Cucumber sandwich
Updated:
7 Sep 2020
The traditional cucumber sandwich is composed of paper-thin slices of cucumber placed between two thin slices of crustless, lightly buttered bread. The traditional cucumber sandwich originated in the UK and is made with white bread. Modern variants (largely of US origin) exist, involving cream cheese, chopped dill or spices, brown bread, salmon, and even bread with crusts left intact. One specific US variant includes benedictine, a green soft spread based on cucumbers and cream cheese. Cucumber sandwiches are most often served for a light snack or at afternoon tea, a formal light meal served at four in the afternoon or early evening before the main supper. In addition, cucumber sandwiches can be served in the tea break at club cricket matches in England. Cucumber sandwiches are often eaten in the summer months or in warmer climates, such as in parts of India. Because of English influence on Indian culture, cucumber sandwiches are popular during cricket matches and weekend picnics. The Indian variant is flavoured with green chutney and sometimes contains slices of boiled potatoes. Until its demise in 2011, Indian Airlines used to serve cucumber sandwiches as part of its usual vegetarian inflight meal in short-haul domestic flights.