Humble sandwich goes gourmet

Britain's biggest gastronomical gift to the world, the sandwich is said to have been invented by the fourth Earl of Sandwich. Essentially, a carbohydrate exterior, mostly bread, that holds together a filling of anything ranging from veggies and meat to fish and cheese, a sandwich takes on varied forms around the world. The quickest and easiest on-the-go food, you can order it from your deli or eat a sophisticated version at a fancy restaurant. From jam sandwiches that are a childhood staple to the exotic sandwiches that we fall in love with as we grow up, these keep us satiated in a delightfully tasty way.

Worldly cuisines

With the onset of global culture, popular international chains are mushrooming at every corner and local chains are offering a wider spectrum of sandwiches than ever before. There was a time when the only fancy sandwiches available were the white-bread club sandwiches but all that changed when players like Subway and Cafe Coffee Day entered the field. With it came a host of options such as breads of varied kinds and fillings that surpassed all expectations. You can eat sandwiches all day without feeling bored for you can choose between a wide variety of cuisines ranging from Continental, Italian, French, Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and those with Chinese filling.

Fast forward to the present day and you have before you locally a true international representation of what you might expect to find in a cafe anywhere around the globe. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Co., headquartered in Los Angeles, has numerous outlets all over India. They offer a multi-cuisine sandwich experience, with their popular roast vegetable with hummus sandwich offering a Middle-eastern flavour, an Indian grilled kulcha and chicken tikka, and an Italian classic grilled cheese, among other options. It is their Indian interpretation of the sandwich, the paneer tikka, that is their hottest selling item, according to restaurant manager, Sunny Abrol.

Healthy or indulgent

A sandwich cam be made healthy if you choose the right ingredients like a multigrain bread stuffed with fresh vegetables; or you can be indulgent with mayo, sweet onion, honey, sweet chilli and a host of other dressing with patties of chicken, meat, potato or paneer. You can get your daily recommended portions of veggies, carbohydrates and proteins without compromising on taste.

A favourite with the young crowd, Mocha offers healthy sandwiches that will not send you on a guilt trip. Their panini is a much sought-after item with varied flavours It is definitely one of the best sandwiches out there. While all their outlets draw ample crowd, the ambiance at Mocha Arthouse, DLF Promenade Mall, New Delhi, is a big plus. Karan Singh, the restaurant manager at Mocha, Elante Mall, Chandigarh, says that with increasing health consciousness, more and more people are choosing to enjoy their nutritious sandwiches.

Roadside to gourmet delight

We have all grown up relishing the roadside chana-stuffed kulchas that were a permanent feature near all schools and colleges. The throwback to the days when calories were something taught only in the home science class.

Another favourite is vada pav that is a quintessential Indian sandwich from before we knew sandwiches in their connoisseur avatar. Nothing beats the charm of a quick bite by the road, fresh from a rehri that holds back on nothing to put forth a burst of flavours, a true representation of the spicy Indian food.

Or you could go all posh and order a Rubens at Between Breads in Mumbai that offers meat, sauerkraut and gouda cheese. While there, do not miss the Rocky Road Sandwich that indulges your sweet tooth. From caviar to foie gras, nothing is off limits when it comes to the plush sandwich experience. Suit your mood and go all out or rein it in with options galore.

Meal or anytime snack

Given that sandwiches can be as elaborate or simple as required, they can be a plated meal or can be devoured on the go. Choose your level of hunger and fix yourself one accordingly. For a meal, a chicken patty or paneer patty sandwich with a generous-sized bread is just perfect. To curb between meal cravings, a half or quarter helping of a peanut butter and jam sandwich or tomato cucumber sandwich works like a charm. Many a wonderful memories are associated with sandwiches as a midnight snack during exam time or during sleep-overs.

Backpackers, Chandigarh offers a host of sandwiches on its menu and has people ordering them around the clock. Madhav Dhakal, manager, says, "We have orders for sandwiches from breakfast till late at night and all the time in between. Given our choice of ciabatta, French baguette and garlic bread sandwiches, customers are never short of options."