5 sandwiches that make the world turn

The humble sandwich is a universally-loved breakfast item and snack around the world. These international variations of the classic have one thing in common: two slices of bread placed over each other. But they differ in the mysterious goodness that each envelops within.

Chip butty A junk-food lover’s delight, this English sandwich consists of hot fries placed inside a bread roll, doused with ketchup or brown sauce. It’s a staple in pubs around Britain, but don’t count your calories when you’re putting one down. It even has its own football chant called ‘The Greasy Chip Butty Song’, which is sung by supporters of Sheffield United football club.


Vada pao
Mumbai’s most popular street snack consists simply of a potato patty, or batata vada, placed inside a pao (a kind of bun). The batata vada is dipped in besan or gram flour, fried and usually served with onions, chillies and a smearing of coriander chutney for added zing. Available at nearly every street corner in the city, this fast food truly epitomises the city’s fast-paced way of life. If you’re feeling experimental, try a fusion version with cheese or ‘Chinese’ sauces.

Croque-monsieur
The origins of this comforting grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich lie in French cafes and bars. It is typically made with Emmental or Gruyere cheese and thin slices of ham. These two ingredients are often accompanied by hot, bubbling béchamel, or white sauce (a combination of butter, milk and flour), and accentuated with pungent Dijon mustard. Add a fried or poached egg to this combination, and you have a croque-madame.



Cemita
This popular Mexican street food is made up of a sesame-encrusted bread roll stuffed with fried beef, fresh avocado, cheese and pickled onion. While it originated in the Mexican state of Puebla, it is now extremely popular in several parts of the US. The Mexican version uses the distinctive hand-pulled Oaxacan string cheese and a few sprigs of papalo, a local green herb.

Bánh mì
This Vietnamese sandwich is a fusion snack that combines local and French sensibilities. Essentially, it is a baguette stuffed with herbs, meat and pickled vegetables. Packed within a thin crust, popular fillings include steamed or roasted pork belly, since it is the most common meat available in Vietnam.