha is often crowned with a fried egg, allowing the cheese to melt over the edges. To complete this elaborate meal, the sandwich is smothered in a slightly acidic red sauce made from beer and tomato. Some even add port to the sauce for extra flavor, paying homage to Porto’s famous drink.

Cemita, Mexico

The cemita originated in Mexico’s Puebla region. This substantial and balanced sandwich is a crowd-pleaser. Its base can be a single type of meat or a medley, including veal, beef, pork, or chicken. Oaxaca cheese, shredded finely, adds a delightful stringy texture. Chili sauce and papalo sauce (made from a local herb similar to coriander) are then added, along with jalapenos for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Chunks of avocado balance the flavors, all contained within a buttery bread roll that resembles brioche.

Tramezzino, Italy

In Italy, particularly in quick-service cafes, tramezzini sandwiches are always ready to satisfy hungry patrons. These charming, triangular, crustless sandwiches often have beautifully colored layers of fillings like prawns, prosciutto, egg salad, tomatoes, peppers, and mozzarella. A copious amount of mayonnaise completes this delightful snack.

Tripleta, Puerto Rico

The name tripleta gives a clear indication of what’s inside – three types of meat. This Puerto Rican delight features cube steak (bistec) marinated in lemon and garlic, along with asado-cooked pork and smoky ham. Essential toppings include Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, crunchy potato sticks, onion, ketchup, and mayonnaise. Consuming a tripleta solo can be quite the challenge, often requiring an ally to help conquer its hefty size.

Rou jia mo, China

Northwest China features some of the country’s most exciting flavors, heavily influenced by Middle Eastern cuisine. Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province, is famous for its spicy sandwiches, particularly the rou jia mo, which stars shredded lamb marinated in chilli and cumin. Finished with onions and sometimes peppers, this delicious filling is served in either flatbread or bread that encloses the meat, perfect for satisfying midday cravings.

Sabich, Israel

Sabich holds popularity in Israel as a vegetarian haven and perhaps even something that could attract meat lovers. This pita sandwich is packed with crispy fried eggplant, pickles, hard-boiled eggs, and Israeli salad, comprised of finely chopped tomato, cucumber, and parsley. The moment wouldn’t be complete without sauces: hummus, tahini, and amba, a tangy mango sauce that delights the taste buds. Eating a sabich can be messy, so having napkins on hand is highly recommended.

Broodje kroket, the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, you’ll discover one of the most creative sandwiches worldwide. The broodje kroket is a clever and resourceful creation. The kroket (croquette) takes center stage, made by rolling whatever leftovers are available into a log shape, coating it in breadcrumbs and deep frying it. Served in a bread roll with a drizzle of spicy brown mustard, this tasty snack can be found at various snack bars and cafes throughout the country.

Mitraillette, Belgium

Picture a supersized sandwich overflowing with fries; that’s what a Belgian mitraillette resembles. Translating to ‘submachine gun’, it is loaded with fillings. A buttered baguette is filled with a hamburger patty or meatballs, copious fried potatoes, and sometimes additional veggies like tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce. This weighty sandwich is often topped off with cheese and mayonnaise, although variations may include bearnaise sauce or curry ketchup. Many diners allow patrons to customize their own mitraillette, which is generally enjoyed with a refreshing cold Flemish beer.

Article first published in October 2019, and last updated in July 2020