National Sandwich Day

Sandwich lover taking a big bite, wearing a chef hat, picnic setting with a checkered blanket.. — National sandwich day illustration

Bite into this juicy nugget of food history, folks! We're talking about the mighty sandwich – a simple yet ingenious invention of stuffing ingredients between two slices of bread. Every 3rd of November, we celebrate this culinary icon, and that's 'cause it's National Sandwich Day, my friends!

When is Sandwich Day?

It's national sandwich day on the 3rd November.

Bread and Butter of National Sandwich Day

Sandwiches. They've been there for us through all the highs and lows. The consolation when the cookie jar empties. The quick fix when your belly grumbles in the dead of midnight. The school lunch packed lovingly by mom. It's no wonder that 60,077 mentions erupted online concerning our unsung hero, the sandwich. Peaking on 3rd November 2015, the digital world celebrated the slices that delight our lives.

A Slice of History

The sandwich is named after John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. Now, ol' John had a bone to pick with meal times interrupting his gambling streaks. Legends say he ordered his valet to serve him meat tucked between two pieces of bread, birthing a multilayered 'sandwich' of history we savor today.

Celebration Between the Buns

So, how can we commemorate National Sandwich Day the scrumptious way? Easy-peasy! Create your culinary masterpiece at home or enjoy a hoagie, sub, or club at your favorite deli. Share mouth-watering pictures on social media, and of course, don’t forget to hashtag #NationalSandwichDay.

History behind the term 'Sandwich'

1762

The Invention of the Sandwich

According to popular belief, the term 'sandwich' originated in 1762 when John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, requested his servant to bring him meat enclosed between two pieces of bread. This simple yet ingenious idea allowed him to eat without using utensils while continuing his gambling activities. The Earl of Sandwich was particularly fond of this convenient meal, and soon others began ordering 'the same as Sandwich,' giving birth to the name 'sandwich.'

1765

First Recorded Use of the Term

The word 'sandwich' made its first appearance in written text in 1765 in the journal of Edward Gibbon, an English historian. He mentioned the term in relation to his time spent at the Hellfire Club, a notorious gentlemen's club. Gibbon described a meal where both the Earl of Sandwich and the food item named after him were present, solidifying the association of the term with the 4th Earl.

1792

Sandwich Spread Across Europe

By the late 18th century, the sandwich had gained popularity and had spread beyond the borders of England. In France, they called it 'soupirail' or 'en Casse-Croûte,' while in Spain, it was known as 'bocadillo.' Europeans embraced the concept of placing various ingredients between slices of bread, resulting in a multitude of regional sandwich variations across the continent.

19th Century

Industrial Revolution Boosts Sandwich Consumption

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the sandwich became an incredibly convenient and portable meal. The development of mass transportation, such as trains, allowed workers to carry sandwiches with them to their jobs. The simplicity and versatility of the sandwich made it a beloved meal in both urban and rural areas, solidifying its place in the culinary world.

20th Century

Sandwich Innovation and Global Popularity

In the 20th century, the sandwich continued to evolve and diversify. Numerous variations emerged, including the iconic BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato) and the classic club sandwich. Additionally, the popularity of fast-food chains led to the widespread availability and accessibility of sandwiches worldwide. Today, the sandwich is a beloved culinary staple enjoyed by people of all cultures and backgrounds.

Did you know?

In 2015, Subway sandwich chain initiated a campaign that gained the most mentions of National Sandwich Day online. They offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal to celebrate the day, which made the internet explode with sandwich solidarity!