Easy to make and enjoy, the sandwich is a popular food that’s enjoyed around the world, especially in Western countries. In China, there is a snack that looks similar to a sandwich but has a longer history. The making of roujiamo—which translates as "meat burger" or "meat sandwich"—has a history dating back more than 2,000 years in China.
The sandwich, often associated with 18th-century British aristocrat John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, has become a staple in Western diets. Meanwhile, China’s roujiamo predates this by centuries, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Roujiamo consists of finely chopped meat, usually pork, beef, or lamb, stewed for hours with spices and stuffed into a flatbread called baijimo. This ancient snack is considered by some to be one of the world’s oldest sandwiches.
While the sandwich and roujiamo serve similar purposes as convenient, handheld meals, they reflect the unique flavors and traditions of their respective cultures. Exploring these foods offers not only a delightful culinary experience but also insight into the history and social fabric of France and China.
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A peek at the snacks of France and China: Sandwich vs. roujiamo
cgtn.com