13 iconic sandwiches from around the world that make you want to travel and eat them

Friday 3 April 2026 15:30 - Mirella Mendonça
13 iconic sandwiches from around the world that make you want to travel and eat them

Every country has at least one sandwich that goes beyond fast food and becomes a cultural identity.

These are recipes that are born out of routine, the street, necessity or creativity, and end up winning over the world for their taste and practicality. Some are simple and comforting, others generous and full of personality, but all carry a story behind the bread.

In this selection, you'll discover 13 famous sandwiches from around the world, each representing a different place, custom and way of eating. From the delicate balance of the Japanese Tamago Sando to the assumed excess of the American cheeseburger, passing through European classics and Mediterranean icons, this list is an invitation to travel without leaving the table and understand why these sandwiches never go out of style.


1. Tamago sando たまごサンド - Japan

A classic Japanese sandwich made with soft bread and a creamy egg filling seasoned with Japanese mayonnaise. A simple combination that has become a favorite in Japan's konbini.

Tamago sando: the famous japanese egg sandwich you can find in konbini!Recipe Tamago sando: the famous japanese egg sandwich you can find in konbini!

Have you ever heard of tamago sando ? It's the famous Japanese egg sandwich you can find in konbini (Japanese mini-markets: 7 Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart). Imagine perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs , mashed with some Japanese mayonnaise ,...

2. Panini- Italy

Italian version of the pressed sandwich, filled to your liking and toasted until crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, perfect for any snack.

Salmon, mozzarella, and dill panini sandwichRecipe Salmon, mozzarella, and dill panini sandwich

Enjoy a crispy panini with the delightful taste of salmon. A refreshing change from traditional meat-filled paninis! The creaminess of mozzarella will win you over, and the dill adds an irresistible touch of freshness. Ready to try? Follow our steps...

3. Gyros - Greece

Originally from Greece, gyros combines marinated and grilled meat with vegetables and sauces in a soft pita, bringing irresistible Mediterranean flavors.

Chicken gyros, the greek sandwich you'll love!Recipe Chicken gyros, the greek sandwich you'll love!

Let's travel to Greece today! Discover Chicken Gyros , the Greek sandwich that's sure to amaze you! This Mediterranean delight is made with marinated chicken, grilled to perfection, and served in a soft pita bread. Add to this a super-creamy...

4. Croque Monsieur - France

A French classic combining bread, ham and béchamel cheese, au gratin until golden and creamy - an elevated Parisian café sandwich.

Croque monsieur with airfryerRecipe Croque monsieur with airfryer

An ultra-crisp croque-monsieur in no time at all? Challenge accepted! Thanks to the Air Fryer, no more waiting in front of the oven: in just a few minutes, you'll have a golden , ultra-melting, irresistibly delicious croque-monsieur :) With a...

5. Cheeseburger - United States

The American icon that needs no introduction: a juicy burger with melted cheese on a bun, a symbol of US gastronomic pop culture.

Easy and quick homemade burgerRecipe Easy and quick homemade burger

A beautiful homemade burger topped to your liking, isn't it perfection?! We invite you to taste our recipe :-)

6. Arepa - Venezuela/Colombia

Typical of Venezuela and Colombia, arepa is a cornbread filled with a variety of ingredients, now a classic of Latin cuisine.

Venezuelan arepas with chicken and avocado - reina pepiadaRecipe Venezuelan arepas with chicken and avocado - reina pepiada

Want to take your taste buds on a trip? Try this sandwich made with arepas, Venezuelan bread that is quick and easy to make! Yeast-free , they're also naturally gluten-free , since they're made from corn flour . A perfect recipe for your TV set...

7. Bao bun 包子 - China

Steamed bread from China, soft and light, stuffed with seasoned pork, vegetables and aromatic sauces.

Bao buns, little steamed bunsRecipe Bao buns, little steamed buns

Dear lovers of Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, our Banh Bao recipe will surely delight you! A beautiful Vietnamese steamed bun filled with pork. An excellent idea to make for the Chinese New Year, for example ;-) Step by step, follow the detailed...

8. Gözleme - Turkey

Turkish sandwich made in a frying pan with thin dough filled with ingredients such as spinach, cheese or meat, delicious and traditional.

Stuffed turkish crepes with feta, lemon, and parsley - gözlemeRecipe Stuffed turkish crepes with feta, lemon, and parsley - gözleme

Devouring recipes with your fingers is one of our favorite activities :-D Here we decided to make Turkish crepes that are both soft and crunchy, but above all generously filled! Feta cheese, lemon, and parsley will join the party, but feel free to...

9. Tacos - Mexico

One of the most famous Mexican classics, tacos are tortillas filled with fresh combinations of vegetables, meats and vibrant sauces.

Vegetarian lentil tacosRecipe Vegetarian lentil tacos

For a fresh and colorful meal, opt for our tacos! Homemade wheat tortillas to fill according to your desires ;-) Here we offer a vegetarian filling packed with flavors. The ideal meal (to enjoy with your fingers, of course!) for a TV dinner or a...

10. Köfte sandwich - Turkey

Seasoned and roasted köfte, served in pita bread with yogurt sauce and vegetables, an explosion of Mediterranean flavor.

Turkish köfte meatball sandwiches in kebab breadRecipe Turkish köfte meatball sandwiches in kebab bread

Take a trip to Turkey with us with these delicious Köfte sandwiches! A recipe full of flavors with its creamy yogurt sauce , vegetables and meatballs for a complete and quick meal. Don’t hesitate to vary the pleasures by testing our recipe with...

11. Sloppy joes burger - United States

A relaxed American version of the hamburger, with seasoned and juicy meat served in a soft bun - full of personality

Sloppy joes style burgerRecipe Sloppy joes style burger

This is an American recipe. A different kind of burger, without mayonnaise, lettuce, pickles, or cheese. But it doesn't need any of that; the flavorful filling pairs perfectly with the milk bun. Some may recognize it from the movie 'It Takes Two.'...

12. Club Sandwich - USA/UK

Generous layers of bread, meat, cheese and vegetables form the elegant classic club sandwich, ideal for any time of day

Egg club sandwichRecipe Egg club sandwich

A layered sandwich for even more indulgence and flavor! All crispy and topped with an egg... Are you in?!

13. Tuna onigiri お握り - Japan

Japanese rice triangle stuffed with tuna, portable as a sandwich and full of flavor - a traditional snack that combines practicality and tradition.

Tuna onigiri, the little japanese triangular rice sandwich - おにぎりRecipe Tuna onigiri, the little japanese triangular rice sandwich - おにぎり

When we think of Japanese culinary culture, we obviously think of sushi , ramen and even the famous Okonomiyaki omelette... But what we particularly adore is the onigiri ! This little triangle of rice is the ideal snack for an on-the-go lunch,...

Mirella MendonçaMirella Mendonça
I am the editorial manager at Petitchef (Portugal and Brazil) and a huge enthusiast of travel and world cuisine, always in search of new flavors and experiences. However, as much as I love exploring the delights of different cultures, my mom's cooking will always be my favorite — with that unique flavor that only she can create.

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