Around The World In 10 Delicious Sandwiches

If it’s been a minute since you’ve had a very memorable and tasty sandwich, then you're in for a treat. Don’t worry because this reading can only make you hungry, not hangry.

Before we start talking about this humble food, it is important to note that the origin of the simple sandwich may be found in mid-17th century Europe with the 4th Earl of the Sandwich. The name of this delicate food was attributed to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich after French novelist Pierre-Jean Grosley published a book titled Londres (A Tour to London) in which he described what he saw:

Even though the anecdote didn’t explicitly mention the word “sandwich,” people assumed that the description was referring to the 4th Earl of Sandwich. As soon as the name gained popularity, English-speaking people started using the term “sandwich” to refer to foods with two pieces of bread and something in the middle.

“That respectable body, of which I have the honour of being a member, affords every evening a sight truly English. Twenty or thirty, perhaps, of the first men in the kingdom, in point of fashion and fortune, supping at little tables covered with a napkin, in the middle of a coffee-room, upon a bit of cold meat, or a sandwich, and drinking a glass of punch.”

With that bit of information, you could assume that John Montagu sort of came up with the concept of the sandwich, but that is not true. The truth is: we don’t really know who invented this handheld meal. In fact, the simple sammich has existed all around the world in different forms for many, many years.

Vietnam: Bánh Mì

Bánh mì or banh mi is a typical Vietnamese street food sandwich with savory meats (like chả lụa or pork sausage), creamy mayonnaise, and tasty-pickled–crunchy-veggies.

Bánh mì Types:

• Bánh mì cá mòi – sardine sandwich
• Bánh mì chả cá – fish patty sandwich
• Bánh mì kẹp kem – ice cream sandwich topped with crushed peanuts
• Bánh mì bì – shredded pork sandwich with fish sauce

Pakistan: Bun Kabab

In cities all over Pakistan, a Bun Kabab is an affordable and beloved street food. It is a simple and vegetarian sandwich made with a filling of a lentil patty filling, red onions, chutney, and soft, sweet buns.

Japan: Fruit Sando (フルーツサンド)

Upgrade your bento box with slices of Fruit Sando! It is a simple sandwich prepared from fluffy Japanese milk bread aka shokupan, fresh fruit pieces, and creamy whipped cream.

Spain: Bocadillo

When in Spain, make sure to try a delicious and traditional Spanish bocadillo. Served on a baguette, it is filled with cold cuts, jamón, tuna, or Spanish chorizo.

Bocadillo Types:

• Bocadillo de nocilla y chorizo
• Bocadillo de bonito del norte
• Bocadillo de huevos fritos
• Bocadillo de pisto

Netherlands: Broodje Kroket

Broodje kroket consists of two slices of bread, a deep-fried meat ragu (shaped like a tube), and a drizzle of spicy mustard.

United Kingdom: Chip Butty

It is a carb-overload chips sandwich (thick-cut french fry sandwich). Think about a hot handful of chips placed in between two buttered white bread.

Greece: Gyro

Gyro consists of meat (chicken, lamb, veal, or pork) cooked on a vertical spit, stuffed inside pita bread together with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and served with tzatziki sauce.

United States: Peanut Butter and Jelly

It’s peanut butter jelly time! Here are the steps to the perfect PB&J:

1. Grab two slices of bread (wheat, white, multigrain, etc…).
2. Spread peanut butter on one side (crunchy or creamy).
3. Spread jelly on the other side (strawberry, grape, etc…).
4. Put the bread slices together and enjoy!

South Africa: Gatsby

If you’re hungry, have a bite of Cape Town's signature sub called Gatsby. It is a toasted, foot-long, French-style bread loaded with slap tjips (french fries) and meat filling.

The name was given in 1976, making reference to the film The Great Gatsby.

Egypt: Hawawshi

Created by a butcher in Cairo in the 1970s, Hawawshi is made by stuffing crispy pita pockets with ground meat spiced with fresh herbs and cumin.