It’s the 2024 Sandwich Olympics! Which Downtown Sandwich Will Take Home the Gold?

The 2024 Paris Olympics are wrapping up, but the games are just getting started in Lower Manhattan. Five different sandwiches from the five different continents represented by the Olympic rings — the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia — competed in our Sandwich Games, each getting judged on execution, presentation and taste. Which one came out on top? Read on. 

Africa: Kaufta kabob pita from Omar’s Mediterranean

Execution: 10
Presentation: 10
Taste: 10

Omar’s Mediterranean, a chainlet launched about a decade ago by Egyptian native Omar Abouzaid, serves up delectable Middle Eastern cuisine, and this kaufta kabob pita is just one standout. Spice-heavy grilled, ground lamb, lettuce and tomato is packed into a pillowy pita, making for the perfect lunch option. (15 Ann St.)

Europe: Croque madame from La Parisienne

Execution: 10
Presentation: 10
Taste: 10

Charming French cafe La Parisienne has a few different hot ‘n crunchy sandwiches on its menu, but you can’t go wrong with a classic croque madame, a toasty, cheesy treat made with Paris ham, gruyère and béchamel, and topped with a sunnyside-up egg. (9 Maiden Ln.)  

Oceania: Avocado toast from Hole in the Wall

Execution: 10
Presentation: 10
Taste: 10

For a perfect brekkie sanga, swing by Australian brunch spot Hole in the Wall, where you can score a hefty avo toast made with smashed avocado, marinated feta, pickled onion, heirloom tomatoes, salsa verde and toasted seeds on sourdough. Add a poached egg and/or bacon for an extra punch; gluten-free bread options are also available. (15 Cliff St.)

Asia: Classic bánh mì from Vietspot

Execution: 10
Presentation: 10
Taste: 10

Neighborhood go-to Vietspot knows how to make a great Vietnamese sandwich. The classic bánh mì is made with ham and pork pâté; it comes with cucumber, cilantro, mayonnaise and pickled carrot and radish, along with a sprinkling of black pepper. You can opt for different proteins as well, and be sure to pair your sando with a tasty boba tea. (99 Nassau St.)

Americas: Pastrami reuben from Friedman’s 

Execution: 10
Presentation: 10
Taste: 10

You can’t go wrong with a classic. American comfort food spot Friedman’s offers up a delectable hand-cut pastrami sandwich on thick rye bread; add Russian dressing, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese and you’ve got yourself a pastrami reuben, a slight deviation from the corned-beef classic invented right here in the United States. (246 Murray St.)

And the winner is…

Cue the downtown National Anthem, stick these babies on a podium and wrap ‘em in gold, because they’re all champions! And if you don’t believe us, try ’em out yourself on your next lunch break.