From Banh Mi to Italian Subs: A Flavorful Comparison

Phoenix’s best Sandwiches: A Deep Dive into Local Favorites

From Vietnamese delicacies to hearty Italian subs, Phoenix’s sandwich scene offers a diverse culinary adventure. Let’s explore some must-try spots that locals rave about.

March 20, 2025

Cafe Mollie: A Banh Mi Haven

cafe Mollie stands out for its authentic and beautifully crafted banh mi sandwiches. These Vietnamese sandwiches, known for their crispy baguettes filled with fresh meats, herbs, and colorful pickled vegetables, have become a Phoenix staple.

banh mi, a culinary legacy of French colonialism in Vietnam, perfectly marries Parisian baguette tradition with vibrant Southeast Asian flavors. Cafe Mollie’s dedication to fresh ingredients and customary techniques honors this heritage.

Details: 6031 N. 16th St., # 5, Phoenix. 602-612-2313. @cafemollie on Instagram.

The special banh mi, served at Cafe Mollie on Jan. 10, 2025, in Phoenix, Ariz. (Photo: Megan Mendoza/The Republic)

Chicago Hamburger Company: More Than Just Burgers

while the name suggests burgers, Chicago Hamburger Company boasts an extensive sandwich menu rivaling its burger offerings. From classic Italian beef and sausage combos to Philly cheesesteaks and a “My Mom’s” tuna salad sandwich (summer exclusive), there’s something for everyone.

The appeal of the Chicago Hamburger Company lies in its ability to transport customers to the Windy City thru its authentic flavors. The Italian beef, for example, is a testament to Chicago’s culinary heritage, featuring thinly sliced beef simmered in a flavorful broth and served on a hearty roll.

Details: 3749 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-955-4137. chicagohambuger.com.

Copper Star Coffee: bagel Sandwiches to Start Your Day

Copper Star Coffee provides a perfect morning pick-me-up with its warm bagel sandwiches. The honey ham breakfast bagel,roasted veggies breakfast bagel,and the ever-popular hummus bagel are excellent choices. Pair it with iced coffee or tea for a refreshing start to the day.

The popularity of Copper Star Coffee’s bagel sandwiches stems from their commitment to quality ingredients and satisfying flavor combinations. The hummus bagel, in particular, caters to the growing demand for vegetarian options, offering a nutritious and tasty alternative to traditional breakfast fare.

details: 4220 N. Seventh Ave., phoenix. 602-266-2136, copperstarcoffee.com.

Cuban Foods Bakery & Restaurant: A Taste of Cuba

This mom-and-pop shop offers a variety of mouthwatering Cuban sandwiches. From the classic Cubano made with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, to ham croquettes or the “Midnight sandwich” on sweet egg dough bread, Cuban Foods Bakery & Restaurant brings authentic Cuban flavors to Phoenix.

The richness of Cuban sandwiches lies in their unique combination of flavors and textures. The Cubano,for instance,is a symphony of savory pork,salty ham,tangy pickles,and creamy Swiss cheese,all pressed together on perfectly toasted Cuban bread. This sandwich embodies the heart and soul of Cuban cuisine.

Details: 10649 N. 43rd Ave., Phoenix. 602-296-5759, facebook.com/CubanFoods.

A Cuban sandwich and fries are served at Cuban Foods Bakery & Restaurant in Phoenix on Jan. 15, 2025. (Photo: Diannie Chavez/The Republic)

DeFalco’s Italian Grocery: An Italian Deli Dream

DeFalco’s deli menu is a treasure trove of Italian cuisine, from pizza and pasta to cold and hot sub sandwiches. Cold sub options include mortadella and provolone, sopressata, caprese, prosciutto, and muffuletta. Hot sandwich lovers can indulge in chicken pesto, ciabatta grilled cheese panini, grilled portabella mushroom, meatball parmigiana, Italian sausage, or Chicago beef.

DeFalco’s stands out due to its unwavering commitment to authentic Italian ingredients and recipes. the deli uses high-quality meats, cheeses, and bread to create sandwiches that transport customers to the bustling streets of Italy. each bite is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of the Italian peninsula.

Details: 2334 N.Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-990-8660, defalcosdeli.com.

Frank’s New York Style Deli: Subs Done Right

Subs take center stage at Frank’s New York Style Deli. Bestsellers include “The Tony” made with pepperoni, hot capicola, genoa salami, mayonnaise, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, Italian dressing, and provolone cheese; and the N. Y.style cold cut combo featuring chopped and smoked ham, cotta and genoa salami, mortadella, mayonnaise, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, Italian dressing, and provolone cheese.

Frank’s New York Style Deli captures the essence of a classic New York deli,offering hearty and flavorful subs that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. The key to their success lies in their generous portions, high-quality ingredients, and the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Details: 2301 W. Orange Drive, Phoenix.602-242-8288, @frankssubsaz on Instagram.

Jewel’s bakery & Cafe: gluten-Free Goodness

Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe offers a 100% gluten-free menu,including savory waffle sandwiches,buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches,and the AZ hot chicken sandwich. Other options include the prickly pear BBQ made with slow-roasted pork, crispy onion straws, and creamy slaw on a toasted bun, and the Philly made with premium shaved steak, grilled onions, bell peppers, and melted queso blanco on a toasted hoagie.

Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe stands out as a pioneer in the gluten-free culinary scene, proving that gluten-free food can be just as delicious and satisfying as its traditional counterparts. Their commitment to quality ingredients and innovative recipes has earned them a loyal following among both gluten-free and gluten-tolerant diners.

Details: 4041 E. Thomas Road, Suite 101, Phoenix. 602-714-5243,jewelsbakeryandcafe.com.

Mrs. white’s Golden Rule Cafe: A Phoenix Institution

Mrs. White’s has been a Phoenix institution as 1964. The menu is straightforward, divided into entrees and sandwiches.Sandwich options include southern fried chicken, chicken fried steak, pork chop, catfish, and smothered pork chop. Each sandwich comes with a side of applesauce, coleslaw, or macaroni salad.

Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe is a living testament to the power of simple, honest cooking. The cafe’s enduring popularity is a testament to its commitment to serving delicious, comforting food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Each dish is prepared with love and care, ensuring that every customer feels like a part of the family.

Details: 808 E.Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-262-9256. mrswhitescafe.com.

Source: mediterranean Flavors in Gilbert

Source, a Mediterranean restaurant in Gilbert, focuses on fresh, simple ingredients. The small menu includes three sandwiches: the red lentil croqueta, albacore tuna, and the Romesco, made with rosemary ham, Manchego cheese, cabbage slaw, and almond and red pepper pesto on Za’atar flatbread.

Source’s appeal lies in its ability to transport diners to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques results in dishes that are both flavorful and nourishing. Each bite is a celebration of the vibrant culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region.

Details: 3150 E. Ray Road, Suite 104, Gilbert. 480-687-7732, eatatsource.com.

Supreme Shawarma: Gyros and Wraps Galore

Supreme Shawarma in Chandler is a go-to for gyros and wraps. The chicken shawarma wrap, made with sliced, marinated chicken served on flatbread with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and garlic sauce, is a favorite. Other options include a gyro sandwich, beef kabob wrap, falafel wrap, and lamb Kufta wrap.

Supreme Shawarma’s success stems from its commitment to authentic Middle Eastern flavors and generous portions. The restaurant’s shawarma is prepared with marinated meats that are slowly roasted to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and tender filling for their wraps and sandwiches. Each bite is a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East.

Details: 4929 W.Ray Road, Chandler. 480-940-2384, supremeshawarma.com.

Explore these incredible sandwich spots and taste the diverse culinary landscape of Phoenix.Whether you’re a local or a visitor,there’s a sandwich waiting to be discovered!

What are some of Chef Ramirez’s favorite sandwich spots in Phoenix?

Phoenix Sandwich scene: An Interview with Chef Ava Ramirez

We sat down with Chef Ava Ramirez,a respected culinary expert,to discuss the booming sandwich culture in Phoenix.

Introduction

Archyde: Chef Ramirez, thank you for joining us. Phoenix’s sandwich scene seems to be exploding.What are your initial thoughts on this culinary trend?

Chef Ramirez: It’s a pleasure to be here. Phoenix’s sandwich landscape is indeed thriving. Your seeing a marvelous blend of traditional favorites and innovative creations. It’s exciting to witness the creativity and diversity in sandwich offerings across the city.

Banh Mi and Cultural Influences

Archyde: Cafe Mollie’s Banh Mi caught our eye. Could you speak to the popularity of Vietnamese sandwiches here?

Chef Ramirez: Banh Mi’s popularity reflects the city’s embrace of global flavors. They offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, which is what I’m looking for. the crispy baguette, the fresh herbs, the pickled vegetables – it’s a complete sensory experience. cafe Mollie’s dedication to authenticity is key, and it resonates with diners.

Beyond Burgers: Exploring Diverse Deli Delights

Archyde: We also saw a lot of variety. Chicago Hamburger Company, as an example, transcends its name with its range of sandwiches. What makes a great sandwich?

Chef Ramirez: A great sandwich is all about harmony. It’s about the quality of the ingredients, the balance of flavors, and the textural contrasts. A classic combination is often best.The Italian beef sandwich at Chicago Hamburger Company, or the Cuban sandwich at Cuban Foods Bakery & Restaurant, are perfect illustrations of this kind of harmony. From bagels at Copper Star Coffee to the gluten-free sandwiches at Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe, Phoenix shows a commitment to delivering quality across a range of cuisines.

Standout sandwich Spots and Culinary Experiences

Archyde: What other places stood out to you during your own sandwich explorations in Phoenix?

Chef Ramirez: Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe is essential Phoenix, a real piece of history with satisfying sandwiches. DeFalco’s Italian grocery offers an excellent example of an authentic italian deli experience. Frank’s New York Style Deli delivers on the promise of a classic deli sub. Source’s Mediterranean flavors in Gilbert are also remarkable, and Supreme Shawarma’s Middle Eastern options are consistently good. Each place brings its own unique character to the Phoenix sandwich scene.

The Future of Phoenix’s Sandwich Scene

Archyde: Where do you see the Phoenix sandwich scene going in the next few years?

Chef Ramirez: I think we’ll see even more experimentation with international flavors and ingredients. Local, seasonal produce will become increasingly vital. Food trucks and pop-ups will continue to play a notable role, bringing fresh and exciting sandwich options. The key will be for restaurants to maintain quality while exploring new culinary boundaries. The demand is certainly ther.

Audience Engagement

Archyde: if you could create your ultimate Phoenix sandwich, what would it consist of?

Chef Ramirez: Hmm, that’s a tough one! I’d have to go with a toasted ciabatta, house-made mortadella, burrata cheese, a fig jam, and arugula. The saltiness of the mortadella with the sweetness of the fig is a dream. I’d love to hear what everyone else would choose to create their best Phoenix sandwich! Share your ideas in the comments.

Archyde: Chef Ramirez, thank you for your insightful perspective. It’s clear Phoenix’s sandwich scene is a culinary adventure!