The Bourdain Sandwich wasn’t an invention by the late great chef it was named after. Rather, it was a sandwich he became obsessed with.
It’s composed of just four items: thick-cut mortadella that’s fried until the edges crisp up, melted provolone cheese, mayonnaise, and a soft Kaiser roll to cradle them all in. The celebrity chef, author and travel documentarian first wrote about it in his 1990s memoir and discussed it multiple times on television, in interviews, and in his books.
Bourdain has a great deal of respect and appreciation for fine dining, but, as seen throughout his books and TV shows, he championed street food, neighborhood eateries, hawker stalls, and diners. And this sandwich supports that—it isn’t refined and over-the-top; it is simply delicious.
Over the years, the sandwich has evolved from Bourdain’s personal favorite into a menu staple at delis and restaurants around the world, Manila included. Some of them may not follow the Bourdain sandwich to a T but they still guarantee ultimate satisfaction.
The Manila Spots Serving Their Own Take on the Bourdain Sandwich
1. Mortadella Supreme from 717 Deli
If there’s a sandwich in Manila that comes closest to the original, it might be the Mortadella Supreme from 717 Deli. Served on a house-made brioche bun, the sandwich features seared mortadella, melted provolone, mustard garlic mayo, and arugula to balance the richness.
“I think we started offering the mortadella last 2024. We just saw Bourdain’s favorite sandwich and tried it, and it was too salty for us, so we added arugula to cut the saltiness,” says owner Lance Ngo. The result is a version that stays true to the original while feeling distinctly its own.
717 Deli is located at 3/F Fox Square Building, 53 Connecticut Street, Greenhills, San Juan City
2. Mortadella Burrata Sandwich from Joel’s Place
Joel’s Place takes a more Italian approach by stacking mortadella, green ice lettuce, pesto, and creamy burrata inside ciabatta bread. It’s more herbaceous than the classic, but still delivers the guilt-inducing richness mortadella lovers crave.
Joel’s Place is located at the ground Floor, Glorietta 4, Rustan’s Expansion, Ayala Center, and at the ground floor of the Proscenium Retail Row at The Presocenium Residences, Rockwell Center, Makati.
3. Bourdain Sandwich at ST. ALi Coffee
The most literal interpretation comes from ST. ALi Coffee, which proudly calls its offering the Bourdain Sandwich. It has the same components, only this time, the filling is lodged in a crusty French baguette, slathered with mustard for a surprising but most welcome sharpness.
ST. ALi Coffee is located at the Grand Hyatt Residences, South Tower, BGC, Taguig.
4. Mortadella Sandwich from Goods from Scratch
Their take is more contemporary than classic but still crave-worthy: sliced mortadella, pesto, whipped ricotta, and hot honey are sandwiched in between the bakery’s signature focaccia.
Goods from Scratch is located at 106 Aguirre Street, Legazpi Village, Makati.
5. Mortadella Sandwich from Sicilian Roast
The people at Sicilian Roast throws an unexpected flavor profile into the mix: pistachio cream! The addition of that nutty sweetness to the layers of mortadella, arugula, and ricotta is an ode to the classic Italian combination.
For a full list of their branches, visit www.sicilianroast.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bourdain sandwich is a simple sandwich made with fried mortadella, provolone cheese, mayonnaise, and a Kaiser roll.
No. Anthony Bourdain did not invent the sandwich, but he frequently wrote and spoke about his love for it, helping make it famous.
The sandwich is named after Anthony Bourdain because of his well-documented obsession with it throughout his books, interviews, and television appearances.
It is rich, savory, salty, cheesy, and comforting, with crispy fried mortadella providing much of its signature flavor.
Traditional versions use mortadella, an Italian cured meat often described as a more refined cousin of bologna.
Popular options include 717 Deli, Joel’s Place, ST. ALi Coffee, Goods from Scratch, and Sicilian Roast.
The classic recipe uses provolone cheese.
