The name "sandwich" comes from the Middle English word sandwich meaning "a piece of bread or cake in which meat is placed". The first known written reference to this dish was in 15th century England. Ancient Jewish culture had a dish called “Hillel’s sandwich” made with herbs between two pieces of matzah. Ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras ate bread filled with onions and garlic. In 1731, the British chef at the King George II restaurant created the first sandwich using ham instead of meat. Documentation of the sandwich’s invention can be found in Pierre-Jean Grosley’s book “Londres” from 1770. The sandwich is named after its supposed inventor, John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich. The Wall Street Journal has described it as Britain’s "biggest contribution to gastronomy".
Sandwiches kept unwrapped, edges curling, until they were sold, were widely found in Britain until the 1970s. The sandwich became popular in the 1920s because it was filling and cheap: Workers munched on them in factory canteens, while their kids ate them for lunch in the parish schools, especially on meatless Fridays. Now, the sandwich is popular worldwide, proving its convenience for lunchtime. Sandwiches cater to all mealtime needs – breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and even desserts. And they don’t sacrifice taste for convenience. There are both savoury sandwiches, such as deli meat sandwiches, and sweet sandwiches, such as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Definition and Origin
The name "sandwich" comes from the Middle English word sandwich meaning "a piece of bread or cake in which meat is placed". The first known written reference to this dish was in 15th century England.
John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich
The sandwich is named after John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. He is said to have been a compulsive gambler and would often ask for meat to be placed between two slices of bread so he could eat with one hand while continuing to play cards with the other. His friends began to order “the same as a sandwich.”
Sandwich Varieties
There are many different kinds of sandwiches, such as hamburgers, chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad, etc. According to Merriam-Webster, a sandwich is “two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.”
Hot Dog Controversy
By that definition, hot dogs seem to qualify as sandwiches. Many people argue, though, that while the hot dog technically fits the dictionary definition of a sandwich, it’s simply not a sandwich.
Evolution of the Sandwich
Named after John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who popularized the concept in the 18th century, the term signifies this food’s origin. The essence of the sandwich is its ability to blend different tastes and textures into a portable treat. This shows how it has changed over time while keeping its basic idea of layers.
Taco vs. Sandwich
Why is a taco not a sandwich? A taco is traditionally made with a corn or flour tortilla, folded or rolled around the fillings while a sandwich is typically made with two slices of bread or a roll that encloses the fillings. Some popular and classic sandwich options include: BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato) with mayonnaise; eggs which are very rich in protein. Although this mode of consumption must be as old as meat and bread, the name was adopted only in the 18th century for John Montagu, 4th earl of Sandwich.