National Sandwich Day

It’s National Sandwich Day!

November 3^rd is the anniversary of John Montagu, aka the fourth Earl of Sandwich’s, birthday. Rumour has it that this 18th century noble, and avid gambler, wanted an easy-to-eat meal that he could eat in one hand, while continuing to play cards. Hence the invention of placing meat between two slices of bread.

Here are some sandwiches from around the world:

USA and Canada’s BLT: Bacon, lettuce and tomato.

France’s Croque-Monsieur: Ham and cheese, grilled.

USA (New Orleans)’s Po’Boy (literally ‘Poor Boy’): a traditional submarine that consists of meat or seafood, usually fried, served on baguette-like Louisiana French bread.

The UK’s Breakfast Roll: A bread roll with one or more fillings like sausage, fried eggs, bacon, white and/or black pudding, butter and ketchup. Popular as a hangover cure.

Vietnam’s Bành mì: Baguette made with wheat and rice flour with thinly sliced pickled carrots and daikon, onions, cilantro, jalapeno peppers and meat (including roasted or grilled pork, chicken or Vietnamese ham) or tofu. Most contain a mayonnaise-like spread made with a mixture of egg yolks, oil or butter and spices.

Finland’s Smörgåstårta (sandwich cake): This sandwich has so much filling that it resembles a cake. Made of several layers of bread and creamy fillings. Fillings vary but include egg and mayonnaise, liver paté, olives, smoked salmon, prawns, ham and caviar. Sliced like a dessert.

Brazil’s Bauru: Melted cheese, sliced roast beef, tomato and pickled cucumber in a French bun with the soft inner part removed.

Middle East’s Shawarma: Shaved lamb, goat, chicken, turkey or beef (or a mix of meats), commonly served with hummus, tomato and cucumber on pita. Toppings also include tahini and amba (pickled mango).