10 Famous Sandwiches That Are Actually Better Than Burgers
Burgers often steal the attention when it comes to quick and satisfying meals, but there is an incredible variety of sandwiches out there that truly deserve recognition.
I have dedicated years to discovering the most flavorful and inventive handheld creations from different corners of the world. Let me tell you, these delicious stacks easily surpass traditional burgers in both taste and creativity.
From the crunchy goodness of Vietnamese street food to the rich and gooey indulgence of French comfort classics, these unforgettable sandwiches will completely change the way you think about what belongs between two slices of bread. Prepare to be amazed.
1. Cubano: Miami’s Pressed Perfection
Holy moly! My Miami vacation changed forever when a local friend insisted I try a proper Cubano. This pressed wonder originated with Cuban immigrants and has become Florida’s sandwich royalty.
Roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard get squished between buttered Cuban bread until the exterior turns golden and crisp while the inside becomes a melty masterpiece. The magic happens in the pressing, that crucial step transforms good ingredients into greatness.
Unlike fussy burgers that fall apart after two bites, a Cubano holds together beautifully. The tangy pickles cut through the richness, creating perfect balance in every bite.
2. Philly Cheesesteak: The Melty Masterpiece
During a road trip through Pennsylvania, I pulled over at a tiny roadside joint for my first authentic Philly cheesesteak. The sandwich that arrived forever changed my understanding of beef-based handheld meals.
Paper-thin ribbons of ribeye sizzle on a hot griddle before being smothered with melted cheese (provolone or the controversial Cheez Whiz) and stuffed into a soft hoagie roll. Some folks add sautéed onions and peppers for extra flavor and texture.
The beauty lies in its messy simplicity, juicy meat, gooey cheese, and a roll that soaks up all those magical drippings. It’s comfort food that puts any burger to shame!
3. Muffuletta: New Orleans’ Italian-Creole Creation
My first encounter with a muffuletta happened at Central Grocery in New Orleans, where this Italian-American giant was born. One look at its massive circumference told me this wasn’t your average sandwich experience.
A round Sicilian sesame loaf gets loaded with layers of mortadella, salami, ham, provolone and the star of the show, olive salad. This tangy, garlicky mix of olives, pickled vegetables and herbs soaks into the bread, creating flavor fireworks.
Unlike burgers that demand immediate consumption, the muffuletta actually improves with time as the olive spread works its magic. I’ve never met a burger that can match this level of flavor complexity!
4. Bánh Mì: Vietnam’s Crispy Flavor Explosion
The first time I bit into a bánh mì on the streets of Hanoi, I nearly wept with joy. This Vietnamese masterpiece combines the best of French and Asian cuisines in one perfect package.
A crusty baguette cradles savory grilled pork, bright cilantro, and zingy pickled vegetables. The contrast between the warm meat and cool, crunchy toppings creates a symphony of textures that no burger can match.
What makes bánh mì truly special is its perfect balance, spicy, sweet, sour, and savory elements dancing together in harmony. One sandwich and you’ll be planning your next trip to Vietnam!
5. Croque Monsieur: France’s Sophisticated Grilled Cheese
Picture this: I’m sitting at a Parisian café when the waiter delivers what looks like the world’s fanciest grilled cheese. One bite of this croque monsieur and I instantly understood why the French laugh at our basic hamburgers.
Slices of ham nestle between pieces of bread slathered with creamy béchamel sauce and topped with grated Gruyère cheese before being baked to golden perfection. The exterior develops an irresistible crunch while the interior becomes a molten wonderland of savory flavors.
The sophisticated combination of nutty Gruyère and velvety béchamel elevates this sandwich to gourmet territory. Trust the French to transform simple ingredients into something magical!
6. Lobster Roll: New England’s Coastal Treasure
Summer in Maine introduced me to the sandwich that ruined all other seafood experiences, the legendary lobster roll. This coastal delicacy proves that simplicity often creates the most memorable meals.
Sweet, tender chunks of freshly caught lobster meat get tossed with just enough mayonnaise to bind them together, then nestled into a top-split, butter-toasted hot dog bun. Some purists prefer their lobster meat warm with melted butter instead.
The magic happens in that perfect contrast between the warm, buttery roll and the cool, succulent lobster meat. No burger patty on earth can compete with the natural sweetness and delicate texture of fresh Maine lobster!
7. Reuben: The Deli Counter Champion
My grandmother introduced me to Reubens at her favorite Jewish deli when I was twelve, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. This hot sandwich masterpiece combines seemingly contradictory flavors into something greater than the sum of its parts.
Thin-sliced corned beef or pastrami piles high on rye bread with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing before being grilled until everything melds together in harmony. The tangy sauerkraut cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese while the dressing adds creamy sweetness.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of salty, sour, sweet, and savory notes. When made properly, a Reuben towers over any burger in both flavor complexity and satisfaction factor!
8. Po’ Boy: New Orleans’ Crispy Creation
During Mardi Gras, I wandered into a tiny New Orleans shop and ordered my first po’ boy. The massive sandwich that arrived forever changed my understanding of what fried seafood could be.
A crusty French baguette gets stuffed with golden-fried shrimp, oysters, or catfish, then dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo. The contrast between the crispy seafood and soft bread creates textural magic that burgers can only dream about.
Legend has it these sandwiches were created to feed striking streetcar workers in 1929, the “poor boys” who needed affordable, filling meals. One bite of this NOLA classic and you’ll understand why it’s remained a beloved staple for nearly a century!
9. Torta: Mexico’s Flavor-Packed Powerhouse
While exploring Mexico City’s street food scene, I stumbled upon a sandwich that made me question every burger I’d ever eaten. The torta, Mexico’s answer to the submarine sandwich, packs more flavor into every bite than should be legally possible.
A soft telera roll cradles layers of seasoned meats like carnitas or milanesa, along with avocado, refried beans, cheese, and pickled jalapeños. Each region has its own variation, but they all share a commitment to bold flavors and generous fillings.
Unlike one-note burgers, tortas offer a complex flavor journey with every bite. The combination of creamy, spicy, crunchy, and savory elements creates a handheld masterpiece that outshines any hamburger!
10. Bauru: Brazil’s Melty Miracle
During a trip to São Paulo, a local friend insisted I try Brazil’s most famous sandwich. One bite of the Bauru and I understood why Brazilians aren’t obsessed with burgers, they’ve got something better!
Created in the 1930s, this Brazilian classic features a hollowed-out French roll filled with melted cheese, tomato, and thinly sliced roast beef. The secret technique involves removing some of the bread’s soft interior to make room for more fillings and preventing sogginess.
The warm, crusty exterior contrasts beautifully with the gooey cheese and tender beef inside. Unlike overhyped burgers that often disappoint, the Bauru delivers a perfect ratio of bread to filling in every single bite!