The Birth of Sandwich: - A Creation Story



Life is so busy and everyone has time management issues. People are so busy that they do not have even the time to eat. When you are engrossed or busy in work, what would one prefer to order? Certainly a ‘Sandwich’, it is quick and easy and fast. Sandwich is one of the most popular gourmets of all times. Sandwich is also a staple food of America. 

The definition of sandwich is slices bread with meat or filling in between. This sandwich has evolved to be rolls, wraps, burgers, tacos, hot dog, and many more. People are so depended on sandwich that it is become just part of life.

Ever wondered how this dish emerged? Here are the legends behind it.

The First Sandwich: 

4th Earl of Sandwich 
The story goes in 1762 ,4th Earl John Montagu, once during a 24 hour gambling streak was so engrossed in his card game that he instructed his cook to prepare food that he could eat with one hand without disturbing his game.   The cook served meat in between slices of bread. This then became Earl’s favorite and also took on to be known by the Earls name “Sandwich”. Earl’s birthday on November 3rd is celebrated as National Sandwich day in Britain.


Mystery behind the name:
The first sandwich was known as Hillel’s Sandwich. This was invented by 1st century Jewish religious leader Hillel also known as “Hillel the Elder”. He was born in Babylon 110 BCE. During Passover When the Jews are supposed to eat unleavened bread with bitter herbs as per God’s Instructions. (Numbers 9:11, Bible). Hillel wrapped Paschal lamb (lamb sacrificed at Passover), the matzo and the bitter herbs to eat them as one, in fulfillment of the instruction. People in his remembrance in the temple do eat such sandwich in remembrance to what Hillel did.

A plate once eaten:
In the medieval cuisine during Middle Ages food at gatherings and parties were served on Trencher. Trenchers are tough loaves of bread cut into half and used as plates. It was believed that after the food is eaten the bread was either fed to the dog or given to poor in alms. The trenchers fortunately absorbed sauces and gravy from the food that was served on top making it consumable by poor. There was also saying that “A man has to be really hungry to eat his own trencher”. Here we can see the concept of open sandwich or may be a pizza.


Go Grab a Sandwich Now!!!!!

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