British Sandwiches: A Rare Look at Tuna, Egg, Chicken, and Ham Salads

In the United Kingdom, British sandwiches are a beloved part of the lunch menu, especially during picnics or casual dining. While the traditional British sandwich often features a simple combination of bread, marge, and a single filling, the introduction of various salad types has expanded the sandwich culture in the UK. Let's explore the popular salad sandwiches that British people enjoy, from tuna to ham.

Tuna Salad Sandwich

A tuna salad sandwich is a common choice in the UK, often made with canned tuna mixed with mayonnaise, and occasionally including sweetcorn or diced celery. This sandwich is not only easy to prepare but also a popular option during festive events or casual picnics. Cafes, delis, and supermarkets across the UK regularly stock pre-made tuna salad sandwiches, allowing for a quick and satisfying meal.

Egg Salad Sandwich

Another classic in British sandwich culture is the egg salad sandwich. This dish typically consists of hard-boiled eggs mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, and seasoning. It can be served in a variety of bread types, including sandwiches or rolls. Egg salad sandwiches are a simple yet delicious option and are often a fitting choice for lunch or a casual picnic.

Chicken Salad Sandwich

Chicken salad sandwiches add a touch of sophistication to the British sandwich scene. Made by mixing cooked chicken with mayonnaise and various seasonings, these sandwiches can include additional ingredients like grapes or nuts to enhance the flavor. Chicken salad sandwiches can be found in various settings, from cafes to delis, and are a great option for a healthier lunch choice.

Ham Salad Sandwich

A ham salad sandwich is another classic that enjoys popularity in the UK. Typically, this sandwich features finely chopped ham mixed with mayonnaise and may include pickles or mustard for extra flavor. Ham salad sandwiches are versatile and can be easily enjoyed in different settings, including cafes, delis, and at home.

My Sandwich Tales: A Personal Reflection on Sandwiches in the UK and the US

Back in my younger days, the typical British sandwich consisted of a simple combination of bread, marge, a filling (possibly including something like pickle or onion with cheese or mustard), and mayonnaise only ever with egg or tuna, which was well mixed in. Ham was my usual choice, and I usually didn't opt for English mustard. The only mustard I knew back then was the one I used with my ham. Occasionally, meat or fish paste or sandwich spreads were included, but these were definitely not my favorite items. Don't forget Marmite, which I often enjoyed with lettuce, thanks to the progressive Marmite lovers of England.

My journey to the United States in 1987 exposed me to a whole new world of sandwiches, which were quite different from what I was used to. My hosts, an American man, English woman, and their toddler, introduced me to the American sandwich. From that point on, a sandwich to me began to contain all the ingredients I usually had, plus tomato, lettuce, olives, and any other kind of salad I could fit in. The only item on a British sandwich that I didn't appreciate was cucumber, which seemed to taste like the souls of slugs. However, this was purely a personal opinion. Mayo was a staple in all my sandwiches, and it's still a key ingredient for me today.

Although British sandwiches typically use white bread with marge, I've since made modifications, preferring to use homemade granary or whole wheat bread and butter over marge. Despite these changes, the core ingredients of my sandwiches remain as they were introduced to me by my American hosts. Additionally, I have learned to enjoy soured cream with Jellied Peas (JP's), which is a delightful combination for me.

While the image of American food can sometimes be negative, these sandwiches were undoubtedly a brilliant discovery. The complexity and variety of American sandwiches far exceeded the simplicity of British ones. Today, these American-style sandwiches remain a significant part of my culinary repertoire, offering a unique twist to the traditional British sandwich.