The World's Best Sandwiches Are Worth Traveling For
A great sandwich doesn't need complicated ingredients or an expensive restaurant to earn a place among the world's best, but it does need the right combination of bread, fillings, sauces, and flavor. Different countries have developed their own iconic versions, from hearty grilled creations and delicate baguettes to generously stuffed street-food favorites. Some are perfect for a quick lunch, while others are substantial meals that deserve your full attention.
1. Bánh Mì – Vietnam
A very popular food from Vietnam. French meets Vietnamese here with their delicious bánh mì sandwiches. They're made up of many different ingredients, from pork and pâté to carrots, cucumbers, and even cilantro. All of these amazing foods go together on one piece of bread to give you the perfect crunch in every bite.
2. Cubano – Cuba
Roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard are all placed on a piece of Cuban bread. This is grilled until crispy on the outside and the cheese is melting onto the meat. It seems pretty basic, but the sandwich really hits you once you take your first bite.
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3. Philly Cheesesteak – United States
This sandwich has gained worldwide popularity and is known for its large amounts of beef and cheese. You can have it with many different toppings and cheeses on Italian-style bread. There are even places that will put Cheez Whiz on your cheesesteak if you want.
4. Croque Monsieur – France
Croque Monsieur is the French version of what would be a ham and cheese sandwich. This is done by placing bread, ham, Gruyère, and cheese sauce on top of each other. The sandwich is then cooked or grilled until the top is browned and crispy. If you enjoy traditional French cooking, this is one sandwich worth trying.
5. Shawarma Sandwich – Middle East
A favorite among many who know this food, it's made up of meat that has been seasoned and placed on a vertical grill. The meat is sliced and placed on pita bread with many toppings. Its combination of aromatic spices, tender meat, and flavorful sauces makes it a favorite among street-food enthusiasts.
6. Reuben – United States
Corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut are placed on top of each other with Thousand Island dressing in between them. All of these ingredients go between slices of rye bread and are grilled until crispy. It's a popular choice at traditional delis and diners, especially for anyone who enjoys hearty sandwiches.
7. Choripán – Argentina
The choripán is yet another sandwich from Argentina. It consists of sausage that has been grilled and placed on toast with some sauce. Most of the time, this is grilled at cookouts or sporting events. It's a nice, easy meal that everyone should try at some point in their life.
8. Pan Bagnat – France
Another type of sandwich from France, this one is made with ingredients similar to those found in a salad. Tuna, eggs, tomatoes, olives, and anchovies are some of the ingredients placed inside this type of bread. It's seasoned with olive oil and pressed down to give it the perfect taste.
9. Bocadillo de Calamares – Spain
This is another food found in Spain, and it's very simple. It's just a piece of fried squid that's placed on a bread roll. Some people will even put lemon or mayo on their squid. It's a light meal that many people like to order when visiting the city of Madrid, particularly at the bars and restaurants surrounding Madrid's Plaza Mayor.
10. Katsu Sando – Japan
Katsu sando is made by placing meat on a piece of white bread. It's a breaded pork cutlet that has been cooked on a grill. You can place whatever toppings you wish on your katsu, but it will give you a crunchy meal. It's another food that most Americans will love to try.
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11. Italian Sub – United States
You can put almost any type of meat on this type of sandwich. Cold cuts such as salami, ham, and provolone are all good choices for your Italian sub, along with vegetables and oils that are used to season your sandwich. It's an excellent lunch option when you're craving several different textures and savory ingredients in one bite.
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12. Francesinha – Portugal
It's not a light sandwich, but it will keep your stomach full for quite a while. It's loaded with ham, sausage, and meats that have cheese on top of them. All of this is covered with a sauce and can come with French fries on the side. Some versions also include a fried egg, making this an especially substantial meal.
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13. Jibarito – Puerto Rico
Instead of putting your sandwich on bread, you place it on plantain chips. It's the same idea as a sandwich, but the chips will keep your meal crunchy. You can place many things in between your plantains to give you that sandwich taste. Developed in Chicago by members of the Puerto Rican community, the sandwich has become a distinctive example of culinary creativity.
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14. Smørrebrød – Denmark
An open-faced sandwich that many like to try when visiting Denmark, it consists of different toppings that most people will recognize from regular sandwiches. It can be anything you want, from salmon to beef, with many different toppings. It's particularly appealing if you enjoy sandwiches that emphasize fresh ingredients and traditional preparation.
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15. Cemita Poblana – Mexico
This Mexican food originated in Puebla and is filled with meats that have been fried. Some ingredients that are added are avocado, cheese, and onions. You will also find herbs that are placed on the cemita. With its combination of crispy meat, creamy avocado, and fragrant herbs, it's a particularly satisfying Mexican sandwich.
16. Mitraillette – Belgium
Mitraillettes are large sandwiches that are loaded with meats and fries. You can have any meat you desire and place it on a piece of bread along with your French fries. There are many sauces you can add to this type of sandwich to make it even better. If you've ever struggled to decide between ordering a sandwich or fries, this creation conveniently solves the problem.
17. Arepa de Pabellón – Venezuela
Arepas are made from dough that is cooked on a griddle and can be opened and filled with many toppings. One combination that many people like is beef, beans, and plantain. Arepas are not technically sandwich bread, but they can be opened and made like a sandwich.
18. Tramezzino – Italy
Another sandwich you can find in Italy that will keep you satisfied. It's usually served on a piece of white bread that can hold many toppings. You will see these sandwiches all over Italy, and many will love their flavors. Their soft texture and carefully prepared fillings demonstrate that a simple sandwich can still be wonderfully enjoyable.
19. Francesinha-Style Bifana – Portugal
Bifanas are sandwiches that contain pork and are very flavorful. They have pork that has been marinated with seasonings and cooked on a grill. You can always ask for spicy sauces or add them yourself. It's great food to eat if you're in Portugal.
20. Dagwood Sandwich – United States
Dagwood sandwiches are huge and can contain multiple pieces of meat and toppings. They're named after Dagwood, who is known for eating these types of sandwiches. You can place as much food as you want on this sandwich. Its oversized presentation has made it a recognizable part of American sandwich culture, even though there's no single traditional combination of ingredients. If you've ever wanted to put everything you enjoy in the refrigerator between two slices of bread, this is the sandwich for you.
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