Sandwiches from around the world

The sandwich has been around since the 1700s. It's said to be named after the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who one night was so preoccupied with gambling that he ate slices of cold beef placed between slices of toast.

Sandwiches have come a long way since that time. What we think of in the U.S. as a popular sandwich — such as peanut butter and jelly — is a far cry from sandwiches in other parts of the world.

You can't have a decent sandwich without quality bread. We offer a wide selection of baguettes, loaves, rolls and sandwich breads, including multigrain and artisanal options.

Let's take a look at a few sandwich favorites from other countries and regions.

Australia

While vegemite may be an "acquired taste," a vegemite sandwich is Australia's equivalent of a PB&J. It was made popular in the U.S., at least music-wise, by the Men at Work song "Down Under." So what is it, exactly? It's a yeast extract spread.

Belgium

In Belgium's mitraillette sandwich, a load of frites (French fries) is piled high atop fried meat and smothered in mayo.

China

Yes, the donkey burger is what you think it is. However, the meat is not in a patty but shredded. It's considered a specialty in certain regions of China.

Cuba

Known as a Cuban, this sandwich typically includes roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles. Mustard, like these whole-grain mustards, is what gives the sandwich its kick.

Denmark

Smørrebrød (not to be confused with smorgasbord) is Denmark's popular open-faced rye sandwiches. Toppings can include fish, vegetables, and paté.

France

Croque monsieur is a classic. Like French toast, this ham-and-Gruyère cheese sandwich is dipped in egg then fried to perfection. Add a fried egg on top, and you've got a croque madame!

Great Britain

A bap or butty is a bun that can be stuffed with bacon and buttered. Not exactly the breakfast of champions, but a tasty one!

Israel

The falafel sandwich is popular because it can be eaten on the go. Falafel (ground, fried chickpea balls) are packed into a pita, along with pickles, Israeli salad (chopped tomatoes, cucumbers and onion), and tahini (a sesame sauce). In Lebanon, substitute shawarma (seasoned chicken) for the falafel and serve with tabouli.

Italy

The panino (yes, there's a singular version of panini) is a favorite Italian sandwich. It typically features cheese and tomato or pesto melted between think slices of bread. For a quick and delicious take on this Italian treat, pair any of our roasted vegetables with our goat cheese crumble. Magnifico!

South Africa

The Gatsby is great, in terms of size. An Italian roll is stuffed with bologna and chip, and served with ketchup, piri piri (chili peppers), and lettuce.

Turkey

If you guessed turkey sandwich, you're wrong! If you guessed Döner kebab, you're right! Döner is beef, chicken, lamb or veal cooked on a vertical spit and served in a folded pita along with onions, pickled cucumber, lettuce and tomatoes. (In Greece, just add tzatziki sauce!)

Venezuela

Arepas are maize-dough flatbread (think corn pancake), filled with anything from chorizo and plantains, to beef, pulled pork, cheese, and avocado. They are eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Vietnam

Bánh mì actually means "bread" in Vietnamese. Start with a French baguette, then fill it with either barbecued pork, fried tofu, pork belly or ham, plus pâté, fish sauce, cucumber, pickled carrots and condiments.

So try the above sandwiches — you just might find a new favorite of your own. Sometimes, however, there's nothing like a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.