Sandwiches of the World: 2000s Recipes + Menus : gourmet.com

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Pork-Belly Buns

We knew chef David Chang was something special the minute we tasted his signature dish. He plays with the classic Chinese pork bun, retaining its pillowy wrapping, adding crisp cucumbers and scallions.

Photograph by Marcus Nilsson

Cemitas de Carne Enchilada (Chile-Marinated Pork Sandwiches on Cemita Rolls)

A cemita is an oversize, slightly sweet, sesame seed bun that gives this Pueblan sandwich its name.

Photograph by Romulo Yanes

Tuscan Tuna-and-Bean Sandwiches

Tired of the same old tuna sandwich? Try this mayoless version—it just may be the best we’ve ever tasted.

Photograph by Romulo Yanes

Deviled Ham and Pecan Tea Sandwiches

Great as an afternoon snack, these elegant sandwiches are also filling enough to make a light meal.

Photograph by Romulo Yanes

Scallion Potato Pancake and Smoked-Salmon Sandwiches

Potato pancakes with smoked salmon—a nod to Scandinavia—are an elegant take on bagels and lox. We love the contrast between the crisp pancakes and the soft, succulent salmon.

Photograph by Stephanie Foley

North Carolina Pulled-Pork Barbecue

As anyone from eastern North Carolina will tell you (often passionately and at great length), barbecue means a whole hog cooked low and slow over a banked pit. The meat is pulled or chopped into moist strands, dressed with some remaining “mop” (the vinegar-and-red-pepper basting sauce), and mixed with cracklings. For us, however, the whole hog had to go. Instead, we used pork shoulder: It’s easier to handle and not such a huge investment of time and money.

Photograph by Roland Bello

Monte Cubano

This two-in-one indulgence has the irresistible makings of a Cuban sandwich, including Swiss cheese, pickles, and sliced meats—but it’s also dipped in egg batter and fried like a Monte Cristo.

Photograph by Romulo Yanes

Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich (Banh Mi)

Despite the exotic name of this sandwich, you can get all the ingredients right at the supermarket. Liverwurst stands in for the traditional pork-pâté filling—the meatiness works beautifully with the sharp-flavored vegetables and fresh cilantro.

Photograph by Romulo Yanes

Lamb Souvlaki Sandwiches with Greek Salad and Tsatsiki Sauce

Forget the food cart and make this street-food favorite at home. If you prefer, you can pile the lamb and salad on top of a larger pocketless pita for an open-face sandwich and drizzle with sauce. Pocketless pitas are sold at specialty foods shops and many supermarkets.

Photograph by Romulo Yanes