Creamy and velvety cheese? Check. Flavour that’s heavy on the umami notes? Check. Instagram-worthy cheese pull? Check. For the ultimate grilled cheese, make your way to Korio. The takeaway joint may be more famous for its donuts, but its sammies are nothing to scoff at. This standout sandwich is made up of two types of cheeses – zesty cheddar and mild American – and well-caramelised onions nestled between fluffy slices of whole-wheat sourdough. The caramelised onions provide a great contrast to the cheese, making this a balanced sandwich that’s sure to leave you wanting more. 

135 Amoy Street, #01-03, Singapore 049964, +65 9771 6491

For an unctuous, meaty meal that’ll transport you straight to the sunny shores of Florida, there’s ONDA by Park Bench Deli’s Cubano. Opened last year, the colourful café serves moreish Cuban-Miami fare – including its signature Cubano sandwich that used to be a menu highlight at sister restaurant Park Bench Deli. You get plenty of sweet ham, lechon, Swiss cheese, pickles and spicy mustard crammed into a soft roll. It’s salty, sinful and oh-so-scrumptious. Complete your meal with a Cuban-style coffee, such as the espresso-forward Cafecito or caramelly La Rosita.

21 Lor Telok, Singapore 049033

Breakfast for lunch? Why not. Hidden away on the first floor of The Herencia, 46 Mittsu serves a selection of hearty sandwiches, rice bowls and sides. Their B.E.C. (that’s bacon, egg and cheese for the uninitiated) is a novel take on the classic breakfast staple. Thick and tender slabs of homemade bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, smoky American cheddar and habanero gribiche are bookended by pillow-soft brioche slices. All the different components complement each other wonderfully, making this a memorable and thoroughly satisfying sando.

46 Kim Yam Road, #01-07, Singapore 239351

It can be hard to track down an authentic Italian sub here. But thankfully, there’s Park Bench Deli – one of Singapore’s OG sandwich purveyors. Although they recently revamped their offerings to suit more of a diner-style concept, the menu still sports a clutch of worthy sammies. The Italian Cold Cuts comes with lots of assorted deli meats – think house-cured and smoked duck ham, mortadella and pepperoni – complemented by provolone, lettuce, tomato and chorizo mayo and layered on a soft roll. Another sandwich worth trying is the Fried Fish Fillet, which features beer-battered halibut and salsa verde.

179 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068627, +65 8892 0408

For an old-school beef sandwich from an old-school outfit, visit Steeple’s Deli, which has been operating at Tanglin Shopping Centre for over 40 years. Regulars flock here to get their hands on the Reuben: a gargantuan sando made of rye bread stuffed with generous shavings of corned beef, Emmental cheese, tangy sauerkraut, Russian dressing, mustard and herb butter. It’s utterly delicious, and, dare we say, probably the best Reuben in town. Accompany the dish with a side of crinkle-cut fries and wash everything down with a chocolate milkshake for the full experience.

19 Tanglin Road, #02-25, Singapore 267909, +65 6737 0701

Here’s one for all the vegans out there. Known for its Aussie-style weekend brunch fare, Sarnies also does a top-notch weekday lunch menu. Among the more meat-centric dishes, you’ll find the Club Tempeh: a vegan sandwich that’s anything but blah. It boasts well-marinated chunks of tempeh and braised mushrooms paired with guacamole, tomatoes, pickles and greens. BBQ sauce ups the flavour factor, making this a tasty option if you’re passing on the meat. Vegetarians can also consider the 3 Cheese Toastie, made of cheese, sautéed spinach, grilled eggplants and roasted cherry tomatoes atop toasted sourdough.

136 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068601, +65 8284 2146

There are many places serving fried chicken sandwiches, but one of our favourites is the Tori Karaage Sando from this spot. It’s a filling delight that features a sizable serving of Japanese fried chicken – with succulent meat and a crispy exterior – refreshing jalapeno citrus slaw, mixed greens, chipotle honey and their trademark sando sauce. Pair all of this with fluffy slices of bread and you’ve got yourself a lunch of champions. Other menu highlights include the Spam & Hash, their version of a bacon, egg and cheese; and the Gooralie Tonkatsu Sando, which comes with a tender pork cutlet.

438C Alexandra Road, #01-04/04A, Singapore 119976

If you’re on the hunt for a seafood-based sandwich, make a beeline for the Asian Po Boy from Rebel. This sandwich shop specialises in creative takes on traditional sammies from around the world, including their version of a New Orleans po boy. The delicious fusion sub consists of crispy battered shrimp, tangy Asian slaw, fresh coriander, mayo and sweet Thai chilli stuffed into a baguette. What’s more, they have an impressive range of equally tasty vegetarian-friendly options made with Quorn, a plant-based meat substitute, and tempeh.

306 Lavender Street, Singapore 338813, +65 8893 6610

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