1. 1. Sandwiches started off as food for gamblers. It was named after the Earl of Sandwich after be
ordered some beef between two pieces of toasted bread so that he could continue playing
cards while he ate, and after that people started ordering "the same as Sandwich". Other
accounts say he ordered it while hard at work in his study. Food historians are keen to point out
he didn't invent the sandwich, but rather came across the concept during his travels in the
Eastern Mediterranean, where he saw Greeks and Turks eat pitta with meat and other
ingredients. In fact, the tradition of placing bitter herbs, fruit and spices between two pieces of
matzoh dates back to the first century (now known as the Hillel sandwich after Rabbi Hillel, who
ate the first recorded sandwich). However, the Earl did elevate the sandwich from a peasant's
food to one fit for aristocracy.
Fascinating Facts
about the Sandwich

2. 2. When the sandwich was first introduced to the US, it was promoted as an elaborate evening
meal; Elizabeth Leslie, an English woman, introduced them to American palates in 1840. In her
recipe book she has a recipe for a ham sandwich.
3. Chicken salad is the UK's favourite sandwich, while ham is the most popular in the US. Peanut
butter and jelly is another favourite American institution, first eaten by US soldiers, constructed
out of their rations.
4. The famous Club Sandwich: chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce and mayonnaise, originated in
American country clubs in the late 1890s. It was a favourite of Edward VIII and his wife Wallis
Simpson.
5. The record for creating the most expensive sandwich ever made is claimed by chef Tom
Bridge, whose Lancaster Cheese Sandwich was sold on ebay in 2006 for £345. The creation
included white Umbrian truffles at £1,700 per kilo.