Paris Embraces the Plant-Based Sandwich: Five Addresses Leading the Trend
Paris, November 28, 2025 – A culinary shift is underway in Paris, as plant-based sandwiches gain prominence, moving beyond customary meat-centric offerings. While the sandwich’s origins are often traced to 18th-century England and John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who purportedly consumed grilled beef between bread slices at the gaming table – a story debated by historians who suggest earlier medieval precedents – the modern Parisian sandwich scene is increasingly defined by vegetables, tofu, and innovative plant-based ingredients.Here’s a guide to five Paris addresses offering a greener take on this classic.
At Plan D, Breaded Squash and Smoky Sauce
Plan D distinguishes its sandwiches as “dwichs,” all entirely vegan and categorized by color schemes – red, yellow, green, and more. This autumn’s menu includes a “brown” dwich featuring portobello mushrooms prepared to mimic roast chicken with a pepper sauce. However, it’s the “orange” dwich, priced at €10, featuring breaded butternut squash, that stands out. The service can be a bit slow, but the quality justifies the wait. Each sandwich is built on a generous organic loaf from Dupain bakery, a texture somewhere between a ciabatta and a focaccia, layered with grated and thyme-roasted carrots. The result is a compelling interplay of textures – crispy, crunchy, and soft – enhanced by the indulgence of breaded squash and homemade ras el-hanout mayonnaise, and deepened by a smoky homemade sauce. Limited seating is available at the counter or on two outdoor tables, but enjoying the dwich a short walk away along the Canal Saint-Martin, weather permitting, is highly recommended.
