Portland’s Favorite Sandwich Ingredients: What’s Trending?

Vibrant food culture has now become one of the defining terms for Portland. The ‘city of roses’ in the state of Oregon of the United States of America boasts itself as one of the world’s greatest food cities, according to WalletHub. Across the nation, Portland’s fame as a “sandwich hotspot” amongst many of its other culinary offerings is certainly gaining traction. This city loves to experiment with flavours that cater both to the local love and enthusiasm for innovative sandwiches. The hug between two slices of bread is not just about whipping up a bite, rather you can say it is a testament to the celebration of art and innovation of Portland's ethnicity. Of course from gourmet delis to food carts, Portland never fails to push the limits with its unique sandwich offerings which are both healthy and tasty.

city of portland with buildings, a highway and mountains in the far background

 From high-quality, artisanal ingredients to increasing popularity of plant based and vegan options, from local and seasonal ingredients to unique and exotic flavours, from classic favourites with a twist to gluten free and health conscious choices, Portland sandwiches are ready to meet your expectations. Looking for a spot to grab a bite that is as tasty as it is wholesome?  Hey foodie, then it is time to  say hello to Charlie’s Deli which is here to appease your appetite. “Life is too short for a bad sandwich.” But worry not! This blog is here to take you on an exploration of trending sandwich ingredients in Portland that make these  classic creations stand out in every respect. So let’s have a delicious dive! 

The Rise of Gourmet Ingredients :

When it comes to using  top notch artisanal ingredients in sandwiches, Portland is a pro. Here comes artisan cheeses and special meats (from house-cured pastrami to roasted turkey and smoked brisket, the meats are often sourced from nearby farms and crafted with care) to elevate every sandwich to gourmet status.  Charlie’s Deli opens the door for a series of must try sandwiches like Alicia’s Cuban Sandwich  ( where slow wood smoked pork and ham meet with smoked Swiss cheese), The Italian Job (made with Genoa salami and hardwood smoked provolone cheese) and many more.  These are absolutely no run-of-the-mill slices, they are crafted with care to pack a punch of flavour bite in your mouth. 

Sandwich with slow wood smoked pork and ham with smoked swiss cheese

Alicia’s Cuban Sandwich is a best seller, loved by locals and visitors alike.

Plant-Based and Vegan Options :

Do not worry if you are a vegan. Do not worry if animal based ingredients are not your cup of tea. Because Charlie’s Deli is here to make you drool with its array of plant based veggie sandwiches. Nothing can beat the crunch of fresh, organic, juicy and lively vegetables – a staple in Portland sandwiches. From tomato to lettuce, onion to cucumber, black olives to pepperoncini and French dijon mustard - they not only bring vibrant colours but  also add flavours to every bite of them. Alicia’s Seasoned Vegan Tofu stuffed with Alicia’s special homemade oven-grilled fresh tofu wedges, tomato, lettuce, onion, pepperoncini, French dijon mustard, and Pearl Bakery big soft ciabatta is a great choice.  Alicia’s Veggie Sandwich, a perfect pairing of smoked tillamook sharp cheddar, Pearl Bakery big soft ciabatta, tomato, lettuce, onion, cucumber, black olives, pepperoncini, French dijon mustard, and balsamic marsala vinaigrette is here to win hearts. Cheers to vegetable lovers! 

Sandwich with grilled tofu, lettuce and onion in soft bread

Alicia’s homemade seasoned Vegan Tofu is most certainly going to meet your expectations in terms of both quality and taste.

Local and Seasonal Ingredients:

Locally sourced and seasonal ingredients are not just trendy tag lines, they are essential for unbeatable freshness and flavour. Believe it Or not it allows chefs and sandwich makers to experiment with different flavours and reveal the untold stories of combinations based on the availability – a key to keeping the menu dynamic and exciting. Your choice of Alicia’s Seasoned Vegan Tofu -  a special homemade oven-grilled fresh tofu wedges with tomato, lettuce, onion, pepperoncini, French dijon mustard, and Pearl Bakery big soft ciabatta is going to be a great choice no doubt. The Charlie’s Rachel is another cherry on top. Real Turkey On Ciabatta - the house smoked real turkey, breast and thigh meat along with fresh veggies is a must try. Strawberry Fields Forever is worth trying if you want to give your taste buds the real flavour of seasonal items of Portland. 

Sandwich with turkey, bacon and lettuce with caramelised onions and a side of pasta salad

Scrumptious Strawberry Fields Forever

Unique and Exotic Flavours :

The increasing global demand for more adventurous and diverse flavours in food, adds to the trend of incorporating unique and exotic flavours into sandwiches. And Charlie’s Deli never disappoints the global food enthusiasts where it comes to giving a try to out of the box. The Italian Job introduces you to the exotic Genoa salami added with Pearl Bakery French baguette is no less a culinary fusion to give a unique twist to your gustatory self. Croque Monsieur Our Way !  is the one that takes you on a tour to England with its 18-month Welsh white cheddar. Have you ever tried Swiss cheese in sandwiches? If not then the unique – The Charlie’s Rachel,Charlie’s Corned Beef on Rye ,Charlie’s Pastrami on Rye are surely the ones that you want. N’awlins Muffuletta made with house made Muffuletta Olive Tapenade, grilled Genoa salami, mortadella and pepperon is indeed a unique taste. So if you are a connoisseur of unique and exotic palate, Charlie’s Deli welcomes you wholeheartedly! 

between slices of ciabetta bread there is meat, lettuce and olives

The Italian Job is another one of the Deli’s bestsellers, guaranteed to make you come for second servings!

Classic Favourites with a Twist :

Classics are timeless. But what if you find a unique spin on them? Yes, you guessed it right! Charlie’s Deli’s reinvention of its classic items with modern twists now catches the whole spotlight. And guess what, they are sure to win your heart once again with its reinvention. Applewood slow smoked thick cut bacon slices paired with crunchy iceberg lettuce, fresh sliced tomato, and house made mayonnaise on Grand Central Bakery Campagnolo Sourdough slices, grilled to make perfect, classic Bacon Lettuce and Tomato welcomes  a twist with the addition of avocado slices and gourmet grilled cheese. A worth trying. Right? The classic, The Charlie’s Reuben made with Charlie’s home made traditional corned beef twists the familiar taste with sliced avocado and double cheese. Explore Charlie’s Deli and give your taste buds a classic twist! Isn’t it? 

Charlie’s home made, traditional corned beef, smoked Swiss cheese, Pearl Bakery marble rye bread, sauerkraut, thousand island sauce, and waffle cut pickles brushed with fresh butter to grill.

Gluten-Free and Health-Conscious Choices :

To make a balance between health and the desire for variety in diet have led to the inclusion of ingredients like quinoa, avocado, sprouts, and other superfoods in sandwiches. These ingredients not only just cater to health enthusiasts but also add unique flavours and textures which creates the sandwiches more appealing and acceptable. Sounds good! The growing demand for gluten-free and healthier sandwich options is driven by several factors. More people are prone to be diagnosed with celiac disease. Moreover the increased awareness of dietary restrictions, a focus on health and wellness, and consumer desire for more diverse and nutritious food choices are leading factors. But you do not need to compromise with your cravings. Yes, not even with your diet chart! Because in order to meet the global demands, Charlie’s Deli offers gluten free breads in almost each sandwiches and add-ons like fresh sliced avocado, tomato, lettuce and whatnot in a bead to offer everyone a wholesome experience. 

Customer Favourites:

Charlie’s Deli never fails to make food enthusiasts drool over their collection of sandwiches. Which is why some of their palates have made an indelible mark in the list of unforgettable classics. Alicia’s Cuban Sandwich, Prime Rib Philly, The Italian Job, Real Turkey on Ciabatta are pretty loved.  Their unique and flavourful ingredients along with the promise to good and healthy living are consistently making them pretty top rated at Charlie’s Deli.

sandwich with house smoked real turkey, breast and thigh meat- hardwood smoked provolone cheese- tomato, lettuce, red onion, pepperocini in sandwich

House smoked real turkey, breast and thigh meat, hardwood smoked provolone cheese, Pearl Bakery big soft ciabatta, tomato, lettuce, red onion, pepperoncini. Our real Turkey on Ciabatta never disappoints.

Our customer favourite, Prime Rib Philly, its alderwood slow smoked prime rib tossed with hardwood smoked provolone, grilled onions, jus, and smoked garlic mayo on a Pearl Bakery French baguette.

Portland, the ultimate destination where creativity and culinary find a special space, is no less a paradise for food lovers. ‘The city of roses', apart from roses, is home to an array of quality, mouth watering masterpieces. And Portland sandwiches are the testament to the city’s everlasting love for culinary innovation. No matter if you are a vegetarian or non vegetarian, Portland sandwiches have something to satisfy every craving. From using animal based food items to catch the trend of rising gourmet ingredients or be it topping the trend of using plant based vegan resources, be it seasoned with fresh local and seasonal ingredients or unique and exotic flavour, just grab one of your choice. Want some innovative combination of classic and modern to surprise your taste buds?  Portland sandwiches are everything you are craving for. Do stop second guessing if you are a wellness enthusiast or health nut, and let your tummy rumble for sandwiches. Because Charlie’s Deli offers a number of  options for health conscious choices including gluten free breads, salads, fresh and colourful veggies ensuring you do not  compromise on flavour for wellness. Happy health, happy tummy! So what are you waiting for? Nurture your travelling spirit to visit Portland and obviously for the culinary adventure that awaits you. So next time you are in the sandwich hotspot do not just satiate your eyes with its scenic beauty, do some justice to your olfactory sense and cherish a gustatory memory. Charlie’s Deli is here to take you on a delicious dive into the world of mouth watering and trending Portland sandwiches and ingredients. Bon appétit!