kids encyclopedia robot

Roast beef sandwich facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Roast beef sandwich
Roast Beef Grinder.JPG
A roast beef submarine sandwich
Arbysbeefandfries
A hot roast beef sandwich from Arby's with fries

A roast beef sandwich is a tasty sandwich made with thin slices of roast beef. You can find them in many diners and fast food places, like Arby's and Roy Rogers Restaurants.

This sandwich often comes on a hamburger bun. People sometimes add barbecue sauce or melted American cheese. Other common ingredients include cold roast beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and mustard. You might also find cheese, horseradish, chili pepper, or red onion on them. Roast beef sandwiches can be served hot or cold. Sometimes they are served open-faced, meaning without a top slice of bread.

History of the Roast Beef Sandwich

Some people believe the modern American-style roast beef sandwich started around 1877. Back then, it was a less known dish called "beefsteak toast." This dish had cold beef, bread, and gravy.

In 1900, The Washington Post newspaper described the dish as "unattractive." But it became more popular over the years. By 1931, some people even called it "a true taste of South Dakota."

Roast Beef Sandwiches Across the USA

Roast beef sandwiches have been very popular in the Boston area since the early 1950s. Especially in the North Shore of Massachusetts, they are a specialty. These sandwiches are usually served with very rare, thinly sliced beef. The beef is often piled high on an onion roll.

Many restaurants in this area specialize in roast beef sandwiches. Some famous ones include Kelly's in Revere and John's in Lynn.

A popular type of roast beef sandwich in Eastern Massachusetts often has mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and white American Cheese. People might use one, two, or all three of these toppings. When all three sauces are used together, it's often called a "three-way." Some people also add a creamy horseradish sauce for extra flavor. The Kelly's Roast Beef restaurant in Revere, Massachusetts, says they invented this sandwich in 1951.

Other Similar Sandwiches

Beef on Weck

Small - Beef on Weck
A traditional beef on weck sandwich

The beef on weck is a special sandwich found mostly in Western New York. It uses roast beef on a kummelweck roll. This roll is topped with salt and caraway seeds. The beef is usually served rare and thinly sliced. The top part of the bun is often dipped in au jus, which is the beef juice from cooking. It's also topped with horseradish.

Chivito Sandwich

The chivito sandwich is a national dish from Uruguay. It mainly has a thin slice of filet mignon beef. Other ingredients include mozzarella, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and black or green olives. It often also has bacon, fried or hard-boiled eggs, and ham. This sandwich is served in a bun, usually with French fries on the side. Sometimes, people add red beets, peas, grilled peppers, or cucumber slices.

Corned Beef Sandwich

The corned beef sandwich is made with corned beef. In the United States, these sandwiches are usually served with mustard and a pickle. In the United Kingdom, a type of pickle relish is a common addition.

French Dip

French Dip Sandwich
A French dip sandwich

The French dip sandwich is a hot sandwich. It has thinly sliced roast beef on a "French roll" or baguette. It is usually served au jus, which is the juice from cooking the beef. Sometimes, beef broth is used instead. Even though it's called "French dip," this sandwich is an American specialty. It's almost unknown in France. The name likely refers to the type of bread used.

Pastrami on Rye

The pastrami on rye is a classic sandwich. It became famous in the Jewish kosher delicatessens of New York City. Sussman Volk first created it in 1888 at his deli on Delancey Street. It quickly became a favorite at other delis. It's served on rye bread and topped with spicy brown mustard. Delis like Katz's Delicatessen in New York City are well-known for their Pastrami on rye sandwiches.

Images for kids

kids search engine
Roast beef sandwich Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.