What makes a sandwich great?

The perfect sandwich! That was a headline I saw the other day.

I never read the article itself but pondered about the exclamation mark as it showcased quite some confidence in the statement.

What is the perfect sandwich? I asked a few chefs and the answers might surprise you as warm chicken seems to be the meat favoured by Pam Kelly of Farmgate Restaurant in the English Market and Kate Lawlor of Perry Street.

Both agree that the bread is important and both insisting on fresh Irish butter with Kate adding pickled cucumber to hers.

Bryan Phelan, proprietor and chef at Village Deli in Kerry Pike simply loves sandwiches as a food group as long as the produce is local, fresh and simple. Head over to his Instagram account where you will see mouth-watering samples of the humble sandwich.

When I asked Mr T on his favourite, he says nothing is better than a turkey sandwich in the evening of Christmas day with slices of turkey, ham, roast beef and lashes of relish in front of the TV. He is also known to add layers of layers of leftover cheese and stuffing. When I mentioned the Christmas staple, Bryan Phelan could only agree.

Sandwiches are the cornerstone of convenience and you can find versions of it in any shop, garden centre and petrol station. The packaged variety is the go-to option for many time strapped commuters on route to work or home – most of them rather forgettable examples of what could be a scrumptious culinary delight.

For me, the perfect sandwich is a harmonious blend of flavours, textures, and creativity (adding pickles and relishes will lift even the most boring sandwich to new heights).

The choice of bread sets the tone for the entire composition, offering flavours and textures to complement the filling.

Whether it's the rustic charm of artisanal sourdough (my preferred choice) or the hearty beauty of whole grain – the bread is the canvas of the perfect sandwich. But at the core of every memorable sandwich lies the filling – the ingredient that steals the spotlight and captivates the taste buds and where most commercial sandwiches fall flat.

The perfect filling strikes a delicate balance between contrasting flavours and textures, marrying ingredients in a symphony of taste. From slices of roasted turkey to savoury strips of grilled vegetables, the creamy richness of avocado paired with the tangy bite of goats cheese or the smoky sweetness of barbecue pulled pork paired with a delicious apple chutney, each bite should tantalize and delight.

While the bread and filling are extremely important, it's the enhancements – the condiments, spreads, and toppings – that elevate it from ordinary to extraordinary and to create bold and unexpected flavour combinations.

From homemade chutney and relishes to commercial versions, from pickles to Italian mustard fruits – be brave and let your tastebuds dance the dance of happiness.

Ultimately, the perfect sandwich is more than the sum of its parts – it's an experience, a journey of taste and texture that delights the palate and nourishes the soul as food should be.

Next time you find yourself craving a satisfying meal, remember the simple yet profound pleasures of the perfect sandwich.