The Sarnaissance: Dubai’s Sandwich Scene Enters a Golden Age

Sandwich

In the 18th century, the British Earl of Sandwich revolutionized dining by creating a portable meal that allowed him to continue gaming without interruption. Fast forward to 2025, and Dubai has elevated this humble creation to new gastronomic heights, offering a diverse array of sandwiches that cater to every palate. Here’s a curated selection of the city’s finest offerings, each a testament to Dubai’s vibrant culinary landscape.

The Tribbiani at BRIX Café – AED 49

Inspired by the beloved character from “Friends,” BRIX Café’s signature sandwich features buttery beef pastrami, smooth Emmental cheese, and a tangy mustard mayo, all nestled within toasted sesame bread. It’s a comforting embrace that invites you to Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 1 for a taste.

Meat Shawarma at Al Safadi – AED 15

A staple in Dubai’s culinary scene, Al Safadi’s meat shawarma is a classic delight. Premium meat, crispy fries, and tangy pickles are enveloped in a silky tahini sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that exemplify the regional favorite.

The Chopped Cheese at Rascals Deli – AED 68

Chopped sandwiches are gaining popularity, and Rascals Deli in Wasl Square offers a standout version. A chopped beef patty, melted cheese, crisp lettuce, onions, and a special sauce are loaded into a genuine Philly-style hoagie, delivering a satisfying and flavorful experience.

Captain’s Tuna Melt at Birch Bakery – AED 45

Defying traditional culinary norms, Birch Bakery’s open-faced tuna melt combines creamy stracciatella cheese with marinated tomatoes on 72-hour fermented sourdough focaccia. This Al Quoz gem offers a rebellious yet delectable take on the classic pairing of fish and cheese.

Brooklyn Hero at Gino’s Deli – AED 49

Gino’s Deli emphasizes freshly baked, crispy panuozzo bread, creating a delightful hybrid of pizza and sandwich. The Brooklyn Hero features smoked turkey, Italian salami, dill pickles, American cheddar, and a zesty mustard-mayo, making it a standout choice for lunch.

Wagyu Katsu Sando at Reif Kushiyaki – AED 198

For those willing to indulge, Reif Kushiyaki’s Wagyu Katsu Sando is a luxurious treat. Toasted milk bread encases deep-fried Wagyu beef tenderloin, coated in charcoal panko crumbs and slathered in a rich sauce. Available at multiple locations, it’s a testament to culinary artistry.

Constanzia at Wise Guys – AED 54

Located in DIFC with Italian-American roots, Wise Guys offers the Constanzia, a vibrant mix of marinated tomatoes, onions, celery sticks, pickled roasted peppers, grilled eggplant, raisins, and fermented chili honey. This vegan-friendly option is a flavorful and hearty choice.

Cubano at Maxzi – AED 55

Hidden in Al Quoz, Maxzi presents a treasure trove of culinary delights, including their standout Cubano. Slow-cooked veal brisket, seeded sourdough bread, mustard, arugula, pickles, and garlic mayo come together to create a sandwich that’s both comforting and indulgent.

New York Smoked Salmon Bagel at 1762 – AED 46

Embracing inclusivity, 1762 in JLT offers a deep-filled smoked salmon bagel. Thick slices of cured salmon, spring onion cream cheese, red onion, and capers are nestled within a fresh bagel, providing a satisfying and flavorful experience.

Posh Cheddar and Pickle Baguette at Pret A Manger – AED 36

This stone-baked baguette features sharp cheddar, tangy pickle relish, sweet roasted tomatoes, red onion, arugula, and mayo. It’s a British classic with a sophisticated twist, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

French Beef Dip Sandwich at Cassette – AED 82

Located in The Courtyard of Al Quoz, Cassette’s French dip sandwich transports diners to a Parisian bistro. Braised beef, smoky raclette, Dijon mustard mayo, and a beef jus dip create a rich and indulgent experience.

Furrata at La Fabbrica Italiana – AED 55

La Fabbrica Italiana in Al Quoz offers the Furrata, featuring 72-hour fermented sourdough focaccia topped with sesame seeds, creamy stracciatella cheese, and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It’s a simple yet elegant creation that highlights quality ingredients.

Pastrami Reuben at Mattar Third Culture Barbecue – AED 85

At Time Out Market, Pit Master Hattem Mattar presents his interpretation of the classic Reuben. Fourteen-day aged pastrami, sourdough bread, pickles, and house mustard come together to create a sandwich that’s both traditional and innovative.

Cheese Tawouk Sandwich at Malak Al Tawouk – AED 28

Lebanese import Malak Al Tawouk offers a no-fuss, flavorful cheese tawouk melt. Marinated chicken breast, cheese, garlic, coleslaw, fries, and pickles are packed into a 28cm (or 38cm for AED 31) sandwich, providing a satisfying and comforting meal.

Banh Mi with Roasted Duck at Saigon Station – AED 37

Saigon Station in Silicon Oasis offers a delightful roasted duck banh mi. A traditional baguette is filled with tender, aromatic duck meat, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that’s both exotic and familiar.

Vada Pav at Mumbai Masti Juice Centre – AED 5

At just AED 5, this spicy Indian snack is both affordable and flavorful. A potato patty (vada) is nestled within a buttered bun (pav), accompanied by fiery chutney, garlic, and chili, offering a satisfying and spicy bite.

Dubai’s sandwich scene in 2025 is a testament to the city’s culinary innovation and diversity. From traditional favorites to inventive creations, there’s a sandwich for every taste, each crafted with care and creativity. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, these establishments offer a delicious journey through Dubai’s vibrant food culture.

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