I’ll be honest with you: I have never been to Mumbai (formerly Bombay), so I can’t personally vouch for the authenticity of these Bombay Sandwiches. But I can vouch for the fact that these veggie sandwiches slathered with a spicy-herby chutney are addictive. My former co-author/co-blogger Juliana and I first shared a version of this Bombay sandwich recipe in our book The Lazy Gourmet and it has been on our minds ever since. Like, for real.

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What Are Bombay Sandwiches?

Food stalls on the streets of the Indian city of Mumbai sell these delicious vegetarian sandwiches. The recipe varies from vendor to vendor. Some Bombay sandwiches are grilled, some have cheese in them, but all include buttered bread filled with a combination of cooked and raw vegetables and are seasoned with a spicy herb chutney and a chaat masala spice mixture.  

Cooked potato is a mainstay ingredient in a Bombay sandwich, with other vegetables including bell peppers, sliced red onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and more. Most include a green chutney made of fresh herbs and chilies and an aromatic spice mixture (masala). Our Cilantro Yogurt Chutney combines the chutney and spice mixture into a creamy yogurt sauce.

How Are Bombay Sandwiches Made?

Our version of the Bombay sandwich is super easy to make. We mix up a sauce of minced garlic, ginger, herbs, chilies, and other spices (we use garam masala) in a yogurt base. Next we slather unsalted butter on slices of soft, slightly sweet white bread (we love to use our own Buttermilk Bread, but you can also find country-style buttermilk bread in any supermarket). We microwave a potato until it is tender, then slice it and layer it onto the buttered bread along with sliced raw vegetables. Finally, we spoon the Cilantro Yogurt Chutney over the veggies and then top with a second slice of buttered bread. The butter is crucial as it keeps the bread from getting soggy.

Can You Add Other Things to a Bombay Sandwich?

Yes! You can get as creative as you want here. Add steamed or roasted beets, pickled onions, sliced radishes, or other veggies. You can also add slices of cheese—I like a sharp white Cheddar, creamy Fontina, or mild Paneer, but you can use any good melting cheese. You can also grill the sandwiches, which is especially recommended for the cheesy version.