Five of the best: sandwiches

Best for languid lunchbreaks: Cafe Foy 

This little gem of an independent eatery has swiftly snuck onto local foodies’ radars.

The Quayside-based Cafe Foy, named for the motto of landlords Magdalene College, only opened its doors at the start of April this year, but has already garnered praise from all corners thanks to its short but smart menu packed with unwaveringly delicious options – including several toasted sandwiches.

In the interest of research, we went for the sandwich which takes the cafe’s name – the Foy – and it surpassed expectations. Magnificently toasted on the exterior, and filled with a melting ‘signature blend’ of four cheeses and bechamel sauce – plus an irresistible addition of a few slices of Radmore cured ham – the toastie came accompanied by a small heap of pickles and perfectly-pink celeriac coleslaw.

Cafe Foy also has an alcohol licence, so you can wash your sandwich down with a cold pint of Vedett or choose from the well-appointed wine list, drawn up by Cambridge Wine Merchants – ideal for the summer evenings. Dodge the tourists, politely decline a punt tour and get yourself there fast, before the masses cotton on.

Best for lazy mornings and weekend treats: Urban Larder 

Come for the doughnuts; stay for the toasties. This much-loved, uncomplicated Mill Road eatery doesn’t just do sweet treats and some of the best coffee in the area – the savoury toasted sandwiches are the stuff of legend and (crucially) available all day long, fuelling every sort of sandwich need from early morning recoveries through to regular lunchbreaks or even early suppers.

Made from Jigsaw Bakery sourdough, these lovingly-prepared toasties are perfectly crunchy on the outside, then gooey, soul-warming and completely delicious – especially when washed down with a large one of those aforementioned mugs of coffee. The cheese and mushroom option’s a big hit if you’re feeling in need of something restorative – and the tubs of Lego on each table will keep your brain well occupied while you wait for your toastie to arrive.

Best for mobile workers and vegan eaters: Espresso Library  

Don your smartest Rapha top, grab your MacBook and seek out a seat at this extremely popular industrial-styled cafe on East Road in the heart of the city. This light and airy gallery-like space is filled with some of Cambridge’s coolest customers, all enjoying the completely splendid coffee and array of eats designed to cater for all kinds of tastes and lifestyles.

Owners John and Malgo champion plant-powered options where possible, and their daily changing toasted ciabatta is perfect for those who find menus challenging elsewhere – on the day we dropped by the filling on offer was marinaded tofu, sweet roasted peppers and fresh rocket galore.

There’s also a bacon sandwich which appears on the brunch menu, which those of a vegan persuasion can switch to tempeh for a meatless feast. Settle down under the suspended bicycles to enjoy the ambiance and who knows – you might find yourself sharing a table with the next JK…

Best for takeaways or creative foodies: Culinaris 

You might not have realised it, but lurking in the back of this distinguished deli lies one of the finest sandwich options in the city. The provided menu ticksheet on Culinaris’s counter is a starting point for your quest, with well-matched suggestions marked out to help guide you through hunger-based indecision but – if you’re feeling creative – you can technically choose any of the deli meats and cheeses from the full-to-bursting fridges to stuff your ciabatta-style roll, created in Culinaris’s own bakery in Hungary (where the shop originated). The only limit is your imagination. And your budget, of course…

Make your own way through the myriad of options, or ask for advice from resident sandwich artists Dom and Kate – whatever combination you end up with will be delicious. With such stunning produce on offer, how could it not be?

Additionally, there should really be some sort of award for those who manage to escape this Aladdin’s Cave of culinary wonders with just a sandwich in hand – successfully resisting the high-end single origin chocolates and other delights takes willpower of steel.

Once your sandwich is ready to go, you could stroll over to the Mill Road cemetery for a reflective hour out – or wander up to Parker’s Piece for the ultimate in Cambridge lunchbreaks.

Best for meat fans: Bread & Meat

Nestled on the heart of Bene’t Street, this well-established independent is constantly bustling. Simply put, they sell five different sandwiches, which also come in breadless ‘bowls’. They also serve sides and a neat set of milkshakes. But really, you’re here for the porchetta.

This sandwich is served warm in a crusty white ciabatta roll, bursting with palate-shatteringly-crispy crackling, a generous serving of melt-in-the-mouth overnight roast pork and piquant salsa verde to cut through the richness (pick up a glass of their homemade lemonade as well, which works wonders to balance the meatiness of the main event).

STREET FOOD SANDWICHES 

If you’re in the mood for food of a street style, the Tin Kitchen truck has to be your target. Serving up hot, filled ciabatta rolls packed with slabs of grilled halloumi, pulled pork, harissa chicken and sometimes even meatballs (glory be), this mobile van pops up across the city throughout the week and is normally to be found at foodPark – but check Instagram and Twitter for the latest locations. It’s worth the hunt – trust us…

IG @thetin.kitchen | TW @tin_kitchen