08/15/2023

Winchester Restaurants: The Origins of the Sandwich

Many of us eat sandwiches without a second thought about how it got its name. However, did you know there’s actually a story behind it? In honor of National Sandwich Month this August, one of your favorite Winchester restaurants is talking about the history of one of the most popular dishes of our time and how it got its name, the sandwich!

Origins and History

While the credit for the name “sandwich” often goes to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, the concept of enclosing ingredients between bread has ancient roots. Before the Earl’s contribution, various cultures already had their own versions of handheld food.

In ancient Greece, “gyros” consisted of meat wrapped in pita bread, while Roman soldiers used flatbreads to hold their meals. Middle Eastern cultures embraced pitas and other breads to wrap meats and vegetables, creating portable meals that could be enjoyed on the go.

The Earl of Sandwich

However, when it comes down to what we call it today, the name’s origin can be traced back to 18th-century England. Montagu was a busy gambler who would often request slices of meat between two pieces of bread to allow him to continue playing cards without interruption.

While there are many variations, the term “sandwich” has its linguistic roots in the name of Earl himself. The popular story is that the Earl’s friends began ordering “the same as Sandwich,” referring to the sandwiches he enjoyed. Over time, the term became synonymous with the actual creation of the sandwich!

Fun Facts

In 1965, NASA introduced astronauts to freeze-dried sandwiches, ensuring they could enjoy sandwiches even in the zero-gravity environment of space!
The Guinness World Record for the largest sandwich ever made was set in 2015 in Mexico. It measured over 2,411 feet in length.
The term “submarine sandwich” or “sub” is believed to originate from its resemblance to the shape of submarines. In different regions, it’s known as a hoagie, hero, grinder, or po’ boy.

Swanton Street Diner | Winchester Restaurants

If you’re craving a sandwich after this blog post, we encourage you to visit Swanton Street Diner to explore all of our delicious sandwich options! If you’re craving something else, no worries. We have a bit of everything to satisfy your tastebuds, whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you!