Veggie Sandwiches I’m Loving In London Right Now

London’s sandwich scene is having a serious moment, and I’ve been happily eating my way through it. A new wave of London sandwich shops is putting the humble sarnie centre stage, loading excellent bread with inventive veggie fillings, punchy sauces, pickles, slaws and plenty of crunch. But some of my favourite vegetarian sandwiches in London have also come from bakeries and cafés, where a few carefully chosen ingredients can be just as memorable as an extravagantly overstuffed creation. From buffalo cauliflower in golden brioche to a simple cheese and tomato roll I think about surprisingly often, these are seven veggie sandwiches I’m loving in London right now.

The Buffalo Cauliflower at Crunch Sandwich Uprising

Crunch – sandwich[up]rising is exactly the sort of place driving London’s new sandwich obsession, with the sandwich itself very much the main event. I visited the Spitalfields location and ordered the Buffalo Cauliflower. It’s golden brioche stuffed with deep-fried cauliflower florets, ranch coleslaw, butter-buffalo sauce and a rich Parmesan cream. It’s crunchy, creamy, spicy, messy and completely indulgent. The rest of the menu is equally bold, with generously filled creations featuring everything from chicken katsu and steak to lobster. This is the maximalist end of the sandwich spectrum and definitely one requiring both hands. Find them at Unit 5, The Kitchens, Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW.

The Chickpea Caesar at Café Mondo

Café Mondo on Peckham Road is a proper sandwich destination, serving generously stuffed creations with punchy sauces, pickles and plenty of texture. My favourite was the Chickpea Caesar, with confit chickpeas, mixed leaves, croutons, herbs, pickled onion, Caesar dressing and Parmesan on toasted tin loaf. Messy to eat but worth the effort. I’d never had chickpeas in a sandwich before, and I’m now a big fan! I also enjoyed the vegan Latke Frango, packed with latke, peri, pea salsa, ‘shrettuce’ and crunchy potato sticks. Other choices range from the veggie Harissa Aub and Mondo Verde to meatier Italian-style subs and chicken sandwiches. They are located at 42 Peckham Road, London SE5 8PX.

The Candice at Stubby’s

Stubby’s in Parsons Green is a new coffee shop, sandwich joint and wine bar set up by two locals, Oil Man and Greg Weaver, and it already feels like a neighbourhood favourite in the making. I popped in for the veggie Candice, a generously filled sandwich crammed with tempura aubergine, goat’s cheese, black caramel, sugar snaps and sage. The rest of the menu is equally inventive, with sandwiches featuring ingredients such as porchetta, lamb adobo, chicken thigh and chilli crisp. It’s another example of the new breed of London sandwich spots treating what goes between the bread with some serious imagination. Stubby’s, 28 Parsons Green Lane, London SW6 4HS.

The Crispy Bean Patty at Gerry’s Hot Subs

Gerry’s Hot Subs London Bridge brings the North American hot sub to London Bridge, specialising in toasted bread packed with hearty fillings. I tried the Crispy Bean Patty, made with a mix of beans, chickpeas and sweetcorn, then topped with lettuce, pickled red onions, pickles and vegan mayo. It has everything you want from a good hot sub: crunch, softness, creaminess, and a welcome tang from the pickles. The rest of the menu leans into North American favourites with Philly cheesesteaks, buffalo chicken and other substantial hot subs. It’s a fun addition to London’s growing collection of specialist sandwich spots. Find it at 71 St Thomas Street, London SE1 3QX.

The Roasted Vegetable Focaccia at Mother’s Bakehouse

You don’t have to visit a dedicated sandwich shop to find a memorable one. At Mother’s Bakehouse in Chiswick, I had the roasted vegetable focaccia with mozzarella and rocket, which was so good. It was fresh, generously filled and a great showcase for their bread. Other focaccia choices when I visited included mortadella, burrata and rocket and prosciutto with stracciatella and rocket. This independent bakery also specialises in sourdough, pastries and sweet bakes, and the cinnamon buns looked particularly tempting. It proves that sometimes great bread and a few well-chosen ingredients are all a sandwich needs. Head to 16 Devonshire Road, Chiswick, London W4 2HD.

The Egg Sando at Jusu Brothers

At Jusu Brothers, the sandwich takes a Japanese-inspired turn with the Egg Sando. Soft, pillowy shokupan surrounds a creamy egg filling for something comforting, satisfying and refreshingly uncomplicated. It sits at the opposite end of the spectrum to some of the extravagantly loaded sandwiches I’ve been trying, but is just as memorable. Other options include the Katsu Sando, the Caesar Sando with shredded chicken, miso Caesar dressing, lettuce, breadcrumbs, and nori and a Veggie Sandwich with grilled peppers and aubergine, feta, spinach, and honey mustard. Head to Jusu Brothers, Walworth Town Hall, 151–155 Walworth Road, London SE17 1RS.

The Cheese and Tomato Roll at The Spence Bakery

Perhaps the simplest sandwich here is also the one I think about surprisingly often. The cheese and tomato roll with lettuce from The Spence Bakery in Stoke Newington is nothing fancy, and that’s exactly why I love it. Cheese, fresh tomato and crisp lettuce are tucked into a lovely fresh bakery roll, with seeded or plain versions to choose from. When the bread is good, and the ingredients work together, there’s really no need to complicate things. In a world of towering, sauce-dripping sandwiches, this reminds you how satisfying a straightforward cheese and tomato roll can be. Visit 161 Stoke Newington Church Street, London N16 0UH.

These sandwiches may not always be available, but I’m sure you’ll find something just as tasty.