13 Sandwiches That Keep Regional Traditions Alive
Regional traditions are kept alive through recipes passed down, shared in diners, or sold at corner shops. These thirteen sandwiches carry those stories, holding onto local pride with every bite.
Beef on Weck
Buffalo’s beef on kummelweck roll is as regional as it gets. Topped with salt and caraway, the bread and roast beef pairing has kept this tradition strong in Western New York.
St. Paul Sandwich
In St. Louis, the St. Paul sandwich combines an egg foo young patty with lettuce and mayo on bread. It’s a tradition rooted in Chinese-American restaurants that still thrive today.
Sonoran Hot Dog
In Tucson, the Sonoran hot dog is a bacon-wrapped frank topped with beans, salsa, and jalapeños. It’s a staple of the Southwest that shows how regional traditions evolve.
Pork Roll Egg and Cheese
New Jersey’s breakfast sandwich, made with pork roll, egg, and cheese, fuels morning commutes. It’s the kind of regional ritual that locals swear by every day.
Navajo Taco
New Mexico’s Navajo taco is served on fry bread and loaded with toppings. It honors Native culinary traditions while remaining a beloved regional specialty.
Italian Beef
Chicago’s Italian beef is slow-cooked and served with peppers on a soft roll. It’s a sandwich that defines a city, keeping its place in family restaurants for decades.
Lobster Roll
Maine’s lobster roll is a coastal tradition, pairing tender lobster with a toasted bun. It’s as tied to the region as the lighthouses and rocky shores.
Pueblo Slopper
Pueblo, Colorado, claims the Slopper, a burger smothered in green chile sauce. It’s a messy, memorable bite that reflects its hometown roots.
Kalua Pork Sandwich
Hawaiian culture keeps the tradition of slow-cooked Kalua pork alive. Served on bread, this sandwich is deeply connected to local celebrations and gatherings.
Chow Mein Sandwich
Fall River, Massachusetts, is known for the chow mein sandwich, which piles saucy noodles on bread. It’s a quirky local dish that has stayed strong for generations.
Primanti Bros. Sandwich
Pittsburgh’s Primanti Bros. sandwich stuffs fries and slaw right into the bread. It reflects working-class roots and remains a must-have in the Steel City.
Roast Pork Sandwich
In Philadelphia, roast pork with broccoli rabe and provolone is a long-standing tradition. It’s a sandwich built on heritage and strong local pride.
Loose Meat Sandwich
Iowa’s loose meat sandwich keeps its place on local menus. Simple, seasoned beef crumbles on a bun continue to hold their spot in regional food culture.