A great sandwich is nothing short of life-changing, and my hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, boasts more than its fair share of uniquely transcendent bread-based meals. Asheville is a foodie destination renowned for its plethora of craft breweries, hippie vibes (it’s one of the most vegan-friendly small cities in the United States), and multiple James Beard award-winning and Michelin-recognized restaurants.
While you can certainly enjoy some wonderful high-end cuisine in the mountain town, as an Asheville native, I think the city’s distinctive culinary scene truly shines in its stellar sandwich selection. Some of my favorite local meals come between two slices of bread, can be ordered at a counter, and will set you back well below 20 bucks. Whether you’re packing a picnic lunch to enjoy on a hike in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains or seeking out a satisfyingly messy vegetarian comfort meal to pair with a cold locally-brewed craft beer, here are five exceptional Asheville sandwiches you absolutely have to try, according to a local.
The Bocadillo de Jamón from Cúrate
Cúrate has been one of Asheville’s most sought-after dinner reservations for over 15 years. The James Beard award-winning, Michelin-recommended Spanish spot is most renowned for its delectable upscale tapas combining Iberian and Appalachian flavors, but it also hides a slightly more casual (but no less delicious) side. Served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cúrate’s streamlined “almuerzo” menu quietly includes one of the city’s best sandwiches: the Bocadillo de Jamón.
Like so many incredible Spanish dishes, Cúrate’s Bocadillo de Jamón combines a handful of top-quality ingredients, with magical results. Jamón serrano and crumbly manchego cheese contrast with a fresh, acidic, garlicky tomato fresco, all enveloped in a crusty-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside bread roll. As someone who’s consumed my fair share of bocadillos de jamón across Spain, I can honestly say Cúrates’ version is one of the best I’ve sampled. And, at just $14 at the time of writing, it’s a sandwich that’s well worth the price. Also, while this bocadillo has never lasted very long in my possession, it would make a phenomenal picnic lunch to enjoy on a scenic hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Paneer Tikka Roll from Botiwalla
If you’ve visited or are planning a trip to Asheville, you’ve probably heard of Chai Pani, the city’s iconic James Beard award-winning Indian street food restaurant (which has expanded into a successful restaurant group with outposts across the Southeast). However, you may be less familiar with Chai Pani’s little sister spot, Botiwalla. This fast-casual Indian grill operates two of its four locations in the Asheville area. The cheery counter-service restaurant slings flavor-packed chaat snacks and flatbread rolls stuffed with charcoal-grilled proteins, and whether you’re planning to dine at Chai Pani or not, it’s well worth a stop in its own right…