9 cafes across India that have got their sandwich game spot on
Desk lunch situation sorted, all summer long.
There’s an art to getting sandwiches right. A correctly-constructed sandwich will promise a little bit of each component in every bite, will be generous enough with the fillings to qualify as a meal (or at its leanest, a wholesome snack) but will also not fall apart on the first bite itself—there’s no worse feeling than having half your sandwich’s insides slip out the other end as soon as you’ve sunk your teeth into it. Then comes the variety of textures—it should either have a crusty loaf or a pillow-like bread as its base, feature a medley of crispy and crunchy elements like fresh produce, tender meats (or cooked veggies), and creamy sauces and condiments.
All these come together to what we like to think the ideal sandwich. And these nine places across India—in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Goa, seem to have perfected the art.
So, bookmark these cafes for the next time you’re wondering what to order for lunch on a weekday or simply a self-proclaimed sandwich fan on a mission to try every delicious sandwich out there.
Mumbai
East 7th Pizza
A delivery and pick up only deli operating out of Colaba, East 7th Pizza has quickly captured the hearts of the city’s food lovers with its New York-style pizzas and sandwiches. Apart from their pies, we are big fans of their sandwiches that include cured ham and burrata Panini, chicken meatball parmesan, and more.
We love: Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Project Hum
This farm-to-table fast casual cafe that last year is known for doling out fresh, wholesome fare that puts local produce and ingredients front and centre. Their sandwich section that features dishes like the BELT (with bacon marmalade, confit tomatoes, fried egg, and bocconcini; the chicken and avocado sandwich; or the seasonal summer egg sando that has soft boiled egg nestled in Hokkaido bread along with asparagus, pickled cabbage, and mixed greens.
We love: Summer Egg Sando
Veronica’s
One of the newest (and buzziest) kids on the block, Veronica’s is a sandwich shop and cafe tucked in one of the quaint bylanes of Bandra, and serves up everything from open toasts, eggs to order, sandwiches, and salads alongside freshly-brewed coffee, kombucha on tap, and wine. Their extensive sandwich menu features 11 items that are a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian, so there’s something for everyone to try. Dig into the Mumbai chilli cheese melt or the big Floyd, which is their take on a Nashville-style hot fried chicken sandwich.
We love: Pass The Pastrami sandwich
Delhi-NCR
Sibang Bakery
Sibang is a Korean bakery serving traditional cafe fare in Gurgaon’s South Point Mall, with their freshly-baked breads, buns, and cakes served alongside coffee being a crowd-favourite. But it’s their sandwiches that are a sleeper hit. With classic options like chicken ham, tuna, and more, all are made with in-house cloud-like milk bread and make for a hearty breakfast or lunch option.
We love: Chicken Ham sandwich
Pete’s Deli
A new opening in Delhi’s chic Hauz Khas neighbourhood, Pete’s Deli will quickly become your go-to if you like NYC deli-style large sandwiches. Their menu is a reflection of that, with dishes like salads, deli sandwiches, and sides like fried pickles, mac and cheese, and crispy chicken wings. When it comes to the sandwiches, the shrimp po boy, the cubano, and the NYC chopped cheese are worth a try, while vegetarians will enjoy the eggplant parm or the 5 cheese melt.
We love: The Cubano
Goa
Padaria Prazares
This Panjim bakery has achieved cult status not only in Goa, but throughout the country for their indulgent pasteis de nata, Berliners, and flaky thin palmiers, but their savoury section warrants a pause (and taste) too. From a good ol’ egg mayo sandwich to a prawn cocktail sandwich made with soft brioche bread, take your pick.
We love: Roast Chicken Sandwich on Ciabatta
Larder + Folk
Run by husband-wife duo Siddharth Sumitran and Priyanka Sardessai in Panjim, Larder + Folk is a charming cafe and bakery doling out a small but mighty selection of fresh loaves, buns, pastries, sweets, and yes, sandwiches. Pick from the funky fried chicken sandwich or the mutton kofta sabich for a filling option or the Sichuan pork buns if you want to try something different. Vegetarians will love the eggplant banh mi, which has seared eggplant, pickled veggies, mushroom pate, mayonnaise, and cilantro all tucked inside a baguette.
We love: Eggplant Banh Mi
Bengaluru
Local Ferment Co
While the brand is known for their house-made kombuchas, breads, cheeses, and condiments (it’s in the name!), they also offer a select range of fresh sandwiches to Bengaluru citizens. Think hamburgers, bagels, steak sandwiches, ham and chocolate grilled cheese, among other equally appetising options.
We love: The Best Goddamn Hoagie
Brik Oven
Brik Oven is known in the city for their artisanal pizzas, so it’s no surprise that their sandwiches are just as good. As part of their breakfast menu that is available from 8am to 11am every day, sample sourdough and bagel sandwiches like the caprese 2.0 that comes stuffed with fresh burrata, pesto, confit tomatoes, balsamic glaze, and herb aioli. Meat lovers shouldn’t miss the marinara lamb sandwich, which features braised marinara lamb, sour cream, pickled onions, mint and feta dip, and crisp romaine lettuce.
We love: Avocado and Chicken Sandwich
Lead image: Veronica's/Instagram