Burger vs. Sandwich: What's the Real Difference?
You’ve probably heard someone call a burger a sandwich before. And it’s not totally wrong—because a burger is a sandwich, technically. But that doesn’t mean they’re the same thing.
Let’s lay it all out, side by side, and break down what makes a burger a burger, and a sandwich a sandwich.
What is a Sandwich?
A sandwich is one of the most flexible, everyday foods out there. At its most basic, it’s anything placed between two slices of bread (or a bun, roll, wrap—you name it).
🔹 Basic Definition:
"A food typically consisting of meat, cheese, or other fillings between slices of bread."
That includes everything from:
- A cold ham and cheese
- A warm grilled cheese
- A BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato)
- A stacked club sandwich
Even subs, hoagies, wraps, and bagel sandwiches fall into the broader “sandwich” family.
Sandwiches can be hot or cold. Simple or stacked. Healthy or loaded. Bread is the only requirement.
What is a Burger?
Now here comes the burger—a very specific kind of sandwich.
A burger always includes:
- A patty (usually beef, but sometimes chicken, fish, or plant-based)
- A round bun—not flat bread or sandwich slices
- Classic toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, sauces
🔹 Basic Definition:
"A cooked patty (usually ground meat) served inside a bun with toppings and condiments."
There are many types:
- Cheeseburger
- Chicken burger
- Veggie burger
- Smash burger
- Double patty burger
But the one thing they all share? That central patty—the heart of the burger.
Burger vs. Sandwich: The Showdown
Let’s compare them side by side:
| Feature | Burger | Sandwich |
|---|---|---|
| Main Filling | Grilled or fried patty | Anything: meat slices, cheese, veggies |
| Bread Type | Soft round bun (usually) | Sliced bread, rolls, wraps, etc. |
| Common Shape | Always round | Often square, rectangular, or round |
| Typical Style | Hot, savory, heavy | Hot or cold, light or heavy |
| Classic Example | Cheeseburger | Ham & cheese sandwich |
Why Do People Confuse the Two?
Because burgers are technically part of the sandwich family. Think of it like this:
All burgers are sandwiches. But not all sandwiches are burgers.
It’s like how a square is a type of rectangle—but rectangles aren’t always squares.
Cultural Fun Facts
- In the USA, “sandwich” usually refers to anything between sliced bread, while burgers are treated as their own thing.
- In the UK, burgers are always “burgers,” even if made from chicken or fish.
- In Japan, they have rice burgers (yes—rice cakes instead of buns!).
Which One is “Better”?
That depends on what you're craving.
Choose a burger if:
- You want something hot, juicy, and filling.
- You're in the mood for melty cheese, grilled flavors, and sauce.
- You love a good bite of bun, patty, and toppings.
Choose a sandwich if:
- You want something lighter or quicker.
- You're packing lunch or want cold deli meat.
- You're in the mood for variety—there are endless sandwich types.
Final Word: Know the Difference, Enjoy Both
Burgers and sandwiches are both delicious. They each have their own style, flavor, and purpose. So next time someone asks if a burger is a sandwich, you can say:
“Technically, yes—but burgers are in a class of their own.”