Not all sandwiches are made equal, and these are the ones that prove it.
We love our rice; that fact cannot be argued with. However, here in Manila, we also have a surprisingly strong sandwich culture. The problem is that truly good sandwiches can still be hard to find. It’s easy enough to eat something wedged between two slices of bread, but it’s tricky to find a sandwich that actually feels worth going out of your way for. So we did the looking for you: here’s your trusted guide to some of the best places in Manila for a proper sandwich, and what to order when you get there.
READ ALSO: Scoop, Eat, Repeat: 5 Tiramisu Spots In Manila Worth A Taste
717 Deli
Run by chef Lance Elmer Ngo, 717 Deli has gone viral on Instagram for its “premium deli”‑style sandwich burgers, fish sandwiches, and patty melts. Known for high‑quality ingredients, generous portions, and a low‑key setup in the San Juan area near Greenhills Shopping Center, it has built a reputation as one of Manila’s best sandwich shops over the last couple of years.
We recommend: The Halibut Sandwich, a no-nonsense combination of beer-battered halibut fillet, cheddar, and tartare sauce on a homemade brioche bun. Add caviar for an extra splash of indulgence.
Scratch
Small, busy, and firmly no-reservations, Scratch sits inside the Comuna complex in Makati like a secret you’re meant to pass along. Founded by Ralph Sy and Charlene Ng, it leans into an eclectic, café-adjacent menu where unexpected combinations tend to land. Their occasionally offbeat sandwiches are built on good bread and guided by a clear instinct for balance, not excess.
We recommend: The Mortadella Sandwich, with its folds of mortadella layered between thick focaccia and sharpened with a creamy cheese and bright, herbaceous pesto.
Deli by Chele
A spin-off from the Michelin-starred chef behind Gallery by Chele, this concept channels the spirit of a New York deli through a Filipino-Spanish lens. Local ingredients are the focal point of the menu, which focuses on ready-to-eat sandwiches, pastries, and pantry staples. More than a sandwich shop, it’s a chef’s delicious take on the grab-and-go concept.
We recommend: The Feisty Fin, which is a nod to the classic lox-and-schmear, featuring dill cream cheese, smoked salmon, and pickled green peppers on sourdough.
Fowlbread
Fowlbread calls itself the “best fried chicken sandwich in Manila.” It’s a daring claim, but not an unfounded one. Its piece de resistance is crisp, juicy fried chicken breast placed on soft bread, with just enough mayo, pickles, and heat to keep things moving. It’s a go-to haunt for when you want something immediate, satisfying, and oh-so indulgent.
We recommend: The fried chicken sandwich with extra Russian dressing.
12/10
Not quite a sandwich shop, but worth including anyway. 12/10 is actually a trendy izakaya better known for omakase, small plates, and tasting menus. Still, its sandos stand out as precise, compact, and unexpectedly rich. To give you some perspective, they’re like a more considered take on the konbini egg sandwiches found across Tokyo.
We recommend: The Gyūtan “Philly,” which combines Angus beef tongue with provolone, cheddar, green pepper, and white onion, all tucked into soft milk bread.
