Forget 'a war on sandwiches' — here are 10 of London's best

It seems there's a so-called "war on sandwiches" happening. According to the Daily Mail, Generation Z—those troublesome young folks—say that younger Brits are moving away from traditional favorites like ham and mustard and opting for more trendy, modern fillings.

These trendy sandwich fillings? Think avocado, olives, and gourmet cheese. While it may sound a bit extreme, using avocado in a sandwich isn’t exactly a new concept, nor is cheese. As for olives, they actually made a small revival last year with the olive and cream cheese sandwich; a recipe from 1909 was featured on the Sandwiches of History YouTube channel. The Mail also highlights how using chips in sandwiches seems to create a generational divide. Interestingly, I recall enjoying them in the early ‘90s, a trend my mom introduced me to.

Sandwiches are very much still a part of London’s culinary scene; the city is overflowing with options. You could easily enjoy a good sandwich every single day of the year. Even a basic bacon sandwich from Cafe Verona in Moorgate is worth trying, with the bacon perfectly crispy and the grease soaking into the soft white bread.

There are also some truly innovative spots that have gained recognition far beyond what you'd typically associate with a sandwich shop. Here’s a list of 12 outstanding places where you can enjoy a fantastic lunch. You’ll discover a variety of delicious fillings nestled in baguettes, sourdough, pita, and other types of bread.

Ham, eggs, and fries

Max's Sandwich Shop in Crouch Hill has gained a dedicated following over the years. It's not just the creative sandwich combinations crafted by owner Max Halley that attract customers; it's also his vibrant personality, playfully focused on quirky themes like ducks. Those lucky enough to stop by when Max is present are welcomed by a sandwich sensei, bringing a touch of magic to the experience, as they peruse a carefully curated yet exciting menu. A standout choice is the "ham, egg ‘n’ chips," featuring tender ham hock wedged between thick slices of white bread, topped with a fried egg, paired with piccalilli and vinegar mayonnaise, along with crispy shoestring fries. There's a reason why grocery stores have started to mimic Max's innovations—he likely was the first to introduce gravy mayo on a larger scale.

If you haven’t been living under a rock this past year, you’ve probably heard of Miznon, the restaurant group that originated in Tel Aviv and is run by a tomato enthusiast named Eyal Shani. He fills soft, fluffy pita breads with a variety of delicious ingredients, all showcased on a whimsically worded menu that’s written in Comic Sans. One creation is called “Roasted cauliflower’s inner parts,” while another is named “Deep satisfaction.” The latter features slow-cooked brisket, gooey cheddar, pickled green chilies, and strips of gherkin, all generously coated in garlic sauce. It truly lives up to its name. Their traditional falafel dish is equally delightful, and the “long, thick and juicy” lamb pita is also a satisfying choice.

8 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HW. To learn more, check out miznon.co.uk.

Banh mi, a blend of French and Vietnamese cuisine

A banh mi is truly one of the tastiest fusion dishes out there, combining the fresh flavors of Vietnam with the rich indulgence of French cuisine. At Banh Mi Aha, the standout item is lovingly named “Aha!” This delightful sandwich features a soft baguette filled with homemade pâté, three varieties of flavorful Vietnamese sausage, ham, and the popular Kewpie mayo. It's topped with pickled carrots, daikon, spring onions, and coriander, creating a classic dish that showcases the sandwich’s efficiency and deliciousness. Pair it with a side of papaya salad, and on warm days, this spot is perfect for outdoor dining where you can relax and enjoy the ambiance.

Café Mondo: Your Go-To Spot For Relaxation

London boasts many spots for delicious subs, and Dom’s in Hackney is one of them. Another great option is Mondo, which operates from the White Horse pub in Peckham. Here, amidst the lively atmosphere of pints and pool, you'll find a menu influenced by the culinary delights from Hidetaka Miyazaki's films, the Redwall books, and Beano comics. The offerings change frequently; currently, there's a sausage sandwich featuring gumbo mayo, a Cajun corn salad, cheese, butter lettuce (playfully referred to as "shrettuce"), and American mustard. Another tasty creation includes pastrami paired with chickpeas seasoned like sausage, charred broccoli, crispy onions, and pickles. Don’t forget to ask for the homemade hot sauce for dipping and consider adding a side of moo krob pork belly. Also, keep an eye out for their new standalone location set to open in Camberwell this weekend.

Café Mondo will be opening its doors on November 22 at 42 Peckham Road, SE5 8PX. You can check them out on Instagram.

An iconic spot in London

The ideal moment to stop by Beigel Bake is after a night out at the pub. You can expect to see a line, but there’s an exciting energy to the wait that creates a sense of community. It’s quite uncommon for queuing for food to be worthwhile, but at Beigel Bake, it definitely is. The star of the show is their salt beef, served on a New York-style bagel that’s wonderfully chewy, with meat that practically falls apart and a generous spread of smooth mustard to enhance it all. This is definitely messy food, which only adds to its appeal. Beigel Bake is a legendary spot and truly deserves the title of "institution."

Dusty Knuckle bread is now a staple of London's trendy sourdough scene. Though it's a topic that's better left untouched, the reality is that this bread ranks among the best in the city. While some might argue that a classic bacon sandwich is best with plain white bread, it would be a mistake to overlook Dusty Knuckle's take. They serve smoked back bacon nestled in a delicious, traditional sourdough, which can be accompanied by either ketchup (the proper choice) or brown sauce (the option for those with more discerning tastes, but ultimately not the right one). Bring a friend along for a hangover cure and order to share. You won't want to miss their fantastic egg chili cheese sandwich, featuring a fried egg, spring onions, pickled green chilies, and coriander, all sandwiched in fluffy focaccia. It's simply amazing!

Abbot Street Parking Lot, E8 3DP; 429 Green Lanes, N4 1AH; Highbury Place, N5 1QL, thedustyknuckle.com

One of the most sought-after events in the area

If there’s a sandwich that perfectly captures the essence of Instagram in London, it has to be the sando. Some of the finest ones are elegantly crafted, like the wagyu sando from Taka in Marylebone, featuring incredibly tender meat. However, the first stop should definitely be Panadera in Camden, a Filipino bakery run by Florence Mae Maglanoc and Omar Shah, where you can find some amazing offerings. They serve a brilliantly crafted egg sando and a delicious American-style corned beef sando, all made from scratch. The process starts with the brisket being brined for three days, then it’s shredded in a way that keeps its texture intact. This savory mix is turned into a croquette combined with potatoes and a rich béchamel sauce, then fried to perfection. It’s served inside Filipino milk bread, known as pandesal, and garnished with lettuce and aioli for an extra kick.

The club sandwich is believed to have been created at the Saratoga Club House in Saratoga Springs, New York, during the late 1800s. The original recipes were quite basic, featuring turkey or chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and plenty of mayonnaise stacked between three slices of white bread. Nowadays, you might also find egg slices and cheese occasionally added, with ham sometimes swapping out the traditional crispy bacon. At Chet’s, they put a clever twist on this New York classic with their version, which includes fried chicken, bacon, papaya slaw, jalapenos, and red cabbage, all dressed in ranch sauce. And of course, it’s served with a generous portion of French fries—what a club sandwich should come with. No potato chips here!

Traditional Indian street cuisine

The vada pav, which features a crispy potato patty nestled in chutney and green chili within a burger bun, hasn't quite made its mark in the bustling food scene of central London, mostly lingering on the outskirts. However, this dish represents some of the finest Indian street food, particularly from Mumbai and the broader Maharashtra region—it's vegetarian, budget-friendly, and quite satisfying. A great spot to try a classic vada pav is Amol's, located near Alperton station in northwest London, where some suggest adding cheese for an extra twist. Another notable place is Curry On NaanStop, a food stall with locations in Seven Dials and a delivery option in Herne Hill. The vada pav has been a beloved treat among various communities in London for years, and it would be exciting to see it gain more mainstream attention.