Bikini

History

The bikini sandwich takes its name from the Sala Bikini, a legendary Barcelona nightclub and music venue that opened in the 1950s and became one of the city's most beloved cultural institutions. The toasted ham and cheese sandwich served there — simple, hot and satisfying — became so associated with the venue that Catalans adopted the name for the style of sandwich itself. Today 'bikini' is the standard Catalan and wider Spanish term for any toasted ham and cheese sandwich, sold from cafés and bars across Barcelona and Catalonia. Some versions add truffle, foie or other upgrades, but the classic remains unbeatable.

Ingredients

• Pan de molde (soft white sandwich bread)
• Jamón York (cooked ham)
• Emmental or Gouda cheese
• Butter (for toasting)

How to Make

1. 1Butter two slices of soft white sandwich bread on the outside.
2. 2Layer cooked ham and sliced Emmental generously on the inside.
3. 3Close the sandwich and press in a sandwich press or sandwich maker until golden and crisp.
4. 4Cut diagonally and serve hot.

Known for it

• Tapas 24Carrer de la Diputació, 269, Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain