The Bangkok Sandwich Bible

A good sandwich is the probably most underestimated item of food. Simplicity and creativity are key to a good sandwich. The correct bread with the correct texture, correct fillings, correct sauce and correct “bite” all add up to the … perfectly balanced taste. If you’re a sandwich-gourmet, Bangkok can be your safe haven.

You’ll agree that a good sandwich could be an ideal food for the hot steamy climate here. A sandwich-culture hasn’t really taken off. But there’s more to Bangkok sandwiches than those two flaccid pieces of white bread filled with that mysterious pork floss (supposedly dried pork) or the mayo-slathered bread packaged in triangular plastic boxes.

Refreshing, juicy, crispy: The humble sandwich allows infinite combinations. Just know how to harmonize the three basics bread, sauce & fillings. Know, for example, which kind of cucumber (fresh, gherkin or marinated) brings what bread and fillings to perfection. Know which sandwich has to be grilled, which one to be cooled.

Let us then, sadly, start with a big sandwich-letdown first: Bert’s Paris, celebrating with loud ads “The sandwich has arrived.” At Central Chidlom’s Food Loft. The name suggests they’re from Paris. Well.

To cut it short: Bert’s Grilled Mushroom Rocket on Focaccia, Thyme Roasted Beef on Pain Pané or Grilled Chicken & Hazelnut Pesto look truly tempting. Look. Our Salmon Focaccia was overly bready and dry – with a certain zest in the sauce, a zest though that was completely overplastered by way too much bread and way too little salmon and sauce. Salmon that turned hard under the grill for that. For 145 baht? You’ve seen me.

I’d forgive the lady at Bert’s who charged me my second order – a tuna sandwich – but served a tomato sandwich at first and then a cheese sandwich. Forgivable.

Unforgivable: That sarnie’s dryness.

The initial excitement was quickly gone – and so will I be from Bert’s. So long Frenchman! Bangkok’s eatery market is merciless. We know that Food Loft charges horrendous fees from the tenants. Somehow they have to foot the bill. But not at the expense of suggested quality.

Time to head to a classic, Landmark‘s Garden Court, where signature sandwiches are served that make a New York deli blush. The Tuna Melt? O my God.

Enjoy decent grilled panini at wallet-friendly prices – and a Reuben doesn’t come more authentic than at Garden Court, my favorite sandwich-parlor.

If your purse is slightly more forgiving head to JW Marriott‘s Bangkok Baking Company. Just down the block from Landmark. Go for a Roasted Veggie and Goat Cheese Focaccia. Finalized by a Toffee Banoffe. You’ll be hooked.

Why? All kinds of sliced meats, veggie options, all the salads and much more. Each sandwich deservedly gets its very own kind of good fresh bread – and enjoy discounts in the evenings.

Same discounts and not lesser quality you’ll enjoy at the deli shop @ Four Seasons‘ The Terrace. The Salmon Bagel? Go see yourself.

A friend though swears by Kuppa‘s home-style sandwiches served on cutting boards on Sukhumvit Soi 16. Kuppa’s sarnies drip with butter. You’ll need both or more hands and maneuver your mouth just so in order to eat them. Not recommended while SMS-ing or checking that website with your mobile phone.

Other praise we heard about New York Deli near Silom Soi 4, owned by Fred who owns Coffee World. Somebody called its “Manhatten Lox to die for.” The deli’s a cross between what you would expect from a real New York deli and a Subway.

If you die for barbecued sandwiches, you may wanna head north to Nonthaburi and pay Mark J. Grygiel a visit at his restaurant Grygiel, the BBQ Sandwich King.

Never mind the sauce stains on your fingers and cheeks. You’ll want to lick them dry. Very reasonable prices and gigantic food – if you love the best from Uncle Sam.

If you only trust the best, meaning your own sandwiches, get the half-loafs of wheat bread sold by au bon pain as the very fundamental to build a nice sandwich upon.

But then you’ve never ever tried that sumptuously buttery Danish loaf from Sun Moulin Bakery (Isetan, Emporium & Paragon.)

Makes not the lightest of sandwiches, but don’t we all need a heavy dripper every once a while.