Bangkok’s 9 best sandwiches

What is it: The branch of Singapore’s cult coffee brand, Sarnies Sourdough (named after the British slang for ‘sandwiches’) is a carb-lover’s paradise dedicated to all things baked, toasted and golden. Inside its Charoen Krung shop, the team turns out chewy, slow-fermented loaves, crisp croissants and sandwiches that blur the line between bakery indulgence and brunch perfection.

Why we love it: Every sandwich here feels engineered for comfort – thick slices of sourdough stacked with house-cured bacon, Taleggio and cheddar, kimchi or creamy smoked salmon. Even the sauces and aiolis are fermented in-house, giving each bite that signature Sarnies punch. It’s the kind of place where you can taste the hours of craft behind every crumb.

Time Out tip: Try breakfast sandwich – folded eggs, caramelised onion, bacon and fermented chilli aioli on brioche – it’s the showstopper. But don’t sleep on kimchi, bacon and cheese toastie if you like your sandwiches bold and messy.

Sarnies Sourdough. Sandwiches from B330. Charoen Krung, Bang Rak. 8am-5pm.

What is it: A Scandinavian-inspired bakery and cafe that’s all about sourdough, Bartel’s has grown from a small Sukhumvit spot into a sandwich empire, with branches across Bangkok – including Thonglor, Asoke and its spacious flagship in Sathorn. The Sathorn location is a stunner: airy, light-filled and anchored by a lively baking counter where you can watch loaves rise, brown and cool throughout the day.

Why we love it: Bartel’s puts bread at the heart of everything. Each loaf ferments for up to 48 hours, giving it that tangy crust and soft interior that define a proper sourdough. The sandwiches range from classic roast chicken or smoked salmon to more inventive combinations layered with seasonal produce and house-made sauces. Everything feels wholesome yet indulgent, with vegan and vegetarian options just as satisfying.

Time Out tip: Go for grilled onion soup sandwich – molten mozzarella, sweet onion chutney and Parmesan pressed between crisp sourdough – and add bacon for that perfect smokey contrast. 

Bartel’s. Sandwiches from B280. Sathorn, Silom. 7am-5pm.

What is it: A bakery-cafe that’s earned quite the following in Bangkok for its precision-crafted sourdough loaves, buttery croissants and serious sandwich game. With its flagship on Sukhumvit Soi 31 and additional branches in Suan Phlu and Ruam Rudee, Holey brings the bakery-craft to your lunch plate.

Why we love it: Bread is the hero here – house sourdough and baguettes get the star treatment, enabling sandwich fillings to shine. Think smoked salmon and fried egg on crisp artisanal bread or a hearty panini pressed with premium ham, cheese and house-fermented pickles. These are the kinds of sandwiches where the bread whispers ‘I’ve been nurtured for 48 hours’ and the filling adds the flourish.

Time Out tip: Go mid-morning when the loaves are still warm. Order toasted panini with a cold brew or oat latte – a simple pleasure done exactly right.

Holey Artisan Bakery. Sandwiches from B290. Sukhumvit, Watthana. 7am-7pm.

What is it: The newest opening from Chef Chalee Kader, Downtown by Fran’s is a city-smart spin-off of his much-loved Fran’s Brunch and Greens. Set on the ground floor of Dusit Central Park, this sleek all-day spot brings artisanal sandwiches and house-made breads to the heart of the business district – fast, flavour-packed and perfectly timed for the weekday crowd.

Why we love it: Chef Chalee’s latest project is all about good bread, done right. Everything is baked in-house – sourdough, focaccia, baguette and brioche – then stacked with premium fillings that balance richness and restraint. Highlights include roast beef focaccia sandwich, tuna melt and smoked eel on brioche with pickled radish.

Time Out tip: Go for smoked eel on brioche – a buttery, smoky, umami-hit that’s unlike anything else in the city.

Downtown by Fran’s. Sandwiches from B220. Dusit Central Park, Bang Rak. 8am-10pm.

What is it: Larder BKK is an artisanal bakery-charcuterie-deli where bread, house-cured meats and sandwiches meet minimalist Polish-inspired design. It’s a bright, two-storey space that’s equal parts cafe, bakery-lab and deli-counter – perfect for sandwich lovers who care about crust as much as filling. 

Why we love it: Everything here feels personal – from the slow-fermented rye and focaccia to the fillings that hit that perfect savoury note. Tuna 3000 with hard-boiled egg and tartar sauce is a cult favourite, while shokupan hot pastrami with sauerkraut and mustard channels classic deli nostalgia. Other standouts include croque khun poo ying (a playful Thai-take on croque madame) and Polish sandwich 3.0 with smoked ham and egg. 

Time Out tip: Roast beef on sourdough with dijon, egg and smoked paprika is a lunchtime essential – rich, peppery perfection. 

Larder BKK. Sandwiches from B190. Sukhumvit, Watthana. 7am-5pm.

What is it: A French-style bakery cafe that’s become a favourite for its golden-crusted loaves and indulgent grilled sandwiches. Beyond Bread bakes fresh each morning, turning its baguettes, sourdough, ciabatta and country bread into melts that balance richness and restraint. With multiple outposts across the city, it’s a go-to for anyone who believes great bread deserves great cheese.

Why we love it: Each sandwich hits that perfect sweet spot between crisp and gooey. Deli melt brings smokey depth, Parisien layers ham and cheese the classic French way and don’t miss baguette ham and cheese – a timeless combination done with buttery precision. It’s comfort food with a touch of finesse.

Time Out tip: Truffiere is the standout – molten cheese, truffle aroma and perfectly toasted sourdough. It’s the kind of sandwich that demands your full attention.

Beyond Bread. Sandwiches from B200. Sukhumvit, Watthana. 7am-7pm.

What is it: One of Bangkok’s most established Italian bakeries and delis, Antico Fornaio has been feeding the city’s love of bread long before sourdough became a trend. The name means ‘old bakery’ in Italian and that’s exactly the vibe – rustic, reliable and rooted in tradition. Every focaccia is baked fresh, filled generously and pressed just enough to crisp the edges without losing that pillowy interior.

Why we love it: The menu reads like a tour of Italy – Bolognese with mortadella, Taleggio and pistachio paste; Piemon­tese with truffle mascarpone cream; Parma with ham, basil pesto and tomato. Each one tastes distinct, but all share the same buttery, olive-oil-glossed bread that defines Antico style. 

Time Out tip: Go for brisket focaccia warm from the oven – onion cream melts into the bread and fall-apart beef, finished with dijon and mushrooms.

Antico Fornaio. Sandwiches from B180. Sukhumvit, Watthana. 7am-7pm.

What is it: A newcomer with plenty of swagger, Burnt lives up to its name by celebrating everything seared, charred and smoky. It’s a sandwich shop for people who like their flavours bold – a mix of steakhouse indulgence and comfort-food warmth, built on sturdy, house-toasted bread that can handle the load.

Why we love it: Every sandwich feels like a meal in itself, layered with slow-cooked meats, melty cheese and spicy house sauces. Frank’s flank stars premium flank steak sauteed with spinach and mushrooms, finished with melted cheese, secret sauce and house pickles – juicy, messy and deeply satisfying. Sandwiches can be built on your choice of brioche, focaccia or rye sourdough.

Time Out tip: Go straight for duck leg pesto – 36-hour confit duck leg with chestnut pesto, melted mozzarella and crispy pickled radish. It’s rich, aromatic and perfectly balanced between smokey, nutty and sharp, and is best experienced on focaccia. 

Burnt Bangkok. Sandwiches from B249. Ekkamai, Watthana. 9am-6pm.

What is it: The American dining juggernaut has finally landed in Bangkok, bringing its trademark mix of oversized portions, glossy interiors and menu pages that read like a novel. While it’s best known for mile-high desserts, they also turn out some seriously satisfying sandwiches – hearty, nostalgic and built to feed a crowd.

Why we love it: It’s unapologetically American, from buttery brioche and crisp bacon to mountains of fries on the side. The lineup runs from Renee’s special (a half sandwich and soup combo) to Cuban sandwich layered with slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. Everything feels nostalgic yet over-the-top in the best way.

Time Out tip: Go for club sandwich – a textbook-perfect stack of turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomato on toasted white bread. It’s crisp, balanced and deeply satisfying in its simplicity – a classic.

The Cheesecake Factory. Sandwiches from B550. CentralWorld, Pathum Wan. 10am-10pm.