The best sandwich shops in Singapore

Hot off the heels of their recent revamp, sandwich joint Park Bench Deli has opened a second sister concept: Onda. The vibe here feels closer to the PBD that we know and love – a no-frills, takeaway-focused shack with a lean menu. This new outlet will focus on Cubano, and is the first of a series of “smaller eateries” by PBD that spotlights various food cultures. 

TRY Cubano ($16.50), of course. Between soft rolls come layers of meat: sweet ham and lechon are stuffed with Swiss cheese and pickles for a hunky sub that doesn’t feel cloying. For a complete meal, pair it with a cup of fruits with taijin ($5), and wash it down with iced Cuban coffee sweetened with caramel ($7). 

Korio's tiny space within Far East Square is pretty bare and you might just miss it if you're not paying attention to the display of doughnuts.

TRY If you like indulgent and cheesy sandwiches, order the Grilled Cheese ($9) which is stuffed with American cheese, cheddar and caramelised onions. For something more balanced, try the Grilled Haloumi ($13, Tuesdays only) which comes generously packed with rocket leaves and tangy roasted cherry tomatoes and caramelised onions between two greased up slices of sesame sourdough.

An establishment on Telok Ayer, this sandwich joint takes Singapore's sandwich game to levels beyond your sad ham and cheese bagged lunch. Think layers of generous servings of meat and savoury sauces. Throw in that serving of tater tots on the side if you're feeling a bit naughty. A word of warning: these sandwiches are messy, over-the-top affairs, so have a pack of napkins at the ready.

TRY It is hard not to love the mala-spiced chicken ($17), where crispy, deep-fried cutlet comes slathered in tongue-tingling spices. 

There's no need to guess what this place is known for – it's in the name. Meatsmith is a modern smokehouse in Telok Ayer where you can get real-deal American barbecue. Some of the things you'll find on the menu are its meat platters, house-made sausage, tangy vinegar slaw, juicy burgers, brisket, burnt ends, smoked ribs, craft beer, bourbons and aged cocktails. 

TRY Besides smoky barbecued meat and the burgers, this place also serves up a gritty sandwich. Try the fried chicken sandwich ($15) which features a huge chunk of seasoned chicken in a rich batter that has been fried till perfectly crisp.

Hailing from the land of the free and the home of the brave, this American-style deli offers subs, wraps, paninis, and salads fresh upon ordering. Located at Tampines Food Co., Blimpie presents the typical Subway affair, but elevated.

TRY Opt for the crowd favourite Hoboken Hero ($7.50), which comes stuffed with beef pepperoni, beef salami and provolone cheese – all promising a hearty eating experience.

For sandwiches with attitude, Rebel's hearty subs are satisfying – without breaking the bank (prices start from $6.90). There is a distinctly Asian flavour in the variety of sandwiches that draws its inspiration from the traditional Vietnamese banh mi. With so much variety for all sorts of eaters, everyone gets to be a Rebel here. 

TRY The Trad ($6.90) with chicken ham, pate and pickled vegetables is a nod to the classic Vietnamese sub. Rebel also has vegan and vegetarian options that are equally delicious and filling. The popular Pure ($6.90) sub is stuffed with Quorn spicy patties and tempeh. 

Yes, you'll know it for its coffees, especially the fancy bulletproof sorts but read through the menu for its sarnies. This sandwich shop lives up to its name with rustic ’wiches that are generous with the fillings, and even comes with a side of salad to keep things balanced. 

TRY Order the roast chicken with house-cured bacon ($15) and tuna mayo with bell pepper, onions and coriander ($14.50) for a simple lunch. For heartier fare, get the steak sandwich ($16.80) for a satisfying and meatier lunch. 

This chain of bistros are all about its coffee and sandwiches – mandatory lunch grub. All sandwiches are prepared fresh (and all bread is baked fresh too) at the cafes to guarantee the best taste.

TRY The most popular roast beef and sweet relish sandwich ($8.80) is stuffed with roast beef, mushrooms, sweet relish, dijon mustard on sesame brioche bun but for non-meat options, check out the guacamole and feta sandwich ($8.80). 

Who'd think that Frederick Yap, the entrepreneur behind fashion blog shop, Love, Bonito, would be somewhat of a lobster expert? Because of the special restaurant theme (it's lobster by the way), there are only three dishes. Not like we're complaining.

TRY All lobsters are sourced and flown in twice a week from Boston, Maine and Canada, kept happy in chilled tanks in a warehouse near Changi and bussed to the restaurant daily. Since we're about sandwiches here, let's talk about the lobster roll ($48). We know it's pricey but the kitchen justifies the bill by packing a full lobster's worth of meat between its uncle baker sourced butter buns from a hawker in People's Park Complex.