Types of Sandwiches Around the World

They’re a staple of lunch boxes everywhere, and for good reason. Sandwiches are a simple and easy meal, while being easy to whip together on the run, with endless combinations you can try. But do you ever find yourself stuck for new sandwich filling ideas? 

Why not look to sandwiches from around the world for inspiration? Let’s explore delicious and different fresh sandwich ideas from around the globe that you can add to your lunchtime menu. 

What is the most common type of sandwich?

When it comes to sandwich combinations there are almost as many options as there are grains in a loaf of bread. A few have enjoyed popularity around the world, like the ooey gooey toasted cheese sandwich, or the simple jam sandwich. But with so many different types of sandwiches across the globe, the most common you’ll find depends on the destination. 

So grab your lunch box and we’ll see how places like Sweden, America, Japan and the Mediterranean stack up against the Aussie sanga. 

What’s in Swedish sandwiches?

When you think of a sandwich it’s usually two pieces of bread with a filling of some kind between them, right? Well if you order a sandwich in Sweden you’re likely to be served just the one piece of bread with toppings (A.K.A. pålägg). Known as smörgås (open sandwich), it’s a Swedish tradition that dates back to the 1400s when a thick slice of bread was used as your plate. Today Sweden has loads of different flavours of smörgås like sliced meatballs, prawns with mayonnaise and dill, or salmon with mustard sauce.  

Swedish Open Sandwich Recipe

You’ll love the delicate flavours in our Swedish Open Sandwich. Velvety cream cheese paired elegantly with the refreshing crunch of cucumber, perfectly boiled golden yolked eggs, sprinkled with dill and red onion. It’s a delicious lunchtime treat that will fast become a staple!

Colourful Mediterranean sandwiches

The Mediterranean brings to mind the sea, the sun, the salt air and pastel coloured cottages dotting the sweeping coastline. It’s a beautiful backdrop to a mix of cultures and a range of delicious ingredients.

Places like Greece, Italy, Egypt, France, Spain, and Morocco all influence this region’s flavourful sandwich creations. With popular ingredients like fish, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, tzatziki, falafel, hummus, smoked and cured meats like prosciutto, parma ham, pepperoni, cheeses, rocket, and lashings of olive oil, there’s lots to choose from!

Lamb Meatball Sandwich with Tomato, Cucumber, Tzatziki & Rocket Recipe

When you want a lunch that’s both filling and delicious our Grecian inspired sandwich hits the mark. Lucious lamb meatballs drizzled with zesty greek yoghurt tzatziki are beautifully complemented by tomato, cucumber and the spicy kick of wild rocket. It’s so good you’ll be dreaming you’re having a souvlaki in Santorini!

What goes into American sandwiches?

When you cast your mind to the types of American sandwiches you’ve heard of,  peanut butter and jelly (AKA PB and J) is likely to be number one on your list. But the melting pot that is the grand USA has brought us some of the most noteworthy sandwiches in the world. 

You’ve got your classic BLT, New York’s signature sandwich the Pastrami on Rye, the Philly cheesesteak, and New England’s wonderfully named fluffernutter (peanut butter and marshmallow fluff). Add to that New Jersey’s Sloppy Joe, and the Monte Cristo which takes the popular ham and cheese and adds a twist by dipping it on egg and frying it, and there’s no shortage of creative sandwich combinations to try.

Reuben Sandwich Recipe

This sandwich star takes the tangy taste of sauerkraut, balances it with the mellowness of swiss cheese, with the classic Reuben sandwich corned beef switched out for peppery pastrami. Drizzled in fiery Russian dressing with the creaminess of mayo and the powerful punch of horseradish, it’s a sandwich guaranteed to liven up your lunch!

How to create Japanese Sandwiches

In Japan the most popular types of sandwiches are made with Japanese milk bread. Called shokupan, it’s a soft and fluffy bread that’s slightly sweet. Sandos (Japanese sandwiches) are carefully assembled and neatly presented, with subtle and well balanced flavours. 

Both savoury and sweet sandwich fillings are popular such as katsu (breaded pork or chicken cutlet often with slightly sweet Tonkatsu Sauce), tamago (egg), shredded cabbage, rich and creamy japanese mayo, thinly sliced meat and veggies, ebi (shrimp), or fresh fruit with whipped cream.

Super Sandwich Sushi Recipe

Fancy a fusion of sushi and sando? This sushi sandwich puts a new spin (or roll) on your lunch game. No need to get out the nori seaweed and sticky rice – just use bread instead! The rich cream cheese harmonises with brine-y tuna, and colourful carrot, cucumber and lettuce add just the right amount of crunch.

Popular sandwiches in Australia

When it comes to the land down under, simple sandwiches are the name of the game. From the true blue vegemite sandwich, ham and cheese, or steak sanga, Australia has some great lunchbox contenders to choose from. Egg, chicken, bacon, avocado and cheese are popular ingredients, as is the sweet and earthy flavour of beetroot.

Cheesymite BLAT Recipe

For an Aussie twist on a classic favourite, elevate your BLT to new levels with this Cheesymite BLAT. Layer creamy avocado under perfect sunny-side-up eggs on crispy bacon, crunchy lettuce and tart tomato. Sandwich it all in between two halves of our famous Cheesymite Scroll. It’s a fair dinkum Aussie feast!

Which country has the best sandwiches?

With such mouth-watering sandwiches to be found in every country, picking a winner is a tough one. The best sandwiches in the world can be found… wherever your unique taste buds decide they are! It all depends on what fillings you love the most and enjoy eating. 

What is the most popular sandwich filling in the world?

We’ve travelled from country to country exploring sandwiches from around the world, but which scrumptious choice reigns supreme as the most popular? The classic combo of ham and cheese are the best sandwich fillings when it comes to that popularity contest!

So next time you’re looking for inspiration for your lunchbox, try out one of these global goodies. And remember your sandwich game is only as good as what’s in it, which is why we bake all our bread fresh daily using only the best real ingredients. Head to your nearest Bakers Delight today—we’re bready and waiting to take your sandwiches to the next level!