Around the World with Sandwiches

What is a traditional Russian sandwich for you? A loaf or black bread and sausage. The main thing is to put the sausage on your tongue, as the sandwich expert Matroskin the cat used to say. But in other countries, a traditional sandwich comes with completely different fillings. So, let's make ourselves a Russian sandwich and go on a virtual journey around the world, only instead of sights, we will look at sandwiches, which are different in each country.

1. Chacarero (Chile).

A traditional Chilean sandwich made from thinly sliced steak or pork on a round bun with tomatoes, green beans and chili peppers.

2. Chemita (Mexico).

This type of sandwich originated in Puebla. It consists of avocado, meat, white cheese, onion and salsa roja. All of this is placed on a brioche bun.

3. Chip butty (UK).

Just French fries on bread, usually dressed with ketchup or brown sauce. This sandwich in Foggy Albion is also called a chip roll, a chip muffin, a chip bun. In general, interesting names for such a simple snack.

4. Barros Luco (Chile).

Just beef and melted cheese on a bun. The sandwich is named after former President Ramón Barros Luco, who regularly ordered them at the restaurant of the National Chilean Congress.

5. Chivito (Uruguay).

Chivito translates from Spanish as "little goat," but this sandwich is made with slices of beef with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, mayonnaise, olives, and often bacon, eggs, and ham. Basically, a little bit of everything.

6. Choripan (South America).

This type of sandwich originated in Argentina. The chorizo sandwich is loved throughout South America. It is usually served on a crispy bun with chimichurri or pebre sauce.

7. Donkey Burger (China).

Translated from English, donkey is a donkey. Yes, this sandwich is made from donkey meat with the addition of lettuce or peppers. It is served on a crispy bun called huochao. In Hebei Province, there is a saying: "In heaven, dragon meat, on earth, donkey meat."

8. Doubles (Trinidad and Tobago).

A popular sandwich made from fried bread and chickpeas seasoned with curry. Mango, cucumber, coconut and tamarind can also be added. Quite a popular snack before bed.

9. Dirlægens natmad (Denmark).

This set of letters translates as "vet's night snack." The sandwich is one-sided and made from jellied meat, salted beef, and pate. Pretty Scandinavian.

10. Dener kebab (Türkiye).

Meat on pita bread with almost anything added, but usually tomatoes, onions, lettuce, pickles and chili. A great snack for those who have had a lot to drink but forgot to eat.

11. Fischbrötchen (Germany).

Crispy buns filled with fish (usually pickled herring) and raw onions. The fish is often wrapped around another filling.

12. Gatsby (South Africa).

This sandwich always comes with fried potatoes. And another rule: the Gatsby is huge. So huge that it can be divided into four portions, which is usually done.

13. Katsu-sando (Japan).

"Minimal" sandwich with tonkatsu (Japanese pork cutlet) and shredded cabbage.

14. Leberkaessemmel (Germany).

Literally translated as "liver cheese", although there is neither liver nor cheese inside. This is a sandwich with beef, pork, bacon and onions on a braided bun. Served with mustard and always hot.

15. Medianoche (Cuba).

Meaning "midnight", this is a popular late night snack in Cuba. It consists of fried pork, ham, mustard, cheese and pickles on a sweet bun.

16. Mettbrötchen (Germany).

Literally - raw minced pork and onions on a bun.

17. Pan-bagnat (France).

Classic French sandwich: tuna, vegetables, boiled egg and, most importantly, olive oil. Never dressed with mayonnaise. Served on a French roll.

18. Pleskavica (Serbia).

This is a sandwich made from different types of meat. Sometimes manufacturers "improvise" - they add fat from beef kidneys, grind pork neck or add soda or mineral water to dilute it. It can be served on a round bun or lavash with pepper sauce and Serbian cream.

19. Pork burger (Macau).

Just pork and a bun. Simple but delicious.

20. Banh mi (Vietnam).

In general, the Vietnamese call all types of bread banh mi, but most often these words refer to a sandwich with meat (often pork or liver pate), slices of pickles, cilantro and pickled carrots. A cheap but tasty sandwich.

21. Roti John (Malaysia).

A pan-fried, one-sided omelette sandwich on half a baguette. The main ingredients are eggs and onions, but meat or fish (sardines, chicken, beef, lamb) are also added to the sandwich.

22. Zhou jia mo (China).

Literally translated as "meat burger", a popular street snack made from meat (usually pork, but sometimes lamb or beef, depending on the region), peppers and spices on flat bread.

23. Kaya Toast (Singapore).

A sandwich snack based on kaya, a coconut and sugar mixture popular in Southeast Asia. It is served on thick slices of white bread, sometimes with eggs.

24. Arepa (Venezuela).

Arepa is a thick corn bread and sandwich made from it. Cheese, pork, and avocado are added to it.

25. Hawaiian toast (Germany).

This is an open sandwich with ham, pineapple, Maraschino cherry and processed cheese.

26. Vada pav (India).

A popular spicy snack in India. Basically, it's a samsa with chili and spices added.

27. Yakisoba-pan (Japan).

Basically, it's a hot dog bun filled with yakisoba (fried Japanese noodles). Pickled ginger and mayonnaise are often added on top.

28. Casserole (Poland).

A popular Polish fast food is zapiekanka. It is an open sandwich on a baguette with mushrooms, processed cheese and meat. It is usually seasoned with ketchup and green onions.

29. Peanut Butter Sandwich. US only.