You travel with your taste buds and crave bites that carry place, history, and comfort. This piece sends you on a quick tour of seven sandwiches that made that trip worthwhile across cities and kitchens worldwide.
You’ll learn what makes each sandwich beloved — the flavors, textures, and small traditions that keep people coming back for more.
Philly Cheesesteak
You’ll find the Philly cheesesteak built around thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and a soft hoagie roll. Keep it simple: ribeye or top round, onions if you like, and American, provolone, or Cheese Whiz.
Order it in Philadelphia and you’ll see fierce loyalty to small shops that prize technique over toppings. Try classic spots listed among the city’s best cheesesteaks (for example, recommendations from The Daily Meal) to compare styles and pick your favorite.
Bánh Mì
You’ll find bánh mì everywhere in Vietnam, a crisp-tender baguette filled with savory meats, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and spicy mayo.
The sandwich grew from French baguettes and Vietnamese flavors, becoming a quick, balanced meal you can eat on the go.
Try classic pork or pâté versions, or pick a vegetarian tofu fill if you prefer.
Want context on its history and global reach? Read this piece on the bánh mì’s origins and variations.
Grilled Cheese
You can make a brilliant grilled cheese with just bread, butter, and good melting cheese. Toast it slowly over medium heat so the outside crisps and the cheese melts evenly.
Try adding roasted tomatoes or pickles for brightness, or swap cheddar for brie and a touch of honey for a sweeter take. For tips on perfect technique and variations, see this guide to making the best grilled cheese.
Mortadella Sandwich from Bar Leone
You’ll find a version of the mortadella sandwich at Bar Leone that balances thinly sliced imported mortadella with creamy ricotta mascarpone and salty olives.
The sandwich sits on light, house-made focaccia and gets a bright kick from pickled green chilies.
Expect simple flavors that feel deliberate; it’s not flashy but hits familiar, satisfying notes.
Read more about iconic mortadella sandwiches and their reputation in lists of global favorites at The World’s 50 Best.
Katsu Sando
You’ll find a katsu sando built around a crispy panko-breaded cutlet—usually pork or chicken—pressed between soft, crustless Japanese milk bread. A swipe of sweet-tangy tonkatsu sauce and sometimes Kewpie mayo finishes it.
Grab one at stations or specialty shops for a portable, satisfying bite. For background on the sandwich’s components and variations, see this Katsu-sando overview.
PB&J
You probably grew up with this sandwich in your lunchbox. It pairs creamy or crunchy peanut butter with sweet jelly on soft bread.
PB&J is simple, affordable, and quick to make, which is why it sticks around. For a brief history and more context, see the Peanut butter and jelly sandwich entry on Wikipedia.
Pulled Pork Sandwich
You’ll find pulled pork sandwiches on BBQ menus from roadside shacks to chains, prized for their tender, slow-cooked meat.
A good sandwich balances smoky pork, a tangy sauce, and a soft bun that soaks up juices without falling apart.
You can top it with crisp coleslaw for texture or pickles for brightness.
Try it on its own first to judge the meat, then add extras to suit your taste.
Explore chain rankings and fan favorites to find nearby versions people praise, like those mentioned in reviews at The Takeout.
More from Cultivated Comfort:
- 7 Vintage Home Items From the ’60s That Are Collectors’ Dream Finds
- 7 Vintage Home Goods That Became Collectors’ Gold
- 7 Fast-Food Chains That Changed for the Worse
- 7 Frozen Dinners That Were Better Back in the Day
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.