Bombay sandwich

What is Bombay sandwich?

A Bombay sandwich is made by layering slices of white bread with butter and a fresh green chutney, then adding boiled potato and a variety of raw vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, onion, capsicum, and beet. The sandwich may be served cold or toasted, giving it a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft. Some versions are finished with grated cheese or a sprinkle of sev, a crunchy chickpea noodle. The sandwich is cut into small pieces and often served with ketchup.

Where does Bombay sandwich come from?

The Bombay sandwich comes from Mumbai, previously known as Bombay, and appeared sometime in the 1960s. Its creation is linked to the city's textile workers, who needed affordable and filling meals. The sandwich draws on local ingredients and the British idea of a sandwich, with potatoes and bread introduced to India by earlier Portuguese and British influences. The earliest versions were not toasted and were sometimes served with pumpkin ketchup, a cheaper alternative to tomato ketchup.

How is Bombay sandwich made?

To prepare a Bombay sandwich, vendors take soft white bread, remove the crusts, and spread each slice with butter and a chutney made from mint and coriander leaves. Slices of boiled potato and raw vegetables are layered inside. The sandwich can be eaten as is, or toasted using a metal tong over a flame or in an electric toaster, which gives a crunchy texture. After toasting, it may be topped with cheese or sev and cut into several pieces.

How and when is Bombay sandwich eaten?

This sandwich is a common snack or light meal for people in Mumbai, especially students and office workers. It is sold by street vendors throughout the city, who serve it on paper plates, often with ketchup. The sandwich is affordable and quick to eat, making it a popular choice for those on the move. While it is a staple in Mumbai, it is not widely found in other Indian cities, though some restaurants abroad offer their own versions.

Kinds of Bombay sandwich

Street vendors often adapt the Bombay sandwich by changing the vegetables or adding new toppings. Some use mashed spiced potatoes like those in masala dosa, or include paneer or peas. Upscale versions might use imported cheese, sliced meat, avocado, or spicy Schezwan chutney. Sweet takes on the sandwich use chocolate or Nutella. There are also creative spins, such as Bombay rolls, which use puff pastry instead of bread.

What Bombay sandwich means

The Bombay sandwich is a symbol of Mumbai's street food culture, valued for its low cost and satisfying mix of textures and flavors. It became especially popular in the 1980s and 1990s, and is often associated with the city's fast-paced life. Though it is not as well known outside Mumbai, it remains a favorite among locals and is part of the city's food identity.

Questions people ask about Bombay sandwich

Good reading and sources

• Is this India's favourite sandwich?BBC, Article
• Hot food on a cold dayThe Hindu, Article
• Rude Food by Vir Sanghvi: Roll redemptionHindustan Times, Article
• You Haven't Had a Toasted Sandwich Until You've Had a JaffleBon Appétit, Article

• Bombay sandwich on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data