You’ve just got to adore a Christmas sandwich. All the best bits of Christmas dinner packed between two slices of fluffy bread- what’s to not to love? With December here it’s the perfect time to shake up your lunch options by getting your chops round some of the delicious Christmas sandwiches on offer in Manchester this year. From festive toasties to burgers with all the bells and whistles to rival a decorated fir tree, check out our guide to the best Christmas sandwiches in Manchester.
1. Northern Soul
Marking Manchester’s official start of Christmas, the UK’s first grilled cheese restaurant, Northern Soul, has announced the grand return of its beloved Crimbo Dinner grilled cheese. Stacked high with fillings such as turkey, cranberry jam and stuffing, but this year it has been topped with a gravy-filled Yorkshire pudding and pig in blanket. The cult favourite sandwich is joined by an array of other festive bites, including grilled cheese sandwiches stuffed with brie, bacon, cranberry and more. We’ve also got our eyes on two other Christmas toasted sandwiches from the Manchester spot: ‘Fairytale of New York’ (stacks of pepper-crusted pastrami, pickle relish, house mustard and topped with American pretzels) and ‘Xmas Beets’ (roasted beetroot and walnut pesto, torched goats cheese, rocket and balsamic glaze).
📍Northern Soul, 44 Tib Street, M4 1LA.
2. Ancoats Deli
‘Tis the season to treat yo’self and possibly one of the finest places to go in the city to do so is Ancoats Deli. The deli which opened in one of Manchester’s hippest neighbourhoods earlier this year not only boasts a cute terrace and an exquisite menu filled with cheese and charcuterie delights, but you’ll also find a tasty Christmas sandwich on the menu (a glass of wine or a cocktail alongside is optional). Feast on thick slices of chicken with stuffing, brie and cranberry all slapped between a freshly toasted focaccia and to make it one of the best Christmas sandwiches going in Manchester, it can be enjoyed with a dipping gravy – because it’s not Christmas up North without gravy.
📍Ancoats Deli, 6B Murray St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6HS.
3. Rola Wala
Cult Indian street food brand Rola Wala has announced the arrival of its Christmas special, teaming up with northern foodie favourite The Sandwich King to create The King – a bold, flavour-packed naan (also available as a pilau rice curry bowl). The King is a festive twist on Rola Wala’s footlong roll, made with succulent Nagaland lamb, chicken tikka, or slow-cooked masala beef. It’s then smothered in a rich, Indian-spiced beef gravy, reminiscent of the Sunday roast staple but with an added kick. Crispy onion bhajis are thrown in for crunch, while a refreshing mint and lime raita delivers a cool, tangy finish. Crushed poppadoms bring an extra layer of texture, and it’s all topped off with Sandwich King’s signature thick Sandwich Glue, courtesy of Thiccc Sauce. Forget the turkey and cranberry sauce combo – this festive special really packs a punch!
📍Rola Wala, 75 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BW.
4. Porky Pig
Yes, it’s not exactly a sandwich but trust us on this. And yes, the Porky Pig queue is unbelievably long but once you have one of these bad boys in your hand you’ll be glad you waited. Returning to Manchester Christmas Markets with their beloved wraps, at Porky Pig Carvery you can opt to fill your wrap with a selection of meat including pork, gammon, beef, chicken and lamb, with veggies, stuffing and a choice of gravies to finish it off with, all wrapped up in a tasty parcel made from a giant Yorkshire pudding. And to top it off, you can order some battered pigs in blankets to go with that mighty wrap.
📍Porky Pig, Manchester Christmas Markets, Exchange Square.
5. Bab
Manchester kebab kings Bab have introduced not one but five festive babs this Christmas offering an alternative to your standard lunchtime sandwiches. For those who love Bab’s classic chicken shawarma but looking for a twist there’s the Christmas chicken shawarma featuring Bab salad, pickled veg, crispy sage and cranberry chilli sauce. Because Christmas means brats, you’ll find a Bratwurst bab on the menu too. Plus vegans, Bab has got you with their vegan ‘bratwurst’ option complete with skinny fries, fried onions, crispy onions and mustard mayo. And if that’s not enough, Bab has a fishy and festive bab which includes sumac salmon, BABziki, roasted broccoli, rose petals and pickled fennel slaw.
📍Bab, 14 Little Lever Street, M1 1HR.
6. Ad Maoira
Bringing festive cheer to Manchester from Italia, Ad Maiora has unleashed a mouthwatering Christmas sandwich. Located in Ancoats and available for delivery, Ad Maiora is offering a special Christmas schiacciata (an airy, crispy-edged Tuscan flatbread). Feast on proper Italian flavours with the likes of Cotechino (slow-cooked Italian pork sausage), garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes, smoked and melted Scamorza cheese, salsa verde and truffle oil all inside that crunchy bread. With those hefty, delicious fillings, we might good until Christmas Day…
📍Ad Maiora, 23 Radium St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6AY.
7. Herbivorous
Veggies and vegans you need not miss out as Herbivorous has got one of the best plant-based Christmas sandwiches/burgers in Manchester. Their Christmas Cracker burger features shredded ‘turkey’ seitan, braised red cabbage, a sausage stuffing patty, cranberry sauce, and sage and onion mayo. Plus, for those looking for a meat-free slow-cooked pork bun to rival a Christmas market stall, Herbivorous is serving up roast ‘pork’ fried with sauerkraut and served in a soft hoagie roll with apple sauce and festive mayo, all of which can be enjoyed with festive loaded gravy fries, which will be sure to cause some serious vegan food envy.
📍Herbivorous, 445 Wilmslow Road, Withington, M20 4AN.