You Haven’t Really Eaten in New York Until You’ve Tried These Vegan Sandwiches

Research suggests that, on average, Americans eat around six sandwiches a week. In fact, a study from Talker Research found that more than half of Americans say they could eat sandwiches (and only sandwiches) every day for the rest of their lives.

The simple dish was reportedly invented in the UK in the 18th century. The story goes that the 4th Earl of Sandwich (side note: Sandwich is also a town in Kent, England) loved gambling so much that he didn’t want to leave the table even for meals. So, he asked his servant to bring him something he could hold in one hand: meat between two slices of bread. And thus, a culinary classic was born.

Jump to the sandwiches

According to Talker Research, the top sandwich fillings in the US are grilled cheese, chicken, turkey, ham, tuna, egg, peanut butter and jelly, and meatballs. A separate study confirms that Brits also rate the cheese sandwich as their number one. In France, the croque madame is a favorite, while the torta is a staple in Mexico. Sandwiches are loved worldwide; there’s no denying it.

But if there’s one place in the US where you know you’ll find a great sandwich, it’s New York City.

Why New York is famous for sandwiches

New York isn’t short of delicious sandwiches, largely due to the sheer number of delis scattered throughout the city. One of the most famous is Katz’s Delicatessen, which opened back in the 1880s. It quickly became known for its juicy, loaded sandwiches filled with meats like corned beef, pastrami, and brisket.

Katz Delicatessen is still open today. Last year, it even launched its first vegan pastrami sandwich, which it offered for one day only. 

Katz’s Delicatessen

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New York is also often credited as the birthplace of several iconic sandwiches. The Reuben, for example, was likely invented in the early 1900s at Reuben’s Restaurant and Delicatessen on Park Avenue (though its origins are also claimed by other places). Meanwhile, the club sandwich likely originated at either the Union Club or the Saratoga Club, both located in New York. Additionally, Blue Sky Deli in East Harlem is widely credited with creating the chopped cheese sandwich.

Where to find the best vegan sandwiches in New York

Today, New York City is overflowing with delicious sandwich options for both locals and visitors. While many are stacked high with meat and cheese, the city also boasts an impressive and growing selection of mouthwatering plant-based picks. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our top vegan sandwich spots.

Spring Cafe

 

1 Spring Cafe

Chinatown’s Spring Cafe is a must-visit for nourishing, flavor-packed sandwiches served on organic multigrain bread. Keep it light and fresh with the Spring Sandwich, a vibrant combo of avocado, cucumber, lettuce, and mango. Or go full comfort mode with the vegan ham, egg, and cheese, complete with mayo and ketchup for that classic breakfast sandwich feel.
Find it here

@veganjewelsnyc | Instagram

2 Leo’s Bagels

Leo’s Bagels is famous for its expertly hand-rolled bagels, and while a classic plain with cream cheese is always a solid choice, the real magic is in the sandwiches. Vegan-friendly fillings include No Egg Salad, tofu cream cheese, hummus, and avocado.
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Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli

3Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli

This beloved deli has earned the nickname the “Saigon version of Katz’s Deli,” a high compliment that speaks to its delicious sandwich offerings. But what truly sets it apart? The vegan options. Plant-based standouts include vegetarian chicken with lemongrass and vegetarian curry chicken.
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Beepublic

4 Beepublic

Stop by Brooklyn’s Beepublic for a satisfying plant-based brunch. Sandwich standouts include the classic BLT, loaded with crispy vegan bacon, and the flavor-packed Spicy Buffalo Chick’n Sandwich, featuring a kick of adobo.
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ElectroJam | Happy Cow

5 Mamoun’s Falafel

Mamoun’s Falafel is a go-to spot for traditional Middle Eastern-style sandwiches, all served in warm pita pockets and loaded with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and tahini. For a flavor-packed combo, don’t miss The West Village, filled with crispy falafel, smoky baba ganoush, and pickles.
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The Bonnie

6 The Bonnie

The Bonnie may be best known for its late-night cocktails, but its brunch menu deserves just as much attention. A standout option is the mushroom bánh mì, a flavorful twist on the classic, packed with cilantro, pickled carrots, mushroom pâté, and fragrant five-spice shiitake. 
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Orchard Grocer

7Orchard Grocer

This all-vegan deli consistently delivers on juicy, satisfying sandwiches. With a lineup of 14 mouthwatering options, it’s hard to go wrong. Standouts include The Edith with smoky carrot lox, The Poppy featuring housemade chickpea tuna, and The Georgie with crispy chicken-fried tofu.
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The Hummus & Pita Co

8 The Hummus & Pita Co

Head to one of The Hummus & Pita Co.’s three New York locations to sample its flavor-packed, Middle Eastern-inspired sandwiches. A standout is the vegan meatballs laffa, featuring Moroccan-style plant-based meatballs wrapped in warm laffa bread and topped with a mildly spicy sauce.
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Clementine Bakery

9 Clementine Bakery

Clementine Bakery is a beloved Brooklyn vegan spot with a stacked lineup of flavorful sandwiches. Try the Rozy with roasted butternut squash and rosemary focaccia or go for the indulgent po’ boy, loaded with crispy cauliflower.
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A.T.M. Vegan Deli

10 A.T.M. Vegan Deli

As you might have guessed from the name, this Brooklyn hotspot is a top destination for vegan deli-style eats. With 16 delicious options on the menu, you are spoiled for choice. Try the N.Y.C., stacked with smoky seitan pastrami, or the B.E.C., featuring maple wood smoked mushrooms, tofu over easy, vegan cheddar, and rich yolk sauce.
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Seitan’s Helper

11 Seitan’s Helper

Another Brooklyn favorite, Seitan’s Helper is known for juicy, hearty sandwiches that hit the spot every time. Be sure to try the Triple Threat, stacked with vegan mortadella, salami, pepperoni, sliced cheese, roasted red peppers, banana peppers, red onion, greens, mayo, and tangy vinaigrette.
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Vegan On The Fly

12 Vegan On The Fly

If you’re a fan of chopped cheese, Vegan On The Fly is a must-visit. Their extensive sandwich menu features two plant-based takes on the New York classic: the Impossible chopped cheese and the chicken chopped cheese.
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13 Plantega

Plantega serves up all the bodega classics you know and love, only made entirely from plants. Dive into hearty sandwiches like the Cubano, the buffalo meatball sub, or the BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato) for a satisfying plant-based twist on your favorites.
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