While the basic idea of a sandwich, placing food between slices of bread, remains the same, the variations around the world reflect different local traditions and ingredients.
The History of the Sandwich
It is commonly believed that the modern sandwich was made popular in the 18th century by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, a British aristocrat. According to the story, he asked his servants to bring him meat between two pieces of bread so he could continue playing cards without using any cutlery. The meal caught on and became widely known as the sandwich. Today sandwiches can be found in nearly every country around the world, each adding its own unique twist.
Here we share six famous sandwiches from different countries, along with their history and key characteristics:
1. Croque Monsieur from France
The croque monsieur, meaning “mister crunch”, first appeared in French cafés in the early 20th century. It is a toasted ham and cheese sandwich made with bread, béchamel sauce and melted Gruyère.
2. Reuben from the US
The Reuben sandwich consists of rye bread, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing, all grilled together.
3. Katsu Sando from Japan
The katsu sando is a Japanese sandwich made with panko-crusted pork or chicken cutlet, soft white shokupan bread and tonkatsu sauce.
4. Philly Cheesesteak from the US
The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the 1930s. The sandwich features thinly sliced steak, melted cheese and sautéed onions, all served on a soft roll.
5. Egg and Cress Sandwich from the UK
This simple yet classic sandwich is a staple in British cafés and deli counters. It’s made with boiled eggs, mayonnaise and fresh cress, all served between two slices of soft bread, often white or wholegrain.
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6. Gatsby from South Africa
The Gatsby is a large sandwich typically served with chips and filled with spicy meats along with vegetables and peri-peri sauce.