The best sandwiches in the world including the one at the centre of a food poisoning outbreak
Now, 25 of the world's best sandwiches have been named by CNN - and many of them are worth travelling thousands of miles to try for yourself. But one of the ranked sandwiches, Vietnam's bánh mì, is embroiled in a controversy - it's at the heart of a food poisoning outbreak. Here are the top 25 sandwiches in the world, and the best places to find them.
In This Article:
- Bánh mì Vietnamese sandwich
- Spanish ham sandwich
- Torta ahogada from Guadalajara: drowned submarine sandwich
- Tramezzini triangular sandwiches
- Shawarma style Middle Eastern street sandwich (Lebanon–Israel)
- Pambazo Mexican sandwich
- Muffaletta New Orleans sandwich
- Chivito Uruguayan sandwich
- Pan bagnat Nice sandwich
- Danish open sandwiches smørrebrød
- Skhambane South African stuffed bread
- Beef brisket on rye
- Po'boy Louisiana sandwich
- Fricasse Tunisian sandwich
- Cuban sandwich
- Cucumber sandwich afternoon tea staple
- Chip butty British favourite
- Katsu sando Japan
- Reuben sandwich
- Croque monsieur and croque madame
- Cheesesteak Philadelphia classic
- Dutch herring sandwich with raw herring
- Falafel pita
- Choripán Argentine street food
- Lobster roll New England classic
Bánh mì Vietnamese sandwich
This typical Vietnamese sandwich combines shredded pork, chicken or other protein with a crusty roll, vegetables and a tangy sauce This typical Vietnamese sandwich combines shredded pork, chicken or other protein with a crusty roll, vegetables and a tangy sauce. It's a popular option for street food and has been adopted in different countries around the world. However, there have been many recent reports of food poisoning linked to the dish in Ho Chi Minh City, with more than 300 people hospitalised. The delicacy is now subject to debate over food safety as a result.
Spanish ham sandwich
This sandwich could not be simpler - Spanish bread combined with slices of ham This sandwich could not be simpler - Spanish bread combined with slices of ham. But it's a favourite for a reason, and an absolute must-try whenever you find yourself in Spain. The basic ingredients let the quality of the produce shine, so you'll definitely want to ensure you source high-quality cured ham.
Torta ahogada from Guadalajara: drowned submarine sandwich
Most popular in Guadalajara, the Mexican dish torta ahogada translated as 'drowned submarine sandwich'. It's easy to see why - the bread and fillings are quite literally drowned in the spicy sauce. Traditionally made with birote salado, a type of Mexican sourdough, the sandwich is filled with shredded pork, refried beans and onions.
Tramezzini triangular sandwiches
Tramezzini are small, triangular sandwiches, often with the crust removed They can be filled with a range of options, including tomato and mozzarella, egg and tuna. They're a popular canape option, and were designed in 1925 as a spin-off from the classic English tea sandwich.
Shawarma style Middle Eastern street sandwich (Lebanon–Israel)
From Lebanon to Israel, this popular street food combines the best of Middle Eastern flavours Cooked meat with hummus or tahina, fresh salad and a variety of other add-ons, it's easily found inside markets and in busy areas in many countries in this reason. It's so popular that it's even easy to find across European capitals now, especially in late-night joints and Middle Eastern restaurants in the UK and France.
Pambazo Mexican sandwich
This Mexican dish is made with pambazo bread dipped and fried in a red guajillo pepper sauce The most important part? The bread. There are different varieties of filling, but these sandwiches usually combine crispy chorizo and fluffy potatoes with cheese and coleslaw.
Muffaletta New Orleans sandwich
Made popular in New Orleans, muffaletta is a type of Sicilian bread and sandwich Given the fillings in this sandwich, it's no surprise it was created by a Sicilian immigrant to the United States.
Chivito Uruguayan sandwich
Made of sliced beefsteak (churrasco), mozzarella, ham, tomatoes, mayonnaise and black or green olives, it's a filling and delicious option. If that weren't enough, it's also traditionally topped with a fried egg.
Pan bagnat Nice sandwich
Popular in Nice, pan bagnat is like the sandwich equivalent of a salad Niçoise France is known around the world for the quality of its bread, so it's no surprise some of the country's sandwiches make this list.
Danish open sandwiches smørrebrød
These traditional Danish open sandwiches are often considered a national dish They usually consist of buttered rye bread topped with a variety of ingredients. For example, they might include pickled herring, roast beef, or eggs and shrimp.
Skhambane South African stuffed bread
This stuffed bread is a South African street food popular in all provinces of the country It's a simple construction - meat and french fries stuffed inside a bread roll. Impressively sized, it's usually eaten on the go, and is sometimes known as skhambane.
Beef brisket on rye
Smoked beef brisket on rye bread with yellow mustard - a winning combination. The smoked meat is a type of kosher-style delicatessen meat made by salting and curing beef brisket with spices. It's known for having a peppery, garlicky spice taste. The mustard is key, though, providing a tangy balance to the thick piles of meat.
Po'boy Louisiana sandwich
A Po'boy sandwich is a traditional dish from Louisiana, made with a long French roll with a crust It's then filled with fried seafood - usually shrimp or oysters - and finished with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles and mayonnaise. Its name comes from 'poor boy', because it was created after streetcar strikers in 1929 in New Orleans.
Fricasse Tunisian sandwich
This north African country’s fricasse sandwich is a popular street food. It's savory, deep-fried dough often filled with tuna, boiled eggs, olives, harissa, preserved lemons, capers and mashed potato, with turmeric as a condiment. This sandwich is made with ham, (mojo) roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on bread
Cuban sandwich
It was popularised in the Florida communities of Key West and Tampa among Cuban immigrant workers. The Cuban sandwich is also at the core of a long-running friendly rivalry between Miami and Tampa.
Cucumber sandwich afternoon tea staple
Usually combined with a cream cheese filling on crustless bread, it's a light option ten enjoyed alongside tea and small cakes and pastries.
Chip butty British favourite
A chip butty is something perhaps only Brits will understand. It's essentially just french fries served on bread, with condiments such as ketchup often added. But it's loved nationally for a reason across the UK - and it incredibly simple to make.
Katsu sando Japan
Japan is known for its many culinary delights, and this is among them. A katsu sando is a Japanese sandwich which is made from Japanese-style cutlet (mainly tonkatsu) between slices of milk bread. It originated in Japan in the 1930s, initially as a portable option for geishas who wanted to eat without smearing their lipstick.
Reuben sandwich
Arguably one of the most famous sandwiches in the world, the Reuben sandwich is a North American grilled sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Thousand Island or Russian dressing There is debate as to its origin, though. Some believe it was created by Arnold Reuben in New York City around 1914, while others believe it's from Omaha in Nebraska a decade or so later. Whatever the origins may be, it's a popular treat to enjoy in the US.
Croque monsieur and croque madame
Another French bread-based treat, the croque monsieur or croque madame is a classic afternoon snack. A croque monsieur is a hot sandwich made with ham and cheese. Adding a fried or poached egg on top, which resembles a woman's hat, turns it into a croque madame. Simple, classic - and delicious.
Cheesesteak Philadelphia classic
A cheesesteak is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak (often rib eye) and melted cheese Originally from Philadelphia, a cheesesteak is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak (often rib eye) and melted cheese. It's a popular fast food option in the area, it was developed in the early 1900s by Pat and Harry Olivieri. It can include add-ons, such as onions, mushrooms, ketchup and hot sauce.
Dutch herring sandwich with raw herring
Made with raw, salt-cured herring, onions and pickles, this Dutch sandwich is a little different. It's a seafood delight, and is commonly served as street food. With strong flavours, it's popular during the herring season, usually May to July. This one won't be for everyone, though...
Falafel pita
Another popular Middle Eastern option, falafel is a chickpea-based vegetarian dish typically served in pitta bread Like shawarma, it's usually accompanied by salad and sauces such as hummus and tahina. If you want to try an authentic one, head to countries such as Egypt, where the dish originates from, or anywhere in the Levant.
Choripán Argentine street food
This Argentine street food combines grilled chorizo sausage with a crusty roll - topped with chimichurri sauce Choripán is a staple of street food culture in Buenos Aires, and you can buy it from street stalls. For sport fans out there, it's also often eaten at football games.
Lobster roll New England classic
This New England sandwich supposedly originated at Perry's restaurant in Mildford, Connecticut While there are varied versions of the sandwich we know today, the most common is lobster meat served on a grilled hot dog–style bun. It is often topped with mayo, lemon juice, and seasonings, and is especially enjoyable during the summer at beachside restaurants.
