5 of the world’s best sandwiches

The humble sandwich is one of the world’s most universally loved foods. Whether someone reaches for a hamburger, a katsu sando or a chivito, nearly every country has its own version of bread filled with something delicious.

Exploring global sandwiches is, in many ways, like taking a world tour through flavors. Here are 5 standout examples:

Bocadillo de jamón Ibérico, Spain – Crusty bread brushed with olive oil and loaded with paper-thin slices of premium Iberian ham. Simple but exceptional.

Bánh mì, Vietnam – A fusion of French baguettes and Vietnamese flavors: pork, pickled vegetables, cilantro, mayo and various regional twists like tofu or lemongrass chicken.

Torta ahogada, Mexico – A Guadalajara specialty where a pork-filled roll is completely submerged in spicy red sauce — a tradition born from a happy accident.

Tramezzino, Italy – Soft white bread triangles overfilled with everything from tuna and eggs to crispy prosciutto with truffle. A lunchtime staple in Venice.

Shawarma, Middle East – Rotisserie-cut meat served in pita with vegetables and tahini, inspiring sandwiches like Greek gyros and Turkish doner kebabs.

(… and the rest of the 5 iconic sandwiches, each rooted in its own culinary heritage.)

From New Orleans po’boys to New England lobster rolls, from Japan’s katsu sando to Middle Eastern falafel pitas, these sandwiches show how a simple idea can become endlessly creative worldwide.