12 Sandwiches That Celebrate Regional Traditions
Traditions live on in the kitchen, and nowhere do they shine brighter than in the sandwiches tied to their hometowns. These twelve picks carry stories, pride, and a whole lot of comfort in every bite.
Chicken Spiedie
Binghamton, New York claims this one. Skewered chicken marinated for days, then tucked into soft bread. Tradition on a stick, finished in a sandwich.
Chopped Cheese
Born in New York bodegas, this mix of ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a hero roll is both quick fix and cultural landmark.
Beef on Weck
Buffalo, New York serves roast beef on a kummelweck roll sprinkled with caraway and salt. Horseradish adds the punch that locals demand.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Chicago’s dipped delight. Thin slices of beef, plenty of jus, and hot giardiniera create a messy but glorious tradition.
Navajo Taco
New Mexico fry bread topped with beans, lettuce, and more. A regional classic that doubles as both comfort and history lesson.
Hot Brown Sandwich
Louisville’s contribution to the canon. Turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce baked until bubbly. Invented in the 1920s, still holding strong.
Pastrami Burger
Utah puts a local spin on the burger, stacking smoky pastrami right on top. A proud tradition that tastes like two sandwiches in one.
Pork Chop Sandwich
Butte, Montana is famous for frying pork chops and slipping them between bread. It is straightforward, hearty, and rooted in mining town tradition.
Lobster Roll
Maine’s claim to fame. Chilled lobster chunks with mayo in a split-top roll, eaten dockside or anywhere you can pretend you are.
Olive Burger
Michigan’s quirky favorite. A burger topped with a briny olive mayo spread that locals defend fiercely as tradition.
Runza
Nebraska comfort tucked into bread. Ground beef, cabbage, and onion baked inside a warm pocket. Road trip essential across the Plains.
Fried Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Indiana’s oversized cutlet sandwich, spilling far beyond the bun. A proud Midwestern tradition where bigger really is better.