Every year, the world celebrates International Sandwich Day on November 1. It is known how Mumbaikars love their sandwich as a quick meal during office hours. Interestingly, city chefs are taking this very love for the snack to create their own versions that pay homage to the classic
At Someplace Else, they serve the Avocado and Cream Cheese Crostini, a version of the open toast; chef Urvika Kanoi serves the Mumbai sandwich-inspired Big Fat Duco at the Bandra cafe.
Sandwiches are synonymous with Mumbai because of the classic Bambaiya sandwich that can be found around every street corner at affordable prices. The use of fresh soft bread with a simple mix of sliced tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and cucumber with a sprinkle of salt and chaat masala is delicious on any given day. While there are many different variations that also include beetroots and different kinds of addition, it is often very difficult to beat the classic. So, imagine the challenge when city chefs want to serve the sandwich but also give their own touch to it.
Every year, people around the world celebrate sandwiches on November 3, which is observed as Sandwich Day. While the sandwich has different forms and flavours around the world, Mumbaikars love their sandwiches and there is no doubt about that. Interestingly, the classic and the club sandwich are two varieties that are really popular apart from the cheese grilled sandwich. While some absolutely weird variations are known, Mumbai takes inspiration from the classic to make their own.
Taking inspiration from the Mumbai sandwich
Smoke House Deli has been serving sandwiches ever since they opened their doors 12 years ago. Some of the most popular sandwiches on the menu are their avocado sourdough toast, vegetable club sandwich and the Rueben. However, after the Covid-19 pandemic when they reopened, executive chef Rollin Lasrado decided to put on his thinking cap. With the menu already having eight to 10 sandwiches, Lasrado says they decided to include a sandwich that everyone could relate to.
With everybody in Mumbai having different memories of the Mumbai sandwich, they decided to include one with familiar flavours while still being a fresh new take. He shares, “We used the inspiration of the Mumbai sandwich to recreate the SHD Veg Club Sandwich, with layers of Coorgi avocado guac, sweet potatoes and beets, spiced grilled tomatoes, caramelised onions and cheese in whole wheat bread.”
While the sweet potatoes are slowly roasted, Lasrado says they are then caramelised on a pan with butter. The beet is thinly sliced and pickled to add a tang and bite. He explains, “The tomatoes are grilled to caramelise the natural sugars and then marinated in a dressing similar to a Virgin Mary sauce which gives the spice and accentuates the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. The cheese and avocado add richness and creaminess to the sandwich with the caramelised onion adding a delicate sweetness and a gentle crunch.”
Chutney and flavours
Even at The Pantry, they stick to basics while adding their own twist to it. Executive chef Subhash Shirke explains, "We make sandwiches with vegan cheese, homemade cheese with freshly grilled vegetables and serve them with our signature Mustard recipe. For the sandwich, we use Anna potatoes instead of regular boiled potatoes, along with multigrain sourdough breads." Shirke says the most challenging part of making a Mumbai-style sandwich is getting the chutney right. "So, we make Bhavnagari pesto as a substitute for green local chutney, and this has really worked well for us," he adds.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
