Creative: Bringing the sandwich into the 21st century

We have the fourth Earl of Sandwich to thank for inventing the sanga, and Sydney’s creative sandwich makers for bringing it intothe 21st century.

The sandwich has come a long way since the fourth Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu, asked for some meat between pieces of bread while he played cards.

The fourth Earl of Sandwich invented the sanga, but Sydney’s creative sandwich makers brought into the 21st century. Here are five of the best.

Good Ways Deli

Alexandria and Redfern

Good Ways Deli.

There’s some sort of magic at play at the counters of these vibey delis. That’s the only way to explain the menu of sandwiches that somehow trigger nostalgia for the lunches our parents would make us, while also tasting like something excitingly new. Like the ham sandwich, loaded with LP’s smoked ham, cheddar, onion jam, pickles and a genius (but probably not lunch box friendly) whisky-spiked piccalilli. Or the perfectly poached chicken sanga, with lashings of tarragon mayo. Our pick? The straight-up salad roll, overflowing with beetroot, carrot, sprouts, cheese and an umami-packed mushroom pate. Like we said, magic.

Alexandria and Redfern

Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches

Paramatta

Harvey's Hot Sandwiches.

Italian deli sandwiches by way of America. That’s what’s on offer at this Western ’burbs favourite, where the bread is crunchy, the fillings are big and the mood-switch is always set to “party”. Philly cheesesteaks, hot pastrami (available “sloppy” or “simple”) and Italian subs are all packed with meat, cheese and deli accoutrements like roasted peppers, olive spread and mustard, but the biggest bang-for-your-bite comes via the Nashville hot chicken sandwich: coleslaw, pickles and a creamy mayo and ketchup sauce, all piled over a “hot”, “damn hot” or “flaming hot” sauce-drenched fillet of buttermilk fried chicken. Cancel your afternoon plans.

Shop 4, 05/12 Darcy St, Parramatta

Sandoitchi

Darlinghurst and Chatswood

Sandoitchi. Picture: Leigh Griffiths

If you’ve spent any time in Japan, chances are you’ve developed a deep love of the konbini (convenience store) and its freshly made sandwiches. This teeny east-side cafe and its new Chatswood sibling celebrate those quick-fix bready snacks with a roster of classic Lawson, Family Mart and 7-Eleven faves – egg salad, katsu of all kinds, fried chicken and plenty more – all sandwiched between two slices of soft, shokupan-style bread. Sweet toothed Japan-lovers aren’t forgotten about: you’ll find the TikTok famous strawberry sandwich repped as well, packed with ripe berries and a mountain of yuzu-spiked whipped cream.

Darlinghurst and Chatswood

Continental Delicatessen

Newtown

Continental Delicatessen.

For 10 years this retro-chic deli has lured punters with tinned cocktails and desserts, and platters of tinned fish, sliced-to-order charcuterie and cheeses. Grab a counter seat at lunchtime and you’ll find those same superlative cold cuts and tinned seafoods stuffed into generous sandwiches, offering classic combinations like ham, cheese and pickle, or the fish & chips sando, which brings together tinned fish, potato crisps and hot sauce. The true show (and heart) stopper, though, is the LA-inspired French dip, a long roll piled with thinly sliced roast beef, onion and horseradish, with a bowl of jus for dipping. Epic.

210 Australia St, Newtown

S’wich

Bondi

S'wich.

Though its name might suggest otherwise, no shortcuts are taken at this breezy sandwichery. Here, “from scratch” is a mantra that extends from the relationships with the farmers that provide raw ingredients to the fact that each sandwich is made to order on fresh-baked bread. The menu’s full of winners, but it’s tough to resist the schnit-c, a sandwich that’s become almost as iconic as the nearby beach, featuring cos, avo, caesar salad dressing and a slab of chicken schnitzel triumphantly breaded in – wait for it – garlic bread crumbs. A new location in Wunderlich Lane, Redfern, is opening any day.

149 Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach