Sub Sandwich: What It Is, Types, and How to Build a Premium One

A sub sandwich is a long bread roll, split lengthwise and filled with meat or vegetarian fillings, cheese, fresh vegetables and sauces. The name comes from the roll’s resemblance to a submarine. In India, subs are now popular as a fresher, more filling alternative to the regular grilled sandwich.

This guide explains what makes a sub sandwich “premium”, the common types, and how to order or build one that is actually worth it.

What is a sub sandwich?

A sub (also called a submarine sandwich, hoagie or hero in different regions) has three parts:

1. The bread: a soft, elongated roll, ideally baked fresh.
2. The filling: cold cuts, grilled chicken, kebab, paneer, aloo patty or other protein.
3. The toppings: crunchy vegetables, cheese and sauces.

What makes a sub sandwich “premium”?

• Fresh-baked bread, not day-old rolls
• Never-frozen vegetables with real crunch
• Quality protein (marinated paneer, seasoned chicken, proper kebabs)
• Sauces with character, not just mayo
• Customization: you choose bread, filling, veggies and sauce

Types of sub sandwiches

Type	Typical fillings	Best for
Veg sub	Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, olives, pickles	Light, everyday lunch
Paneer sub	Tandoori or tikka paneer, onions, mint sauce	Indian-palate vegetarians
Aloo / kebab sub	Aloo patty, hara bhara or veg seekh kebab	Filling, budget-friendly meals
Chicken sub	Chicken salami, tikka, seekh, grilled chicken	High-protein meals
Footlong	Any of the above, double size	Sharing or big appetites

Popular Indian-style subs

Indian taste buds want bolder flavour, so the best subs here blend international sandwich style with local spices. At SUB91 the most ordered include:

• Veggie Supreme (from ₹119): crunchy veggies, olives and pickles
• Chicken Salami (from ₹159): stacked with fresh vegetables and bold sauces
• Tandoori Paneer (from ₹169): smoky paneer with fresh veggies

See the full SUB91 menu

How to build a better sub sandwich

1. Pick the bread first: it carries everything else.
2. Choose one hero protein rather than piling on several.
3. Add colour: lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, jalapeño.
4. Sauce smart: one creamy and one tangy sauce is enough.
5. Toast it if you want melted cheese and a crisp crust.

Is a sub sandwich healthy?

It can be. A sub made with fresh vegetables, lean protein and controlled sauces is a balanced meal. Calories rise with extra cheese, creamy sauces and fried fillings, so customizing matters.

Our story

SUB91 started in 2022 at Kashmere Gate Metro Station in Delhi, founded by school friends Hemant Khatana and Himanshu Choudhary. The idea was simple: a healthier, more flavourful alternative to regular fast food, built for Indian taste. Read more about us.

FAQs

What is a sub sandwich? 

A long roll filled with proteins, vegetables, cheese and sauces. “Sub” is short for submarine.

What is the difference between a sub and a regular sandwich? 

A sub uses a long, soft roll and is built to be filling and customizable; a regular sandwich usually uses sliced bread.

Which is the best veg sub sandwich?

 Tandoori Paneer and Veggie Supreme are the most popular vegetarian choices at SUB91.

Where can I find a sub sandwich near me?

 Use our store locator to find the nearest SUB91.

Can I start a sub sandwich franchise?

 Yes. Details are on our franchise page.

Want to own a sub brand instead of just eating one? Explore the SUB91 franchise opportunity.