I may be Asian and rice may be king, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a good sandwich. Although the sandwich scene here isn’t as prominent as countries such as Italy, America, and Japan, we’ve still got more than a few good selections around our little red dot.
Here’s where to find some of the best sandwiches in Singapore.
46 Mittsu
Despite being the new kid on the block, 46 Mittsu certainly knows a thing (or two!) about sandwiches. If I had to use three words to describe its gourmet creations, it would be: big, bold, and beautiful. Its savoury sandwiches, known affectionately as hot messes, are certainly something I wouldn’t mind getting my hands dirty for (trust me, it’s high praise coming from someone who eats chicken wings with a fork).
If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, you’ll be sure to enjoy the PBJ Sammie (part of its all day breakfast trio), which is a textural masterpiece — think chunky peanut butter, blackcurrant rhubarb jam, bacon jam, and cornflakes. Otherwise, go for the Beef Sando, made with smokey beef brisket that simply melts in your mouth.
A special shoutout goes to the bread used in its sandwiches, which are a delightfully buttered, toasted indulgence (hello, Maillard reaction) that truly makes it the perfect vessel for the ingredients. I opted for delivery, so the bread was a little softer than I would’ve liked, but otherwise my lunch survived an arduous journey to Sembawang pretty well. I’m sure it would’ve been glorious in its freshly-cooked form.
Address: 46 Kim Yam Rd, #01-07 The Herencia, Singapore 239351
Hours: Monday–Sunday from 11am–8pm
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Simply Bread
If Yankee Candle had a scent called Freshly Baked Bread, the smell enveloping Simply Bread would be the definition of the heavenly aroma. Very often, bread takes the backseat when it comes to sandwiches. However, at Simply Bread, it’s the name of the game. All of its breads are baked on-site, so you know that these carbs are as fresh as fresh can be.
While the sandwiches are a simple affair, the flavours of the bread really shine through. The fillings themselves are good, but it’s certainly the bread that brings it all together and takes it up a notch. All the boxes that make up a good sandwich bread are ticked off here: crisp crust, airy dough, and a good crumb.
The Salt Beef, finished with a generous dash of mustard, is my favourite. But the Monte Cristo, a no-frills ham-and-cheese sandwich, is a close second. The sticky buns (cinnamon rolls drenched in oozie, syrup goodness) here are a delightful indulgence that are well-worth the extra calories!
With an outlet conveniently located at Cluny Court, it’s the perfect stop after a morning hike at Botanic Gardens. Don't leave without picking up a few items from its bakery to take home with you.
Cluny Court
Address: 501 Bukit Timah Rd, #02-07 Cluny Court, Singapore 259760
Hours: Monday–Sunday from 8am–7pm
Phone: 6763 2628
Guthrie House
Address: 1 Fifth Ave., #01-03 Guthrie House, Singapore 268802
Hours: Monday–Sunday from 8am–7pm
Phone: 6466 7767
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Park Bench Deli
This hip joint located along Telok Ayer Street needs no introduction. As famous as it is, it’d really be a crime if I didn’t include it on this list because these guys certainly know how to make a mean sandwich. With the exception of the bread (sourced from local bakers), every component, even the condiments, are made in-house.
It’s known for popularising American-style sandwiches in Singapore. It’s recently been revamped, introducing a more spacious 42-seater premise, as well as a full menu of mains, salads, and sweets to go alongside its usual offerings.
The Pastrami is a real banger, featuring generous slices of pastrami wedged between perfectly crisp bread. The Porchetta, made with delightfully fatty pork belly between crispy, succulent ciabatta, is also a popular choice. They keep things exciting with a rotating sandwich of the month, which I’ll gladly keep coming back for.
Address: 179 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068627
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday from 11am–10:30pm, and Sunday from 11am–4:30pm; Closed on Monday
Phone: 8892 0408
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Steeple’s Deli
It is surprising how little Steeple’s Deli is talked about considering they’ve been around for more than three decades. As one of the first delis in Singapore, it is one of the pioneers of the local deli scene. The interior may look a little dated, but I find it rather rustic — it transports you to a 90’s diner in America. When you think of classic American deli, this is undoubtedly it.
The offerings here are as classic as you can get. Go for the Reuben, which is a firm favourite amongst its regulars, or the Cuban with hearty, toasted focaccia. It’s not just sheer luck that this little deli is still going strong. Steeple’s has held its longstanding place in Singapore’s cut-throat F&B industry over the years, which is the true testament to its quality.
Tanglin Shopping Centre has seen numerous tenants come and go the past decade. However, with quality sandwiches and an ambience that feels like home, it looks like Steeple’s Deli is here to stay.
Address: 19 Tanglin Rd, #02-25 Tanglin Shopping Centre, Singapore 247909
Hours: Monday–Saturday from 10:30am–6:30pm, Closed on Sunday
Phone: 6737 0701
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Sando
Sando pays homage to the konbini-style sandwiches of Japan, known affectionately to the locals as sandos. Located in Alexandra Technopark, it’s probably an off-the-beaten track eatery for most of us. But if you’re ever in the area, it’s a spot you won’t want to miss.
Staying true to its roots, the sandwiches here are affordably priced — most of them are priced below $10. Go for the Tamago Sando, which features soft, fluffy eggs sandwiched between buttered bread. It’s some of the best eggs I’ve tasted in Singapore, which is likely due to the high ratio of dashi used in the egg mixture. The eggs have that umami goodness embedded in between each curd, which makes them taste heavenly. The Katsu Sando, made with a generously thick piece of deep-fried pork loin, is also a firm favourite amongst the office crowd.
While the bread used here isn't the kind of thick, pillowy sort dreams are made of, with prices like these, I’m certainly not complaining.
Address: Alexandra Technopark, 438C Alexandra Rd, 01-04/04A The Hub, Singapore 119976
Hours: Monday–Saturday from 8:30am–2:30pm, Closed on Sunday
Phone: 9771 0388
