Bread, tradition, and creativity: celebrating National Sandwich Day!

Tomorrow, November 3rd, marks the celebration of National Sandwich Day, a day entirely dedicated to one of the most versatile and beloved foods in the world: the sandwich.
This date wasn’t chosen at random: it coincides with the birthday of John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, from the English town of Sandwich in Kent. According to legend, he was the very inventor of this delicious creation.

The story goes that during one of his long card-playing sessions, Montagu asked his cook to prepare something he could eat without having to stop the game. To satisfy him, the cook served two slices of bread filled with meat, which the Earl could easily eat with his hands while remaining at the card table.

In reality, the idea of stuffing bread with various ingredients had already been common in many cultures for some time. However, it was thanks to this particular episode (and Montagu’s popularity) that the term “sandwich” became widely used.

An international dish, reimagined by every culture

The sandwich is now one of the most iconic meals not only in the United States, where it’s a beloved favorite, but across the globe. What makes it truly special is its versatility: it can be simple or gourmet, traditional or creative, served hot or cold. Every culture has reinterpreted it through its own tastes and local ingredients, turning what was once a humble snack into a true symbol of culinary identity.

Another key strength of the sandwich is its simplicity: just a few well-matched ingredients are enough to create a complete, flavorful meal. This very quality is what has made it a standout star in the world of street food. Today, chefs and food lovers around the world are having fun reinventing the sandwich with bold, innovative combinations—proving that even the simplest of dishes can become a true masterpiece of taste.

The Sandwich Hall of Fame

Now, let’s whet our appetites by discovering some of the most famous sandwiches in the world, those that truly deserve a place of honor in an imaginary Hall of Fame of the finest, most delicious sandwiches.
Pastrami Sandwich – United States of America
Born on the bustling streets of New York City and made famous by iconic spots like Katz's Delicatessen, the Pastrami Sandwich is a true symbol of New York and American cuisine. Hearty and flavorful, it’s made with rye bread, warm pastrami (a spiced, smoked, and slow-cooked meat, thinly sliced), and mustard.

Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame – France
Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame are two timeless classics of French cuisine, perfect for brunch. Both share the same delicious base: white sandwich bread, cooked ham, cheese (typically Emmental or Gruyère), a light layer of butter, béchamel sauce, and grated cheese melted on top during baking. The Croque Madame is distinguished by the addition of a fried egg placed on top of the sandwich right after it comes out of the oven.

Tea Sandwich – United Kingdom
Tea sandwiches are refined mini sandwiches traditionally served during English afternoon tea. Originating in 19th-century England as a light and elegant snack, they’ve since become a true symbol of this cherished ritual. They’re made with crustless white bread, similar to the kind used for Italian tramezzini, and filled with delicate ingredients like cream cheese, butter, or other light spreads. Among the most famous varieties are salmon and cream cheese (smoked salmon with spreadable cheese) and the classic cucumber sandwich (cucumber and cream cheese), perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or enjoying as a tasteful afternoon bite.

Tramezzino – Italy
Elegant and versatile, the Tramezzino is the perfect snack, ideal for mid-day bites, light meals, or aperitivo. Similar to British tea sandwiches, it represents the Italian take on the sandwich. The word tramezzino was coined by the famous Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. It’s made with soft, crustless white bread and filled with a variety of classic combinations such as tuna and mayo, ham and cheese, or fresh tomato and mozzarella. One of its most distinctive features is its presentation: once prepared, it is always served cut into small triangles.

Francesinha – Portugal
The Francesinha is a stuffed sandwich typical of Portugal, inspired by the famous French Croque Monsieur but reimagined with a Portuguese twist. It’s made with sandwich bread and filled with a rich combination of cooked ham, linguiça (traditional Portuguese smoked sausage), fresh sausage or beef, and cheese. The true secret of the Francesinha lies in its spicy sauce, made with beer, tomato, and a blend of spices. Finally, the sandwich is topped with a layer of cheese that melts over it during cooking.

Falafel Pita – Middle East
The Falafel Pita is one of the most popular and beloved vegetarian sandwiches worldwide, known for the distinctive spiced flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s made with pita (a soft, round flatbread) filled with falafel (fried balls made from chickpeas or fava beans), along with fresh vegetables and creamy sauces like hummus and yogurt sauce.

Banh Mi – Vietnam
Banh Mi are the typical Vietnamese sandwiches, made with a bread similar to the French baguette but lighter and crunchier. The filling is a mix of meats or cold cuts like giò lụa (Vietnamese pork roll), accompanied by aromatic spices, fresh and pickled vegetables, and sauces. Crunchy on the outside and soft inside, Banh Mi is a true symbol of Vietnamese street food.

Bocadillo – Spain
The Bocadillo, also known as bocata, is a classic savory Spanish sandwich. It’s made with a traditional bread similar to a baguette, long and crunchy, distinct from standard sandwich bread. The bread is sliced in half, lightly brushed with olive oil, and then filled with a variety of ingredients. Some of the most iconic bocadillos include those filled with jamón ibérico or jamón serrano (high-quality Spanish cured hams), tortilla de patatas (the classic potato omelette), calamares fritos (crispy fried squid), and chorizo (the paprika-spiced cured sausage typical of Iberian cuisine).

Club Sandwich – United States of America
The Club Sandwich is one of the most iconic sandwiches in American cuisine, often served during brunch or as a main dish in hotel restaurants. It’s made with toasted white sandwich bread and filled with a hearty combination of roasted chicken or turkey breast, complemented by crispy bacon. Fresh vegetables like sliced tomatoes and lettuce leaves are essential, along with a generous spread of mayonnaise. What sets the Club Sandwich apart is its triangular shape, achieved by cutting the sandwich diagonally and often held together with a toothpick.

PB&J – United States of America
To end on a sweet note, we can’t forget the ultimate guilty pleasure and beloved “sweet treat”: the PB&J, loved by both kids and adults alike. Simple, sweet, and nutritious, it’s one of the most iconic sandwiches in American culture. The name PB&J stands for Peanut Butter and Jelly, the key ingredients used to make it. It’s the sweet version of the traditional sandwich, made with soft sliced bread (usually white crustless or whole wheat), generously spread with peanut butter and jelly. This irresistible combination is a true classic in the U.S., perfect for lunch boxes, breakfast, or snacks.