The Sandwich is the most globally recognizable, culturally transcending, and lowest common denominator item in the food game, with the highest respect. It’s easy to make a sandwich out of almost anything, but it’s tough to make an unforgettable, monster of a handheld meal that is the picture in your mind when people ask, “what’s a good sandwich you’ve had recently?”
After over 20 years working in the food world, 16 years owning a snack company, almost 13 years celebrating my own holiday, “Sandwich Week”, the week sandwiched between two other holidays (Christmas and New Years), I don’t even know how many years doing pop ups, a sandwich podcast, hosting YouTube shows, and doing fun food events, I STILL always go back to sandwiches in every way. It’s the most beautiful, simple food!
Because we all love and need a good sandwich, I’ve revised a list for this year of my most craveable sandwiches in Metro Detroit, so far. I still haven’t had all the best sandwiches around town, so I’m hoping to get more inspiration from others who are equally as obsessed with the world’s greatest compact food. (See last year’s list here)
My 10 most craveable sandwiches right now
The Fish Sandwich at Saffron De Twah in Detroit
On Gratiot, surrounded by wireless stores, gas stations, pizza spots, and an established neighborhood is a small world kitchen that has received maybe more international nods and accolades than any spot in the city has garnered. If you blink, you might miss it. Lovingly owned and operated by Chef Omar Anani, Saffron has its own yearly sandwich week dedicated to its best hits from throughout the year. One of the most unsung heroes in the sandwich game in our city today is their Moroccan fish sandwich.
A perfectly fried catfish on challah bread topped with a crunchy and spiced harissa slaw (and I usually don’t love slaw), dressed with harissa aioli, chermoula sauce, and a lemon wedge, all making this complex dance of flavors glide across the palate in a seamless ballet. Its various textures, temperatures, acidic spikes, and fatty bites all pair together to create absolute perfection.
The Egg Sandwich at Alba
In the oldest neighborhood in Detroit, Corktown, along the brick streets, there are many businesses old and new that have become a staple to our city. The coffee shop in front of the old train station has been a favorite for many locals for great coffee, filling pastries, and of course, that fluffy egg pillow breakfast sandwich.
Before it was Alba, Astro coffee was known for all the same beautiful things. That same morning glow and warm spirit has been revived as Alba, and all the things that made Astro special have remained with a little extra zest from owner David Valdez. The sandwich is a bouncy custardy square of egg nestled inside of a brioche bun with an aioli, a slice of cheese and a sprinkle of chives. It’s so simple, it’s so pristine, and it’s the perfect hug to my heart at any time they are willing to serve it.
The Mortadella Sandwich at Chenin AND Tall Trees AND Father Forgive Me
It has been the year of mortadella sandwiches. In my travels this year, this is the constant sandwich that keeps sneaking up on me, begging to get snatched up! In Detroit, we have three contenders for the Emperor of Mortadella.
In Downtown Detroit, nestled in an alley next to a large neon sign, lives a small escape of European stature. Chenin feels like you are transported into a Spanish/French/Italian Wine Bar executed with tasteful precision in a Tokyo hideout by a man with adoration of fine culture named Nick Arone. On the menu, tomato pie and pizza, both done with focaccia-like dough and dressed like nothing else we have in this city. Freshly sliced meats, olives, various wines changed with constant excitement, and of course a freshly sliced mortadella sandwich on house-made focaccia bread. Every bite is perfect, and coupled with the spirit of the space, you’re on a trip in a foreign land, forgetting that you saw a peddle pub two blocks south.
On Livernois, just crossing the border into Ferndale, next to the Secret Bakery (if you know), is Tall Trees Cafe. A long time sandwich king, maker of foods and beverages, and lover of simplicity done right, Mike Finsilver finally opened his own cafe dedicated to delicious quality and a constant turn of sandwiches. With sun-filled windows, you walk into a smell of fresh breads, veggies, and meats that carries you towards the counter and typically has you saying “yes” to whatever offerings they have that day. On the usual menu, you’ll find “the Clong” (Michigan turkey, provolone, greens, pickled shallot, roasted tomato spread, and herb mayo), various salads picked fresh from the garden daily, a fun mango horchata, cold brew, or refreshing lemonade, and of course, the spicy mortadella (Calabrian chili spread, iceberg herb salad, preserved lemon buttermilk dressing, piled inside of a cushy sesame seed roll). It all goes fast, but will allow you to slow down your day just a little with enjoyment.
Nestled into the English Village neighborhood, is the Shepherd, a century-old Romanesque-style church transformed into a cultural arts center, skate park, and a wine and cocktail invitation known as Father Forgive Me. The absolute “Murderer’s Row” of owners, managers, bartenders, servers and kitchen staff from all around Detroit’s best and most celebrated establishments have come together to offer a truly splendid indoor/outdoor, no frills yet somehow elevated feel to a gothic courtyard and converted church garage. After a bottle or two of wine and some tinned fish, you look at the menu and see their mortadella sandwich. Simply mortadella, Stracciatella, pistachio cream, and a drizzle of honey inside of a toasted focaccia-esque bread topped with flaky salt; this brings us back to life and gets us in touch with the divine, bridging the gap of the real and spiritual worlds.
The Prosciutto (add mozzarella and pesto) at Angela’s Italian Deli and Bakery in Macomb
At 22 Mile and Romeo Plank, I’ll tell you right now that it’s worth the drive. With the memory of his Sicilian-American mother in its namesake, owner Mark Collinson has filled Angela’s with the same passion that Angela did when it comes to gathering and celebrating over a meal. With a workhorse of a generations-old oven in the back, Mark and team bake fresh bread, pastries, and Italian specialties daily. In the front, you have a plethora of Italian groceries and, of course, the deli counter. Here, we’ve got one of the best Italian sandwiches in the metro area, balanced fresh favorites like the Nine - Thirteen and the North Edinburgh Ham & Cheese, and then off to the side you see, “Simply Prosciutto.” Prosciutto di Parma on a stirato baguette is more than enough for me to say it’s a winner.
That being said, I’ve fallen in love with a simple sandwich in Brooklyn, NY that is this with the addition of fresh mozzarella and pesto. I dream of this sandwich. When I asked for the addition of mozz and pesto on their prosciutto, I was filled with all kinds of joy and wonder. This and their apple fritter (the best I’ve ever had) alone are worth the drive any day of the week.
The Souvlaki at Mitsos
Every single item at Mitsos is incredible. They’ll come out with another special, and it’s the best thing on the menu. Previously, I wrote that their breakfast sandwich was the most craveable, and that week it was for me. Now, here I am a year older, and I’m still in love with the breakfast sandwich, their soup, their traditional sandwich, and their Yaya’s meatballs. However, I keep ordering the Souvlaki sandwich. Jimmy and his family in Greece are known regionally for their Souvlaki pork stick.
They’re known for a stick of meat in Greece! Being able to do that skewer of pork alone in our backyard is an honor. Having Mitsos put it into a sandwich, Greek street food style stuffed with fresh onion, tomato, tzatziki sauce, and fries all inside a warm, pillowy, made-in-house pita… It’s almost criminal. I’ve gone on record saying it might be the best bite of pork in town.
Check out the second annual Detroit Sandwich Party at Eastern Market on Aug. 31!
Banh Mi at Pho Lucky in Detroit
With so many special banh mi spots like Saigon Market, 88 Banh Mi, and Que Hong, it’s hard for me to pick one I crave more. As one of the most affordable and quick options for food within the greater downtown area, and a hack for any Red Wings game, the pocket-sized banh mi at Pho Lucky is something I need fairly often. On smaller, house-made buns, the choice is between grilled pork, beef, or chicken. Stacked with pickled daikon, carrot, and the freshest cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeño, these sandwiches will set you back a lovely $5ish each, making it so much of a better buy than what much of the area has to offer.
My play is to get in on a cold day, slam a pho, go for two to three vitality shots, and get about four of these banh mi bad boys for the pocket. On a warm day, order like ten sandwiches and pick them up on the way to your favorite local bar. In any event, this sandwich has my heart, and it somehow feels like I’m doing my heart a favor with its freshness of veg.
The Ham Sandwich at Mike’s Famous Ham in Detroit
A continued staple for Detroit’s hardworking factory town employees has been Mike’s Famous Ham. In Detroit, we have Coneys and Ham Shops instead of diners, both of which can have the simplest menus with just the items needed to qualify as either, or a larger, diner-style menu including breakfast all day favorites. Mike’s is the simplest version of a ham shop still around today. With four items on the menu, the one sandwich, aptly named “Ham Sandwich” is an onion roll stacked with ham, cheese, pickles, and yellow mustard.
After 40+ years, Mike retired last year, making time to spend with his family. The wonderful new owners Kim and John have changed absolutely nothing. Well, I think they take credit cards now. That’s it! It’s still an embracing old school experience, and you’ll know what it is to be in Detroit with every bite.
The Mixed Shawarma Sandwich at Hamido in East Dearborn
Growing up in a home where Lebanese, Italian, and Mexican foods were the staple, I have a constant craving for shawarma. Considering Metro Detroit is home to the largest Arab population outside of the Middle East, it’s obvious we have some incredible Arabic food establishments across the region. After continuing to try so many shawarma sandwiches in the area, this is the one I order often, even when I’m not that close. In a converted donut shop in East Dearborn, Hamido is always busy. This is my spot for just the sandwich, and my order is their meat and chicken mixed shawarma sandwich (yup, beef is just ‘meat’ when you order it), engulfed in thick citrusy garlic sauce, fresh veg, and wrapped in a crispy pressed bread.
With every massive crunch into the toasted wrapped bread, you get warm, freshly shaved meats, cold veg, and garlic blending all together. It’s the symphony and the choir. A true harmony of textures, temperatures, and taps to all the flavors your tastebuds crave.
Honorable mentions
As someone who loves sandwiches and respects all the creators and proprietors, compiling this list is not easy. I love sandwiches. I love the way everybody loves sandwiches. So, as always, I have to make sure to toss out some honorable mentions:
- Capri Bakery: Meatball Sandwich
- Ventimiglia’s: Turkey add prosciutto
- Matt and Mo’s Beef: Italian Beef
- Mudgie’s: Mudgie’s Jerk (shawarma style) - See last year’s article for this hack
- Gonella’s: Prosciutto, hot capicola, hot soppressata, Swiss, all on soft, swimming in red sauce
- Rocco’s: Anything they have is amazing
- Puma: Choripan Sandwich
- Vesper: The happy hour special
- Balkan House: Döner Kebab
- Boostan: Spicy Cream Chop
- Miller’s Bar: Tuna Melt
- Ladder 4 Wine Bar: Any sandwich on their bar menu
- What the Dill: Sandwiches on a pickle instead of bread (enough said)
- La Pecora Nera: The Italian Reuben
- Mongers’ Provisions: Grilled Cheese
- Detroit 75 Kitchen: Po’ Boy
- Iggy’s Eggys: Breakfast Sandwich
- Chef Greg’s Soul in the Wall: Boogaloo
- Al Basha Subs: Chicken Special, sub garlic sauce for mayo