Sandwich

A sandwich is a food made from two slices of bread (or one slice cut in half) with meat, cheese, eggs, vegetables, or other fillings placed between them. It is eaten by hand, usually without requiring a long table setting, which makes it a quick food used in homes, shops, and workplaces around the world.

The word comes from the English "sandwich", which is connected to the town of Sandwich in England. A famous story claims that a man with that rank in the 18th century asked for meat placed between bread so he would not have to leave his card game. However, the practice of eating bread with fillings predates that period and exists in many cultures.

Main components

A sandwich has two basic parts: bread (the outer layer) and filling. The bread can be white bread, brown bread, baguette, toasted bread, or Somali bread such as canjeero or muufo, when prepared locally. The filling is typically spread with butter, mayonnaise, sauce, or spices to add flavour and taste.

Well-known types

There are many types worldwide: cheese sandwich, egg sandwich, chicken sandwich, and local varieties such as shawarma, doner, and kabab-bread that have spread from the Middle East. In Somalia and East Africa generally, bread with meat, chicken, eggs, and green spices is a common food in markets and restaurants, often eaten with coffee or tea.

Commerce and culture

The sandwich began to become a commercial product in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially after bread slicing became mechanized and entered the market. Large fast-food companies now rely on sandwiches, while small shops and street food vendors offer varied types. Because the filling can be easily changed, sandwiches can comply with different food rules, such as halal, vegetarian, or low-sugar.