The best Sandwiches in the World

Bite into the world’s most iconic sandwiches!

A sandwich may be one of the simplest dishes, but it’s celebrated across the globe for its versatility and flavor. By combining bread with almost any filling imaginable, every country puts its own unique spin on this classic. Some sandwiches, like the Reuben or BLT, are universally recognized and loved. Others, however, are regional delicacies that many people have never heard of.

CNN has recently ranked 25 of the world’s best sandwiches—many of which are so iconic they’re worth traveling thousands of miles to taste. Interestingly, one of the featured sandwiches, Vietnam’s bánh mì, is currently in the spotlight due to a food poisoning outbreak, sparking controversy.

Here’s a look at the top 25 sandwiches in the world and the best places to try them for yourself.

Bánh Mì – Vietnam

This iconic Vietnamese sandwich features shredded pork, chicken, or other proteins, served in a crisp, airy baguette with fresh vegetables and a tangy sauce. A staple of Vietnamese street food, bánh mì has also gained international popularity, appearing on menus around the world.

Recently, however, the sandwich has come under scrutiny due to food safety concerns in Ho Chi Minh City. Over 300 people have reportedly been hospitalized following food poisoning linked to bánh mì, sparking debates about hygiene and preparation standards for this beloved delicacy.

Bocadillo de Jamón Ibérico – Spain

This classic Spanish sandwich is simplicity at its finest: crusty Spanish bread filled with thin slices of jamón ibérico. Despite its minimal ingredients, it’s a favorite across Spain and a must-try for any visitor. The beauty of the bocadillo lies in its quality—the flavor of this sandwich truly depends on using high-grade cured ham, so be sure to seek out the best produce when enjoying it.

Torta Ahogada – Mexico

Most popular in Guadalajara, the torta ahogada—literally translated as “drowned sandwich”—lives up to its name. The sandwich’s bread and fillings are completely submerged in a flavorful, spicy sauce, creating a bold and unforgettable taste.

Traditionally, it’s made with birote salado, a type of Mexican sourdough, and filled with shredded pork, refried beans, and onions. This iconic dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Guadalajara or exploring authentic Mexican cuisine.

Tramezzino – Italy

Tramezzini are delicate, triangular Italian sandwiches, typically served without crusts. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from tomato and mozzarella to egg and tuna, making them versatile and satisfying.

Originally created in 1925 as an Italian twist on the classic English tea sandw

ich, tramezzini have become a popular choice for canapés and light meals, showcasing Italy’s flair for simple yet elegant flavors.

Shawarma – Middle East

Popular across the Middle East, from Lebanon to Israel, shawarma is a street food favorite that highlights the region’s rich flavors. Thinly sliced, spiced meat is typically served with hummus or tahini, fresh salad, and a variety of other toppings, all wrapped in warm flatbread.

Its popularity has spread far beyond the Middle East, and shawarma can now be found in markets, street stalls, and restaurants across Europe, particularly in the UK and France, where it’s a go-to late-night snack.

Pambazo – Mexico

A beloved Mexican specialty, the pambazo features bread that is dipped in a red guajillo pepper sauce and lightly fried, giving it a unique flavor and texture.

The bread is the star of the show, providing the perfect base for a variety of fillings. Most commonly, the sandwich is stuffed with crispy chorizo, fluffy potatoes, cheese, and coleslaw, creating a delicious combination of spicy, savory, and creamy elements.

Muffaletta – New Orleans, US

Originating from New Orleans, the muffaletta is a hearty sandwich built on a round Sicilian-style bread. Created by Sicilian immigrants, it reflects the rich culinary traditions they brought to the United States.

Traditionally, a muffaletta is filled with cured meats such as ham and salami, provolone cheese, and a flavorful olive salad, making it a beloved and iconic New Orleans specialty.

Chivito – Uruguay

If you’re hungry, Chivito, Uruguay’s national sandwich, is sure to satisfy. This hearty creation features sliced beefsteak (churrasco), mozzarella, ham, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and black or green olives, making it both filling and flavorful.

For an extra indulgent touch, Chivito is traditionally topped with a fried egg, completing this iconic Uruguayan delight.

Pan Bagnat – France

A specialty of Nice, pan bagnat is often described as the sandwich version of a Salade Niçoise. Known for its high-quality bread, France makes sandwiches that truly highlight local ingredients.

Pan bagnat is made with whole wheat bread and filled with a salad of fresh vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, tuna, and a drizzle of olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper. This combination makes it a fresh, flavorful, and iconic French sandwich.

Smørrebrød – Denmark

Smørrebrød, the traditional Danish open-faced sandwich, is often considered a national dish.

Typically served on buttered rye bread, these sandwiches can be topped with a wide variety of ingredients. Popular options include pickled herring, roast beef, eggs, and shrimp, making each smørrebrød a visually appealing and flavorful experience.

Spatlo – South Africa

Spatlo is a popular South African street food, enjoyed across all provinces of the country.

This generously stuffed sandwich is simple yet satisfying: meat and French fries tucked inside a soft bread roll. Often eaten on the go, it’s impressively large and sometimes referred to as skhambane, making it a beloved snack for locals and visitors alike.

Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich – Canada

A classic Canadian favorite, the Montreal smoked meat sandwich features smoked beef brisket on rye bread, generously topped with yellow mustard—a combination that never fails to impress.

The smoked meat is a kosher-style deli meat, prepared by salting and curing beef brisket with a blend of spices, giving it a distinctive peppery, garlicky flavor. The mustard adds the perfect tangy contrast, balancing the rich, hearty meat in every bite.

Po'boy – New Orleans, US

A Po'boy is a classic Louisiana sandwich, built on a long, crusty French roll.

Traditionally, it’s filled with fried seafood, such as shrimp or oysters, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise for a satisfying bite. The name “Po'boy” (short for “poor boy”) dates back to 1929, when the sandwich was created to feed streetcar workers during a strike in New Orleans.