As actor and musician Keanu Reeves once famously said: “Life is good when you have a good sandwich.” From the Jambon-buerre in Paris to Pastrami on Rye in New York City and irresistibly savoury Bánh mì in Hanoi, the world of sandwiches is as delicious as it is diverse. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the top sandwich destinations around the globe that every sarnie lover should try at least once.
London
London’s food scene is a culinary kaleidoscope that reflects the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. From traditional British classics like bacon butties, fish and chips, and Sunday roast dinner to Michelin-starred fine dining establishments, eclectic indie pop-ups and street food at the world-famous Borough Market, there really is something to suit every taste and palate in this cultural melting pot.
Must-try spot: Norman’s Cafe
Address: 167 Junction Rd, Archway, London N19 5PZ
Bacon butties are a favourite with us Brits. After all, what could be better than hot, crispy bacon smothered in brown sauce or ketchup? The embodiment of London’s ‘caff’ culture, Instagram favourite Norman’s Café serve up theirs on soft white bread and always have a queue!
Image Credit: Norman’s Cafe
Paris
Arguably the food capital of Europe, Paris is home to some incredible bistros, boulangeries, cafes, and restaurants. Its world-renowned culinary scene encompasses everything from high-end haute cuisine and classic moules marinière right through to the quintessentially French jambon–beurre sandwich.
Must-try spot: La Fontaine de Belleville
Address: 31-33 Rue Juliette Dodu, 75010 Paris, France
Salted ham and lashings of butter on a crusty baguette. That’s it! But, believe us, the jambon-buerre is far from just a simple ham sandwich. It’s well worth a visit to charming neighbourhood bistro, La Fontaine, to sample this must-try lunchtime staple made with Prince de Paris Ham, salted butter and crusty yet delicate French bread.
Image Credit: La Fontaine de Belleville
New York
The Big Apple is renowned for its gastronomic offerings, from iconic thin-crust pizza to decadent baked cheesecake, yummy black and white cookies, and New York-style bagels. Food is as much a part of the city’s culture as Central Park and the Statue of Liberty.
Must-try spot: Katz’s Delicatessen
Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, United States
A New York institution for well over a century, Katz’s Deli features in THAT legendary scene in the film Where Harry Met Sally, where a diner at an adjacent table pipes up with the famous quote “I’ll have what she’s having.” The deli’s colossal pastrami sandwiches feature perfectly smoked pastrami piled high, Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and house-made Reuben dressing, all served up on delicious rye bread.
Image Credit: Katz’s Deli
Hanoi
Hanoi’s bustling streets are home to an amazing array of street food stalls, budget-friendly eateries, fusion cuisine, and upscale restaurants. The city’s culinary scene offers everything from fragrant bowls of subtly spiced pho to savoury pancakes and, of course, bánh mì. This flavourful Vietnamese delicacy has enjoyed increasing popularity across the globe in recent years, and what better place to try than the nation’s capital, Hanoi?
Must-try spot: Bánh mì Trâm
Address: 30 P. Đình Ngang, Cửa Nam, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
This renowned sandwich spot serves up its bánh mì deconstructed, so you can decide for yourself whether to assemble it into a sandwich or enjoy the components as they come. Expect to tuck into a crusty baguette with pate, Vietnamese pork, pickled veg, chillies, and Bánh mì Trâm’s signature sauce.
Hanoi Street
We hope you’ve enjoyed this culinary tour of four of the most iconic sandwich capitals across the globe. From London’s vibrant culture to the historic streets of Paris, the hustle-bustle of New York City, and the buzzing metropolis of Hanoi, each of these cities offers a unique take on the humble sandwich.
Bon Appétit and happy sandwich travels!