Taking up our TikTok feeds and suggested Instagram reels right now? All the ways to spice up this lunchtime favourite. Forget slapping the standard cheese and pickle into a sarnie, as our city has bars, shops, restaurants and delis that are promising everything from the finest Philly cheesesteak to chicken Kiev sandwiches and Italian focaccia. Keep reading for an unmissable guide to the best sandwiches Manchester has to offer.
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The Hot Honey Chicken One: Blues Kitchen
For a taste of America's Deep South stuffed into a bun? It can only be Blues Kitchen, whether you head over for weekend brunches or at suppertime. Grab the crispy chicken sandwich (£14.50 with fries or salad), made up of fried buttermilk chicken, hot honey, kewpie slaw and tangy pickles,
For one of the best sandwiches, check out this quirky brunch.
The Mac 'N' Cheese Toasted Sandwich: Northern Soul
If you like to keep a constant flow of fromage in your veins (who doesn't?), then Northern Soul has to be on your radar. While all their toasties are oozing with perfectly pullable fillings, our favourite is the Mac Attack (£11.50). Combining their signature macaroni cheese with a grilled sandwich, this lunchtime staple is only made better with added jalapenos, fried chicken or Korean pork.
There's no better grilled cheese sandwich in Manchester.
The Southern American Biscuit One: Cardinal Rule
Brought to you by Southern American chefs and served in the Northern Monk Refectory, Cardinal Rule specialises in US-style biscuits - used instead of bread to create some cracking sandwiches. You can load up your biscuits with black pepper breakfast gravy, or opt for a sweet filling instead with a house made blueberry jam, with other choices ranging from fried barbecue chicken to eggs with streaky bacon.
There are lots of great sandwiches out there, but this one takes the biscuit.
The TikTok Sandwich Shop: Fat Pats
Head to that TikTok and Instagram-famous sandwich hatch, where you'll uncover the finest feasts (yup, they're absolute whoppers) from Fat Pats. Hidden down an alleyway on the edge of Chinatown, the tiny shop is known for its big queues and sell-out sandos. Our favourite has to be the Philly cheesesteak (£16) with tender meat, rich flavour, chives and crispy onions; a combo to die for, if ever we tasted one.
This hidden sandwich shop in Manchester city centre is hard to beat.
The New York-Italian Style Hoagie: Bada Bing
The iconic Bada Bing Sandwich Deli, known for
its New York-Italian style hoagies inspired by The Sopranos, has
made a much-anticipated comeback in Manchester. Sink your teeth
into their big-fat hoagies jam-packed with deli meats like
gabagool, mortadella, and Napoli salami, bringing a taste of New
Jersey to the heart of Manny.
Bada Bing Sandwich Deli is back on the scene, serving the best Italian sandwiches in Manchester.
The Spanish-Inspired One: Federal
Swap your usual Italian number for a Spanish spin at Federal, one of our favourite brunch spots that also knows how to stack up a great sarnie. The chorizo sandwich (£9) is layered alongside Manchego cheese, aioli and caramelised onions, with the option to add a fried egg for good measure. And if that wasn't enough? There's a steak sandwich (£12.50) with caramelised onions, aioli and spinach too, plus you can expect coffees or two for £12 cocktails like espresso martini specials to accompany.
It's not just eggs and banana bread making waves here.
The Crossiant Brunch Sandwich: Albert's Schloss
While best known for alpine fare and a range of wild evening entertainment, Albert's Schloss also has a load of stacked beauties that are sorting you out for daytime meals. There's the Kroissant Royale (£9) - a bap-shaped croissant with onions, gouda, fried egg, crispy shallots, chives, curry ketchup, and sausage or bacon - for breakfast, waiting for you to start your day off German bier hall-style.
Breakfast sandwiches are covered here.
The Banh Mi: Pho Cue Vietnamese Kitchen
A cheekily-named favourite in Chinatown, Pho Cue Vietnamese Kitchen serves the classic banh mi (from £7) until 4pm every day. Owner and chef Cue Tran aims for home-style cooking across the restaurant - a feat definitely achieved with this delish sandwich. It's done the rounds on social media, thanks to the dipping pots of sweet soy sauce, siracha or siracha mayo on the side that make it gloriously messy.
We're all about the crispy king prawn or tofu and avo flavours here.
The Manchester Arndale Sandwich Shop: Rack
Next time you're in Manchester Arndale, be sure to check out Rack - or head to one of their sister venues in Sale or Stockport. They've got all kinds of different sandwiches to choose from, whether you're in the mood for Italian focaccia (£8.50) filled with Parma ham, mozzarella and pesto or roast chicken (£8.50) and streaky bacon on a white bloomer. They've also got a selection of mouthwatering grilled cheeses (from £8.50), including the caramelised French onion or a birria beef. Even better? You can grab mini hash browns on the side.
There are all the sandwich fillings you could dream of at Rack.
The Breakfast Sandwich: Pollen
Choose between Ancoats and Kampus to enjoy Pollen Bakery in all its glory. While most widely known for their cruffins (rotating flavours filling muffin-shaped croissants), the burnt Basque cheesecake and darn good coffee, these guys still have a great selection of sandwiches. Fresh potato brioche is the basis of the breakfast bun (£9) here, with a choice of bacon or set egg inside - each complimented by smoked onion and kimchi mayonnaise, respectively. Otherwise, check out house grilled cheese with kinchi (£11), rotating selection of sandwiches of the day and the slow-cooked pork shoulder, fennel and apple bun (£11).
After eating the best breakfast sandwich in Manchester? Treat yourself to a pastry or cake too.
The OG: Rustica Manchester
When it comes to the best sandwiches in the Northern Quarter, Rustica is the place that will spring to everyone's minds. Home to a classic barm, a small amount of seating and nothing but the good, simple favourites, alongside some breakfast options too, it's got cheap 'n' cheerful covered. If the constant queue is anything to go by, we'd say that the ol' joint has still got it.
This Manchester sandwich shop is the original player - and it has still got a queue around the block every day.
The Chicken Kiev One: Side Street
Vowing to be home to the best sandwich in Manchester? Side Street isn’t just a bar - it’s a foodie haven, and their sandwiches are proof. Their collaboration with Tartuffe means you can sink your teeth into standout creations like the indulgent chicken Kyiv sandwich(£11), packed with flavour and perfectly crispy. Other options include club and steak sarnies, as well as rotisserie squash. Add in their impressive drinks selection and creative atmosphere, and you’ve got a spot that’s redefining casual dining in style.
You need to chick out Side Street; its sandwiches are delicious.
Made you hungry? Check out our other picks for the best lunches.
