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Submarine sandwich

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A submarine sandwich is a staple of American cuisine. It is commonly known by the shortened name, "sub."

Mmm... salami, ham, and cheeses on a hoagie roll (6879014927)
Mmm... salami, ham, and cheeses on a hoagie roll (6879014927)

This meal uses an elongated bread roll that is split lengthwise. The interior is filled with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Condiments are also added to provide extra flavor. These sandwiches can be served either cold or hot.

Mmm...meatball sub (5183008075)
Mmm...meatball sub (5183008075)

Some versions are made extra long for large groups. These are called party subs and are cut into pieces for guests.

Party sub
Party sub

The construction of a sub follows a specific pattern. First, an elongated roll is sliced open along its length. Next, layers of meat and cheese are placed inside the bread. Vegetables like lettuce, tomato, or onions are added for texture. Finally, condiments such as oils or dressings are applied. In some regions, the sandwich is toasted. In Philadelphia, a toasted hoagie is specifically called a grinder. In other parts of New England, a grinder refers to a hot sandwich containing meatballs or sausage.

Pastrami grinder (2012)
Pastrami grinder (2012)

Regional identities are often tied to the names of these sandwiches. In New York City, the term "hero" is the most common name. This term was first recorded in 1937. In the state of Maine, people enjoy the "Maine Italian." This specific version uses ham, bologna, and American cheese. It often includes Greek olives, pickles, and olive oil. In Boston, some residents use the term "spukie." This name likely comes from the Italian word "spuccadella," which means a long roll.

Italian Salumi (coppa and mortadella)
Italian Salumi (coppa and mortadella)

The history of the sandwich is rooted in Italian-American communities. These groups lived in the northeastern United States between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. This includes states like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. As pizzerias added these sandwiches to their menus, they became very popular. This led to the rise of specialized "sub shops" or "hoagie shops." Today, these sandwiches are found in supermarkets, delis, and large restaurant chains. Some companies, like Wawa, even host annual summer events called "Hoagiefest."

Many theories exist regarding the origin of the name "submarine." One idea is that the roll resembles the shape of a submarine. Some believe the name started in New London, Connecticut, near a Navy base.

Fenianram
Fenianram

Another theory involves an immigrant named Dominic Conti. In 1928, he allegedly saw the Fenian Ram submarine at a museum. He may have named the "submarine roll" after seeing it. In Delaware, advertisements from 1940 show the term was already in use. This suggests the name existed before the United States entered World War II.

The term "hoagie" has several competing histories in Philadelphia. One theory suggests the name came from workers at the Hog Island shipyard during World War I. These workers supposedly made "Hoggies" using meat and cheese. Another theory involves "hokey-pokey men," who were street vendors selling ice cream. A third idea suggests the name comes from the Italian phrase "on the hoke," meaning destitute. In 1928, a man named Alphonso DePalma called himself the "King of the Hoggies." By 1955, the spelling "hoagie" was widely used by local restaurants.

Reading the Hog Island News
Reading the Hog Island News

Submarine sandwiches have achieved massive international popularity. Large franchise chains like Subway have spread the concept globally.

Root44 3 cropped
Root44 3 cropped

Different countries have created their own unique versions. In Belgium, makers use a baguette to create a "dagobert." In South Africa, the sandwich is known as a "Gatsby." Brazil uses the term "torpedo sandwich," while Australia calls them "Conti rolls." These variations show how a single culinary concept can adapt to many different cultures.

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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:Fenianram.jpg
Fenianram.jpg
File:Reading the Hog Island News.png
Reading the Hog Island News.png
File:Mmm... salami, ham, and cheeses on a hoagie roll (6879014927).jpg
Mmm... salami, ham, and cheeses on a...
File:Mmm...meatball sub (5183008075).jpg
Mmm...meatball sub (5183008075).jpg
File:Pastrami grinder (2012).jpg
Pastrami grinder (2012).jpg
File:Italian Salumi (coppa and mortadella).jpg
Italian Salumi (coppa and mortadella).jpg
File:Root44 3 cropped.jpg
Root44 3 cropped.jpg
File:Party sub.jpg
Party sub.jpg
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