Best Beach City Sandwiches: Iconic Seaside Snacks from Around the World
When exploring beach cities worldwide, the ideal takeaway is the versatile sandwich. Far beyond basic ham-and-cheese, these global favorites—from South America to Africa, the Caribbean to Canada—offer perfect beachside bites. Unroll your towel and savor them.
Sabich, Tel Aviv, Israel
Israel's Iraqi immigrant community introduced the sabich, a beloved vegetarian pita sandwich in Tel Aviv. It features fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, potatoes, hummus, and classic Israeli salad (cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley), topped with tahini sesame sauce and spicy amba mango pickle.
For an exceptional sabich, visit HaKosem ('The Magician'), Sabich Tchernichovsky at 2 Tchernichovsky Street, or the popular street stall Sabich Frishman.
Fish Cutter, Bridgetown, Barbados
Bajans love fish 'cutters' at beaches, markets, and fish fries. Freshly fried flying fish (or marlin/tuna) sits on a crisp-yet-soft salt bun with lettuce, tomato, and hot sauce.
Find them at Oistins Fish Fry (a short bus from Bridgetown), rum shops, or street stalls island-wide.
Chivito, Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay, a beef powerhouse like Argentina, shines with the hearty chivito: an oversized bun stuffed with steak, ham, cheese, and fried egg—perfect protein for Montevideo's waterfront promenade.
Try classics at Expreso Pocitos (since 1910, near Pocitos Beach), Bar Tinkal, or city street stalls and markets.
Char Siu Bao, Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong's steamed bao bun, made from rice flour, encases sweet soy-glazed char siu roast pork—a dim sum staple paired with tea.
Enjoy at historic spots like 1930s Luk Yu Tea House or any Cantonese tea house.
Sandwich Chao Men, Pape’ete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
French Polynesia fuses flavors in sandwich chao men: stir-fried noodles with veggies and chicken, pork, or beef, piled into a French baguette.
Grab it at Marché de Pape’ete central market or nightly food trucks (roulottes) at Place Vaiete.
Fish Taco, San Diego, California, USA
From Mexico's Baja, fish tacos became San Diego icons: fried white fish, shredded cabbage, crema, and lime in a corn tortilla. Ralph Rubio launched the first stand in 1983.
Sample from Salud or El Paisa in Barrio Logan, Pacific Beach Fish Shop, or Las Olas in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
Salmon Burger, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Northwest coast Indigenous traditions inspire Vancouver's salmon burgers, using wild sockeye on bannock or buns.
Try Salmon ‘n’ Bannock (First Nations-owned) or The Galley Patio & Grill at Jericho Beach for ocean-view dining.
Bunny Chow, Durban, South Africa
Durban's bunny chow—curry (lamb, chicken, veggie) in a hollowed bread loaf—originated with Indian Bania merchants during apartheid for takeaway.
Eat hands-on with bread scoops near Florida Road at Bunny Bar or citywide spots.
Lobster Rolls, Portland, Maine, USA
New England's lobster roll debate rages: butter-grilled hot dog roll stuffed with fresh lobster chunks, light mayo (celery optional).
In Portland, taste at Eventide Oyster Co. or The Lobster Shack at Two Lights.
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