Sandwiches are among the world’s most versatile foods; just about every culture in the world has one, or multiple, sandwiches included in its cuisine. From the most basic of sandwiches to the slices of bread stacked with long lists of ingredients, the world’s sandwiches provide countless people across the globe with quick, easy and undeniably delicious meals every day. Let’s take a closer look at some of the world’s greatest sandwiches—you may just discover a new lunch recipe.
1. Fried Bologna
Fried bologna sandwiches are a staple in Southern cuisine, and believe me when I say there is no better way to indulge between two slices of bread. Bologna, the smoothest of the deli meats, is fried in a pan until its edges become crispy. It’s then placed on white bread (none of that whole wheat stuff here) and dressed with mustard, mayo or—my preference—both. Some add cheese or even lettuce and onion, but I prefer my fried bologna sandwich plain and simple and plain.
2. Banh Mi
The banh mi is one of Vietnam’s most iconic sandwiches, and it certainly tops my list of best sandwiches in the world. This sandwich is constructed on a light, airy baguette and dressed with pickled vegetables like carrots and cucumbers, radish and cilantro in addition to meat, a wide variety of which can be used. It’s both fresh and hearty, both light and substantial.
3. Chip Butty
I’m a huge fan of the chip butty, a British invention that’s ultimately just a French fry sandwich with some butter. As a proponent of carbs on carbs, the chip butty checks all the boxes of deliciousness for me, especially when you add a drizzle of ketchup to the equation. It may not be the most luxurious of dishes, but it is one of the most undeniably pleasurable.
4. Braaibroodjie
South African braaibroodjie is similar to grilled cheese, except for the fact that it’s outfitted with a sour-sweet chutney that adds some extra depth of flavor to the dish. Some also like to put other sandwich toppings, like lettuce and tomato, on their braaibroodjie after grilling the sandwich. Give it a try the next time you’re in Cape Town, or try making it in your own kitchen.
5. Tost
Go out for lunch in Turkey, and you’ll see plenty of menus featuring tost, a sandwich that’s filled with ingredients and squished before it’s served. A whole host of ingredients can make for a solid tost, with sucuk, a spicy sausage, being one of my absolute favorites. Cheese and tomato are generally included as well. Tost is often served sliced right down the middle.
6. Sanduiche de Mortadela
If you’re looking for a sandwich that’s going to fill you up easily, you have to snag a sanduiche de mortadela, a sandwich that hails from São Paulo, Brazil. This sandwich is not for the weak of heart; it contains piles upon piles of mortadella, which is essentially fancy bologna. It’s usually dressed with mayo and Dijon mustard, and it may or may not include some veggies in the mix. If you can finish an entire sanduiche de mortadela on your own, you’re stronger than I am.
7. Tamago Sando
Japan’s famous tamago sandos have made their way across the world, and I couldn’t be happier that I can find this sandwich in Boston. It’s similar to an American egg salad sandwich, but it calls for kewpie mayo and shokupan, or milk bread, specifically. I like tamago sandos best when they contain a single sliced egg in the center of the egg salad—it’s hard to find a more visually appealing dish.
8. Hot Chicken
Beyond country music, Nashville’s claim to fame is its hot chicken, but these days, you can find hot chicken sandwiches all across the U.S. (and beyond, if you’re lucky). Although I love a standard fried chicken sandwich, I think the hot chicken sandwich goes above and beyond by adding some heat and, generally, acidity to the mix. It should be topped with some sort of refreshing veggie or slaw.
9. Medianoche
One of Cuba’s sandwich claims to fame is the medianoche, which is outfitted with ham, pork, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles (preferably sweet) on Cuban bread. Yes, this sandwich is heavy on the meat, but those pickles add just the right amount of acid to ensure you’re not going to break out in meat sweats after your third bite.
10. Bombay Sandwich
Light, fresh and suitable for vegetarians, the Bombay sandwich is among my favorite summertime lunches. Green chutney is first spread onto white bread, which is then piled high with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, beets and potatoes. Sandwich masala, a spice mix, provides some extra flavor.
Samantha Maxwell is a food writer and editor based in Boston. Follow her on Twitter at @samseating.