“The best sandwiches in the world”: they were chosen by this famous news channel
While France boasts its share of iconic sandwiches, many other countries are not to be outdone, with specialties that have sometimes conquered other continents. A famous American chain offers a selection that is sure to make your mouth water (and inspire wanderlust!).
While street food can take many forms, sandwiches (which themselves vary greatly in appearance) remain iconic ambassadors, and not only in France. While we can boast bread of rarely equaled quality, this doesn't automatically mean that other countries don't have equally mouthwatering options.
To illustrate this, the American news channel CNN published its selection of the 25 best sandwiches in the world, and there's something for everyone (and on almost every continent!). The United States seems a bit overrepresented (6 selected out of 25): is this due to easy access or a genuine sandwich culture?
The French can rejoice in the presence of two tricolour specialties in the ranking, but goodbye to the legendary jambon-beurre! The latter, however representative it may be, seems to be soundly beaten by other options (and we cannot really denigrate them as they are also delicious!).
Sandwiches that have already conquered the world?
Among CNN's selection are several sandwiches that don't necessarily require traveling halfway around the world. In fact, these are already famous enough to have been imported to numerous countries that have also fallen under their culinary spell.
This is the case with the Vietnamese Bánh mì, which is undoubtedly one of the most recent major food trends and continues to go viral on social media. Drawing on culinary influences brought to Southeast Asia (including Vietnam) by France during the colonial period, this sandwich offers a veritable explosion of flavors in a light and crispy bun. The classic version includes marinated meat, pâté, pickles, mayonnaise, and fresh local herbs.
The iconic and essential Middle Eastern shawarma is also among the selected sandwiches, alongside the Falafel pita (Middle East) and the Reuben (USA), which is as beautiful as it is delicious. The Katsu sando (Japan) combines breaded pork with a slice of bread that sandwich lovers generally consider a firm favorite.
CNN's picks also include the Lobster Roll (USA), which has also enjoyed its moment of glory on social media. Without any chauvinism, we would undoubtedly prefer an authentic Croque-monsieur (France). This bistro classic is also in the ranking, alongside the Pan Bagnat (France). News that will delight lovers of Mediterranean cuisine!
Specialties to discover
The diversity of CNN's selection illustrates how sandwiches are both universal and reflect local specialties and preferences. For example, in the Netherlands, Broodje haring combines raw, salt-cured herring with sliced onions and pickles.
The UK is known for its Cucumber sandwich, which, as the name suggests, showcases cucumber in a dish that's also a staple of tea time! The South African Spatlo (Kota) is less refined, featuring fries, cheese, bacon, sausage, and a spicy mango sauce: a completely different experience!
We must also mention the Bocadillo de jamón Ibérico (Spain), the Torta ahogada (Mexico), the Tramezzino (Italy), the Pambazo (Mexico), the Muffaletta (United States), the Chivito (Uruguay), the Smørrebrød (Denmark), the Montreal smoked meat (Canada), the Po'boy (United States), the Fricassé (Tunisia), the Cuban sandwich (Cuba/United States), the Chip butty (United Kingdom), the Philly cheesesteak (United States) and the Choripán (Argentina) to complete this selection.
Culinary bridges to the world often allow you to discover some of these specialties without buying a plane ticket. Don't hesitate to search if, near you, there are establishments offering to take your taste buds on a journey with some of these sandwiches that are said to be the best in the world!
