The humble sandwich is one delicacy that is known and loved throughout the world. A versatile and staple meal in every household, it is known and loved by office workers, children, parents-on-the-go, jet setters and more.
With classic BLTs, coronation chicken, breakfast, egg and cress, reuben, grilled cheese, tuna and cheese - the list could quite literally go on - sandwiches, you may be interested to know that its name was popularised from noble (and quite lazy) beginnings - to be exact, the Earl of Sandwich.
As the story goes, in 1762, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, allegedly "was playing cards and did not want to leave the gaming table to eat. He asked for a serving of roast beef to be placed between two slices of bread so he could eat with his hands." And so, the term sandwich - eating meat or vegetables between two slices of bread - was established.
Read more : 28 fish and chip shops in Wales you need to get stuck right into straight away
Wonderfully, here in Cardiff, we have an incredible amount of sandwich shops, cafes and market stalls that serve some of the best bread-meat-cheese-vegetables-bread combos, we think, in the world. If you're after a coffee to sup after your sandwich stop, try Cardiff's best indie coffee stops, here, or after something more substantial? Here's our list of Cardiff's best restaurants.
We've rounded up a list - in no particular order - of some of our favourites, that you simply must try this lunch break.
1. Bombers Sandwich House
It’s only a little shop but boy is it busy. It’s no coincidence that there is nearly always a queue because there is plenty of choice for some amazing sandwiches. The bread is made by a local baker in Roath, they make their own sauces and are famous for their homemade coleslaw. The meat is cooked fresh every morning and there are always at least four different meat fillings every day. If you have a hearty appetite, look no further than Bomber's' famous 'Big Boy' sandwiches. Stuffed to the brim with flavour, you will leave feeling fit to burst - in the best possible way.
Where: 41 Charles St, Cardiff CF10 2GB
2. New York Deli
As the name, New York Deli, suggests this establishment offers US inspired lunchtime treats from Hoagies to hot dogs to bagels. And as it is nicely tucked in the Duke Street Arcade you can enjoy your food on the picnic bench outside at any time of the year. You can read our interview with the deli boys on the shop's 30th anniversary, here.
Where: 4-6 Duke Street Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AZ
3. Fresh
This is one of the Welsh capital’s most popular sandwich bars amongst city office workers and each lunchtime you will see a queue snaking outside the little shops. Tucked away in the Royal Arcade, the family-owned business provides a varied menu with paninis and baguettes and a good selection for vegetarians.
Where: 32 Royal Arcade, Cardiff, CF10 1AE.
4. Milk & Sugar
The independent bistro and coffee shop - which has now grown to have multiple stores - provides a host of lunch options and their sandwiches are fresh, delicious and made to order. They are always trying out new combos, twists on classics (like above) so send
Where: 79 Pontcanna Street, CF11 9HS/Social Science Research Park (SPARK), Maindy Road, CF24 4HQ
5. The Sage Deli
Found in the middle of the bustling Cardiff Market, The Sage Deli offers a selection of toasted sandwiches made with Alex Gooch sourdough bread including a tuna melt, BLT, fiery chicken as well as some delicious vegan options. If a toastie isn't to your liking, try their wraps, salad boxes or, if its there, their pulled pork and apple sauce roll.
Where: Central Market, Cardiff CF10 1AU
6. Scruffy Pups
This hidden dog cafe on a Llanrumney back street serves some of the best sandwiches and street food in Cardiff.
On the menu there’s reuben sandwiches made with Welsh salt beef that’s brined for 10 days, beef birria tacos, buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches and smashed burgers. And if you’ve got a four-legged companion then they’re well catered for with luxury doggy treats too. Read more, here.
Where: Ball Lane, Llanrumney, Cardiff CF3 4JS
7. Waterloo Tea
With an all-day menu that consists of classics such as avocado toast, scrambled eggs and soups, their sandwiches - which come with bowls of salad - are delicious. They have classics, such as a Welsh cheddar cheese complete with chutney and a smoked salmon and craime fresh sarnie, as well as tasty cibattas - panko chicken with sriracha mayo and pulled jackfruit ciabatta.
Where: Wyndham Arcade, The Hayes, CF10 1FH / 190-192 Whitchurch Road, CF14 3NB
8. Ground Bakery
They are famous for their overnight bacon, brunches and coffee, but this aesthetically pleasing pitstop in Pontcanna also has some delightful sandwiches to stuff your face with. Made with toasted inhouse cibattas and sourdough, you can expect scrumptious fillings such as fillet steak with truffle mayonnaise, halloumi or a classic BLT.
Where : 15 Pontcanna St, Pontcanna CF11 9HQ
9. Cegin Oriel
Making fresh sarnies to order, Cegin Oriel's homemade fillings are generous and utterly divine. Build your sarnie to your liking with toppings and sauces as well as fresh, locally baked breads - white or granary bread, soft hoagie baguettes, wraps or a classic soft white roll. If a carvery is what you're after, nip down to Pontcanna and get a dedicated roll from 11.30am, seven days a week, complete with gravy.
Where: 221 Cathedral Rd, Pontcanna CF11 9PP
10. Pettigrew Tearooms
If you're a fan of Pettigrew Bakery's bread, we're sure you'll be a fan of their tearoom's sarnies. Served on white or malted wheat bread and paired with homemade coleslaw, salad and potato crisps, they have a wide array of fillings. If you're feeling extra peckish, they have the Pettigrew club sandwich (home-roasted chicken, bacon, sliced free range Welsh egg, avocado and more)- and a veggie version, which is just as luxurious for you to sink your teeth into.
Where: Castle West Lodge, Bute Park & Arboretum, Castle St CF10 1BJ
11. Cafe Barker
You've seen their whipped cream topped hot chocolates and delicious cakes and bakes, but their paninis and sandwiches are just as wonderful. Their Door Step Cumberland Sausage Sandwich is a firm favourite that often gets a shoutout on TripAdvisor.
Where: 1-13 Castle Arcade, CF10 1BU
12. Social Eats
These fresh and healthy sandwiches from Social Eats are made with love. With options for vegans, veggies and meat-eaters, it's a brunch and lunch stop you must try. If salads are more your thing, their buddha bowl is heavenly. And made there and then, you can choose to have your sarnie on a white bloomer, a bagel or gluten free bread.
Where: 20 Salisbury Rd, Cardiff CF24 4AD
13. Neighbourhood Kitchen
While their rotating street food kitchen at night is one for the calender, you can't beat Neighbourhood's breakfast sarnies (which are available until 1pm Wednesday to Sunday). Thick cut bread. Sausage, egg, bacon. Beautiful.
Where: 80 Tudor St, Cardiff CF11 6AL
What is happening where you live? Find out by adding your postcode or visit InYourArea
