Unearth The Voyage
Sandwiches are more than just food between bread; they’re edible stories from every corner of the globe. From busy street corners in Paris to beachside shacks in Italy, each sandwich carries the flavors and traditions of its homeland.
Get ready to explore 18 incredible sandwiches that prove this simple meal can be absolutely extraordinary.
1. Jambon beurre – Le Petit Vendôme (Paris, France)
Paris knows how to turn simplicity into perfection, and this classic French sandwich proves it beautifully. Fresh baguette, quality ham, and creamy butter come together in a combination that has delighted locals for generations.
Le Petit Vendôme masters the art of balance, using crusty bread that crackles with every bite. The butter melts slightly into the warm baguette, creating a rich base for the delicate ham.
What seems basic becomes magical when ingredients are this fresh and carefully chosen, showing why Parisians never tire of this timeless creation.
2. Bacon, scallop & black pudding roll – Epping Forest Oyster Shack (London, England)
Crispy bacon meets tender scallops in this British seaside marvel that breaks all the rules. Black pudding adds an earthy richness that ties the ocean and farm together in one unforgettable roll.
The Epping Forest Oyster Shack serves this beauty with confidence, knowing the combination sounds wild but tastes incredible. Sweet scallops contrast perfectly with salty bacon and the deep flavor of black pudding.
It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you rethink what belongs between two pieces of bread, celebrating British creativity at its finest.
3. Newman’s Jewban – Kush Hialeah (Hialeah/Miami, Florida, USA)
Miami’s cultural melting pot creates sandwich magic when Jewish deli meets Cuban flavors. Pastrami and roast pork share the spotlight in this fusion masterpiece that celebrates the city’s diverse heritage.
Kush Hialeah layers these meats with Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread that gets pressed until golden. The result is crispy outside and tender inside, with flavors that dance between two beloved traditions.
Every bite tells the story of Miami’s neighborhoods, where different cultures blend to create something completely original and delicious.
4. Sandwich La Perla – El Mercado (Lima, Peru)
Lima’s sandwich scene shines brightest at El Mercado, where La Perla combines Peruvian ingredients with serious skill. This isn’t your average sandwich; it’s a celebration of Peru’s incredible food culture packed into handheld form.
Fresh ingredients from local markets get transformed into layers of flavor that represent modern Peruvian cooking. The bread stays soft while holding generous fillings that might include everything from avocado to perfectly seasoned meats.
Each component gets attention, creating harmony that makes you understand why Lima has become one of the world’s top food destinations.
5. Club sandwich – Bubada Club Sandwiches & More (Istanbul, Türkiye)
Istanbul puts its own spin on the classic club sandwich, creating towering layers that honor tradition while adding Turkish flair. Bubada Club Sandwiches & More has perfected this iconic stack, making it a must-try destination.
Triple-decker construction holds crispy bacon, fresh turkey, ripe tomatoes, and crisp lettuce with precision. What sets this version apart is the quality of ingredients and the careful assembly that keeps everything balanced.
Toasted bread provides structure while staying tender enough to bite through, proving that even familiar sandwiches can feel special when crafted with care and passion.
6. Katsu sando – Live Twice (Singapore)
Japan’s famous fried cutlet sandwich finds a perfect home in Singapore, where Live Twice serves this crispy wonder with dedication to authenticity. Panko-breaded pork gets fried until golden, then tucked into impossibly soft white bread.
The contrast between crunchy coating and pillowy bread creates texture magic in every bite. Tangy tonkatsu sauce adds sweetness and umami, while shredded cabbage provides fresh crunch.
It’s minimalist yet completely satisfying, showing how Japanese precision elevates simple ingredients into something that feels both comforting and refined at the same time.
7. Mi Goreng toastie – Dutch Smuggler (Sydney, Australia)
Australian creativity shines when Indonesian noodles meet toasted sandwiches at Dutch Smuggler. This unexpected combination sounds crazy until you taste how perfectly the flavors and textures work together.
Spicy, savory mi goreng noodles get pressed between buttered bread and grilled until crispy outside. The result is crunchy, chewy, and completely addictive, with layers of flavor that surprise your taste buds.
It’s the kind of fusion that only happens in multicultural cities like Sydney, where chefs aren’t afraid to mix traditions and create something totally new and exciting.
8. Perna de porco sandwich – Casa Guedes (Porto, Portugal)
Porto’s most famous sandwich comes from Casa Guedes, where slow-roasted pork leg becomes the star of a simple but spectacular creation. Lines form outside this tiny spot because locals know nothing beats this combination.
Tender, juicy pork gets piled onto a crusty roll that soaks up all the delicious juices. The meat is seasoned perfectly, needing nothing more than good bread to shine.
It’s Portuguese comfort food at its finest, proving that when you start with quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods, you don’t need fancy additions to create something people crave again and again.
9. Fish sandwich – Pescaria (Polignano a Mare, Italy)
Perched on cliffs above the Adriatic Sea, Pescaria serves fish sandwiches that taste like summer in Southern Italy. Fresh catch gets prepared with Italian care and served in a way that lets the seafood’s natural sweetness shine through.
Lightly fried or grilled fish sits in a soft bun with simple toppings that enhance rather than hide the main ingredient. The ocean view makes every bite taste even better, though the sandwich would be incredible anywhere.
It’s Italian coastal cooking at its most relaxed and delicious, capturing the spirit of seaside dining.
10. Bikini sandwich – Dot (Madrid, Spain)
Madrid’s beloved bikini sandwich gets gourmet treatment at Dot, where this Spanish classic becomes something extraordinary. Traditionally just ham and cheese grilled until melty, this version uses premium ingredients that make all the difference.
Buttery bread gets pressed until golden and crispy, while quality cheese melts into silky perfection. The ham adds salty richness that balances the creamy cheese beautifully.
It’s the kind of sandwich that reminds you how good simple food can be when every element is chosen carefully and cooked with attention to detail and timing.
11. Club sandwich – Rajasthan Rifles (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong’s Rajasthan Rifles brings unexpected excellence to the classic club sandwich with generous portions and careful construction. This isn’t just bar food; it’s a serious sandwich that deserves its reputation among locals and visitors alike.
Layer upon layer of fresh ingredients stack up to create satisfying height and flavor complexity. Crispy bacon, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy mayo come together between toasted bread that stays sturdy.
The attention to freshness and proportion makes this version stand out in a city known for incredible food from every culture and tradition imaginable.
12. Croque monsieur – Boulenc (Oaxaca, Mexico)
French technique meets Mexican ingredients at Boulenc, where the classic croque monsieur gets baked to perfection in Oaxaca. This bakery knows bread, and their version of France’s famous grilled cheese sandwich shows that expertise beautifully.
Bechamel sauce blankets quality ham and cheese, then everything gets baked until bubbly and golden. The bread stays tender inside while developing a crispy, cheesy crust that crackles when you cut through.
It’s rich, comforting, and shows how French culinary traditions have found a home in unexpected places around the world.
13. Ribeye sandwich – Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ (Charleston, South Carolina, USA)
Barbecue royalty meets steakhouse quality when Rodney Scott puts ribeye between bread. This Charleston spot is famous for whole hog BBQ, but their ribeye sandwich proves they can handle premium beef with equal skill and respect.
Juicy, flavorful ribeye gets cooked perfectly and served on a bun that can handle the meat’s richness. The beef’s natural marbling creates incredible flavor and tenderness that needs minimal additions.
It’s Southern hospitality on a plate, showing how American BBQ culture continues to evolve while honoring traditions that made it famous worldwide.
14. Bikini de pastrami – Bar Torpedo (Barcelona, Spain)
Barcelona’s Bar Torpedo takes the Spanish bikini sandwich concept and fills it with New York-style pastrami for a fusion that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. This creative twist respects both traditions while creating something entirely its own.
Spiced, smoky pastrami gets pressed between buttered bread with melted cheese until everything melds together. The result combines Spanish sandwich culture with Jewish deli flavors in a way that celebrates both.
It’s the kind of creative cooking that makes Barcelona such an exciting food city, where chefs constantly reimagine classics with confidence and skill.
15. Prego – O Prego da Peixaria (Lisbon, Portugal)
Lisbon’s ultimate steak sandwich comes from O Prego da Peixaria, where this Portuguese classic gets treated with the reverence it deserves. Thin slices of marinated beef get grilled quickly and tucked into a soft roll that soaks up every drop of juice.
Garlic and spices flavor the meat perfectly, while the bread stays tender enough to bite through easily. Simple toppings like mustard or hot sauce let the beef shine as the star.
It’s Portuguese street food at its absolute best, showing why locals line up for this satisfying, flavorful sandwich that never gets old.
16. Brisket sandwich – The Sandwich Revolution (Cape Town, South Africa)
Cape Town’s The Sandwich Revolution slow-smokes brisket until it practically melts, then piles it high on fresh bread for a sandwich that lives up to its bold name. This isn’t fast food; it’s patient cooking that transforms tough meat into tender perfection.
Hours of smoking create deep flavor and texture that makes every bite memorable. The brisket gets paired with toppings that complement rather than compete with the smoky richness.
It’s South African innovation meeting American BBQ tradition, creating something that belongs to both cultures and shows how food brings people together.
17. Roast turkey leg sandwich – Henry Public (Brooklyn, New York, USA)
Brooklyn’s Henry Public roasts whole turkey legs until the meat falls off the bone, then transforms this classic into an unforgettable sandwich. This isn’t deli turkey; it’s proper roasted bird with crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat throughout.
The turkey gets piled onto bread with thoughtful accompaniments that enhance the poultry’s natural richness. Every element works together to create balance between the hearty meat and fresh toppings.
It’s New York sandwich culture at its creative best, proving that even familiar ingredients become special when prepared with care and served with genuine hospitality.
18. Chorizo & chermoula sandwich – Plus61 (Marrakech, Morocco)
Marrakech’s Plus61 blends Spanish chorizo with North African chermoula sauce for a sandwich that crosses continents deliciously. This Australian-run cafe in Morocco creates fusion that feels natural, bringing together flavors that share Mediterranean roots.
Spicy chorizo gets balanced by bright, herby chermoula that adds freshness and complexity. The combination works because both elements are bold enough to stand up to each other while creating harmony.
It’s the kind of creative cooking that happens when cultures meet and chefs aren’t afraid to experiment, resulting in flavors that surprise and satisfy completely.
