The Most Popular Deli Sandwich, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the deli sandwich you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 8, 2024 07:00
In the bustling world of deli shops, from busy city corners to small town main streets, sandwich lovers constantly debate which creation is the best. Everyone seems to have their own closely-held preference, shaped by local flavors and personal tastes. But how do we reach a consensus on which deli sandwich truly stands out? Ranking these sandwiches provides a clear, crowd-sourced answer that goes beyond individual bias.
This dynamic ranking adjusts with every vote cast, reflecting real-time shifts in public opinion and taste preferences. Whether you're a die-hard fan of hearty, meat-stacked sandwiches or prefer lighter, veggie-packed options, your vote helps paint a broader picture of national trends. By participating, not only do you contribute to a fun, ongoing debate, but you also help others discover which sandwiches might be worth trying on their next lunch break.
What Is the Most Popular Deli Sandwich?
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169votes
The Reuben
Arnold ReubenThis classic deli sandwich features corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. It's a fan favorite due to its savory flavors and satisfying texture.The Reuben is a classic deli sandwich renowned for its combination of savory flavors and textures. It typically consists of thinly sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all sandwiched between slices of rye bread. The sandwich is then grilled or toasted, enhancing the melding of flavors and providing a crispy exterior. The Reuben offers a delectable balance between the saltiness of the corned beef, the tanginess of sauerkraut, the creaminess of Swiss cheese, and the zesty kick of Russian dressing.- Meat: Corned beef
- Cheese: Swiss
- Sauce/Dressing: Russian dressing
- Bread: Rye
- Topping: Sauerkraut
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233votesThe bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich is a staple in delis across the country. The combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes makes for a simple yet satisfying meal.The BLT, also known as Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwich, is a classic deli sandwich loved by many. It is a simple yet delicious combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and mayonnaise, all layered between two slices of toasted bread.
- Bread: Toasted bread slices
- Bacon: Crispy and flavorful strips of bacon
- Lettuce: Fresh and crispy lettuce leaves
- Tomato: Ripe and juicy tomato slices
- Mayonnaise: Creamy and tangy mayonnaise spread
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324votes
Charrúa Fever · CC BY-SA 3.0This triple-decker sandwich typically features turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on white bread. Its hearty portions and combination of flavors make it a popular choice.The Club is a famous deli sandwich that is loved by many. It is a triple-decker sandwich stacked high with delicious ingredients. Each layer is carefully assembled to create a combination of flavors and textures that are incredibly satisfying. The Club is typically made with sliced turkey, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. It is usually served on toasted bread, such as white or wheat, to add a nice crunch to each bite. This sandwich offers a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors, making it a timeless favorite for sandwich enthusiasts.- Primary Ingredients: Turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise
- Layer: Triple-decker
- Bread: Toasted (white or wheat)
- Flavor Profile: Savory and fresh
- Texture: Crunchy and juicy
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413votesThis sandwich typically includes a variety of Italian meats, such as salami, pepperoni, and capicola, along with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Italian dressing on a sub roll. Its bold flavors and hearty portions make it a favorite among deli-goers.The Italian deli sandwich is a classic combination of Italian meats, cheese, and vegetables, packed in a fresh crusty roll. It is often considered as one of the most popular deli sandwiches, loved for its bold flavors and hearty composition.
- Bread: Crusty Italian roll
- Meat: Assorted Italian cured meats (salami, pepperoni, capocollo, mortadella)
- Cheese: Provolone or mozzarella
- Vegetables: Lettuce, tomato, onion, and sometimes pickles
- Condiments: Olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sometimes Italian dressing
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520votes
The Philly Cheesesteak
Pat OlivieriOriginating in Philadelphia, this sandwich features thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and grilled onions on a hoagie roll. Its savory flavors and iconic status make it a popular choice across the country.The Philly Cheesesteak is a classic deli sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is renowned for its combination of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and various toppings, all served on a crunchy roll. The sandwich is known for its delicious and savory flavors, making it a beloved favorite among locals and visitors alike.- Origin: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Main ingredients: Thinly sliced steak, cheese, roll
- Cheese options: Provolone, Cheez Whiz, American
- Topping options: Onions, peppers, mushrooms
- Cooking method: Grilling or frying the steak with onions
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613votesThis sandwich combines tuna salad with melted cheese on toasted bread. Its creamy texture and warm, cheesy topping make it a comforting and satisfying option.The Tuna Melt is a classic deli sandwich that combines the flavors of tuna salad, melted cheese, and toasted bread. It is a popular choice among seafood lovers and those looking for a warm and satisfying meal.
- Main ingredients: Tuna salad, cheese, bread
- Bread: Typically white or whole wheat
- Cheese: Commonly cheddar or Swiss
- Tuna salad: Made with canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onions, and seasonings
- Toasting: Sandwich is typically toasted in a pan or under a broiler until cheese is melted
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78votes
Stilfehler · CC BY-SA 3.0The Pastrami
Katz's DelicatessenThis sandwich features sliced pastrami, mustard, and pickles on rye bread. Its bold flavors and tender texture make it a popular choice at delis and sandwich shops.The Pastrami is a classic deli sandwich that is loved by many. It features thinly sliced, tender pastrami piled high between slices of fresh rye bread. The pastrami is typically slow-cooked, seasoned with spices like garlic and black pepper, then smoked to perfection. The sandwich is often topped with tangy mustard and served warm.- Bread: Rye
- Meat: Pastrami
- Preparation: Slow-cooked and smoked
- Spices: Garlic, black pepper
- Condiment: Mustard
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814votesThis sandwich originated in Cuban communities in Florida and features roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on a pressed roll. Its unique flavors and textures make it a popular choice for those looking for something different.The Cubano is a mouthwatering deli sandwich renowned for its incredible combination of flavors and textures. Originating from Cuba, it has gained popularity worldwide for its unique blend of ingredients and cooking technique.
- Bread: Crusty Cuban bread
- Meat: Roasted pork, ham
- Cheese: Swiss cheese
- Pickles: Dill pickles
- Mustard: Yellow mustard
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94votesThis sandwich typically features chicken salad made with mayonnaise, celery, and other seasonings, along with lettuce and tomato on bread. Its creamy texture and refreshing flavors make it a popular choice for lunch.The Chicken Salad is a classic deli sandwich loved for its creamy and flavorful chicken salad filling. It is made by combining shredded cooked chicken with a mayonnaise-based dressing seasoned with herbs and spices. The chicken salad is typically served on a choice of bread, such as ciabatta or whole wheat, and can be customized with various toppings and condiments.
- Type: Deli sandwich
- Main Ingredient: Chicken
- Filling: Creamy chicken salad
- Bread: Ciabatta or whole wheat
- Toppings: Customizable
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103votes
Ofer Kor · CC BY-SA 4.0This sandwich is a popular choice for vegetarians and features a variety of vegetables, such as lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and avocado, along with cheese and hummus or other spreads on bread. Its healthy ingredients and fresh flavors make it a popular choice for those looking for a meat-free option.The Veggie is a flavorful and wholesome vegetarian deli sandwich that caters to those seeking a meatless option. It combines a variety of fresh vegetables, spreads, and cheeses, all layered between two slices of your choice of bread.- Bread: Choice of bread (e.g., whole wheat, sourdough, ciabatta)
- Vegetables: Assortment of fresh vegetables (e.g., lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions)
- Spreads: Delicious spreads (e.g., hummus, pesto, mustard, mayo)
- Cheese: Selection of cheese (e.g., Swiss, cheddar, provolone)
- Extras: Optional add-ons (e.g., avocado, sprouts, olives)
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Ranking factors for popular deli sandwich
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PopularityThe number of people who frequently order or enjoy the sandwich should be considered. This might include sales data or survey results from various delis or sandwich shops.
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TasteThe overall flavor and satisfaction derived from eating the sandwich, which may vary based on individual preferences but should generally be pleasing to a majority of people.
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IngredientsThe balance and quality of the components in the sandwich, such as the meats, cheeses, condiments, and bread, as well as their compatibility with one another.
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PresentationThe visual appeal of the sandwich, as people are often drawn to a dish based on its appearance.
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Cultural or regional significanceSome sandwiches may be more popular in certain regions or have some historical or cultural significance that adds to their overall popularity.
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AffordabilityA popular sandwich should generally be priced reasonably for a majority of consumers.
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CustomizabilityThe ability to personalize the sandwich to cater to individual tastes and preferences may contribute to its popularity.
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Nutritional valueAlthough this may not be a top priority for everyone, many people look for options that are somewhat health-conscious and balanced.
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VersatilityA popular deli sandwich should be suitable for various occasions, such as a quick lunch, a picnic, or a party platter.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular deli sandwich. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or sandwich is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1733 views
- 199 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each sandwich once every 24 hours. The rank of each sandwich is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular deli sandwich
Deli sandwiches are an all-time favorite for many people, especially those looking for a quick and tasty lunch option. These sandwiches originated from delicatessen shops, which were popular in the early 1900s. The first deli sandwich was the classic pastrami on rye bread, which is still a favorite among many deli lovers. However, over the years, different types of deli sandwiches have emerged, each with its unique flavors and ingredients. From the classic Reuben to the Italian sub, the options are endless. At StrawPoll, we conducted a survey to find out which deli sandwich is the most popular among our users. Read on to find out the results of our poll and discover some of the best deli sandwiches out there!
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