There’s a lot to love about the types of sandwiches you’ll find today, from simple ham and cheese to slow-cooked beef piled high with sauce, slaw and plenty of crunch. At CARVED, we’re firmly in the camp that a sandwich should be a proper meal: fresh ingredients, generous fillings and big flavour, all put together by chefs who know what works.
But what actually makes one type of sandwich different from another? Bread matters, obviously, but the filling, texture, temperature and even the way it’s cooked can completely change the experience. Here are some of the sandwich types worth getting to know.
The Classic Deli Sandwich
Some types of sandwiches don’t need much explaining. A good deli-style sandwich is all about familiar ingredients done properly: quality meat, cheese, fresh leaves and a sauce that brings everything together.
Ham and cheese is a perfect example. Our McCarren’s Glazed Ham combines juicy glazed ham with mature cheddar, crisp lettuce, creamy mustard aioli and tangy relish. Nothing complicated, just a solid combination where every ingredient earns its place.
The Slow-Cooked Meat Sandwich
If you like a sandwich with a bit more heft, slow-cooked meat is hard to beat. Beef cooked low and slow becomes tender, rich and ideal for pairing with sharper, fresher flavours.
Our Beef Brisket sandwich comes with caramelised onions, grated cheddar, rocket and garlic aioli, while the Chipotle Beef sandwich brings together slow-cooked Irish beef, chipotle sauce, spicy slaw and Monterey Jack cheese. They’re two sandwich types built around beef, but the end result is completely different.
The Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Chicken gives you plenty of room to play with flavour, especially when there’s hot sauce involved. Among the many types of sandwiches out there, spicy chicken works because you get heat, freshness and crunch in the same bite.
At CARVED, Buffalo Chicken sandwich combines chicken with hot sauce, crunchy lettuce, spicy slaw and garlic aioli. It’s got plenty of heat, balanced with fresh crunch and creamy garlic aioli.
The Vegetarian Sandwich
A meat-free sandwich should never feel like the backup option. The right combination of cheese, vegetables, herbs and sauce can deliver just as much flavour and texture.
Take CARVED’s Caprese sandwich. Fresh mozzarella and tomato are paired with pesto, peppery rocket and garlic aioli for a fresh, creamy sandwich packed with flavour. It’s a lighter option on the menu, but still has plenty to get stuck into.
The Toasted Sandwich
Heat changes everything. Cheese melts, bread crisps up and fillings become richer, which is why toasties remain some of the most satisfying types of sandwiches around.
The Croque Monsieur might just be one of the world’s best-known sandwiches. With its combination of ham, melted cheese and crisp, golden bread, it’s a French classic that dates back more than a century. If you’re curious about where it came from, Devour Tours takes a look at the history of the Croque Monsieur. It explores how this simple French café favourite became such an iconic sandwich.
The Build-It-Your-Way Lunch
Sometimes the sandwich is only part of the plan. Add soup, roasted potatoes, a dip or a good coffee and your lunch can be a lot more interesting. Different sandwich types also suit different appetites, so having sides gives you room to make lunch as light or as filling as you want.
Allergies or intolerances? It’s always worth checking the ingredients before you tuck in. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has a handy guide to food allergens, including the 14 allergens you’ll commonly see highlighted on menus.
Looking for a Great Sandwich in Dublin?
With so many types of sandwiches to choose from, there’s always another combination worth trying. At CARVED, our approach is simple: Sandwiches by Chefs, made with fresh ingredients, generous fillings and flavours that actually deliver.
Looking for the best sandwich in Dublin? Come hungry and decide for yourself. Explore our website to check out our menu and find your next lunch.
