The British Discover Sandwiches Are Beautiful, Sandwiches Are Fine

Sandwiches sure are getting a lot of press these days. Weekend wait times continue to increase for the nonsense wonder that is the ramen burger. Then there was that whole engagement ring debacle that shattered world records for not only the number of people collectively talking about sandwiches, but also for the intensity and range of emotions regarding the suddenly controversial food item. The Guardian recently weighed in on just why sandwiches are so darn popular worldwide.

There are a few obvious answers as to the sammie's global appeal. Take a minute to ponder just how many creations can be classified as "sandwiches." The PB&J you threw together in seconds as a midnight snack, the sloppily overstuffed pastrami with Russian dressing on rye you enjoyed for lunch, the fancy open-faced tartine: wildly different concoctions that all fall under the undiscriminating umbrella of "sandwich."

Sandwiches are easily customizable for individuals and are often used as reference points for different cultures' cuisines: think of triangular, crust-less sandwiches served alongside afternoon tea in England – or, the triangular, crust-less sandwiches that Americans think are served alongside afternoon tea in England – and the traditional Vietnamese banh-mi. Every country really does have its own, sometimes quite different take.

The sandwich does manage to maintain an air of mystery, however. Why, despite its endless possibilities, is it universally considered primarily a lunch item? Out of my personal go-to sandwich spots, I find that I've never really contemplated making the trip for dinner. Food Republic's own Content Management System automatically sorts sandwich recipes under "Lunch." Then, of course, there's the question of what actually constitutes a sandwich. But that's an entire debate in itself.

Build up an appetite? Try one of these sandwich recipes (yes, sandwich recipes) on Food Republic: