Let’s be honest — few things are as gloriously British as the humble sandwich. Simple, portable, and endlessly adaptable, it’s the quiet hero of our daily lives.
Every 3rd of November is National Sandwich Day in the UK, and while I didn’t even know that existed until recently, I’ll happily celebrate any excuse to bite into something wedged between two slices of bread.
Legend has it that the Earl of Sandwich invented this culinary masterpiece because he didn’t want to stop playing cards — so he asked for meat between two pieces of bread. A snack that didn’t interrupt his game. Absolute genius.
Now, I might not have servants bringing me my lunch, but I do have opinions. Today we’re going to talk about the noble art of making the perfect British sandwich (crisps included, of course).
🥪 How to Make a Sandwich (Like a True Brit)
Making a sandwich might sound simple, but there’s an art to it. If you rush it, your sandwich might fall apart. If you get it right, you’ll have a masterpiece between two slices of bread.
First, lay out everything you need — bread, butter, fillings, and yes, a packet of crisps. Then spread the butter evenly, pile on the good stuff, and don’t forget to season it with a bit of salt and pepper.
Next, pop on the top slice, press it down, and cut it diagonally (never straight, unless you enjoy chaos). You can wrap it up for later, toast it, or just tuck in straight away.
My personal favourite? Salt and vinegar crisps layered inside a ham and mustard sandwich. Perfection.
🗣 Useful Verbs and Phrasal Verbs
Lay out
Prepare and arrange everything you’ll use.
Lay out your bread and fillings before you start.
Spread
Move butter smoothly over bread.
Spread the butter evenly or it’ll be too dry.
Pile on
Put a lot of something.
Don’t be shy — pile on the cheese!
Season
Add salt, pepper or spices.
Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Pop on
Put something in place quickly and casually.
Pop on the top slice of bread and you’re done.
Press down
Gently push something to make it firm.
Press down the sandwich so it holds together.
Cut diagonally
Slice from corner to corner.
Always cut diagonally — it looks better!
Wrap up
Cover with paper, foil, etc.
Wrap up your sandwich if you’re taking it to work.
Toast
Heat the bread until it’s brown and crispy.
You can toast it for extra crunch.
Tuck in
Start eating with enthusiasm.
Once it’s ready, just tuck in!
Fall apart
Break into pieces or not stay together.
Too much sauce and your sandwich might fall apart.
Hold it together
Keep something from breaking.
A bit of mayo helps hold it together.
Rush it
Do something too quickly.
Don’t rush it — a good sandwich takes time.
Layer (inside)
Arrange things in flat levels.
I like to layer crisps inside my sandwich for extra crunch.
Celebrate National Sandwich Day by making your favourite one, add a few crisps, and enjoy a proper bite of British comfort.