A sandwich, typically comprising various fillings like meat, cheese, or vegetables between or atop slices of bread, originated as a portable convenience in the Western world and has since become globally prevalent. It is famously named after John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, who invented a roast-beef version in 18th-century England, a culinary contribution lauded by many. While its precise definition sparks debate—even the U.S. Department of Agriculture has specific criteria for what constitutes a sandwich, differentiating it from items like hot dogs or burritos—its core concept remains simple.
However, the idea of using bread to wrap or hold other foods is ancient, seen in Jewish sage Hillel the Elder's 1st-century BC matzah wrap and medieval European "trenchers" used as edible plates. Today, this adaptable creation is a widely enjoyed lunch food, offered in countless savoury and sweet varieties, served both hot and cold.