The Great Sandwich Debate: Open vs Closed
Carol and Lucas, a couple living in Norway, have a recurring disagreement: what makes a proper sandwich? Carol, originally from Ireland, insists on two slices of bread with fillings neatly contained. Lucas, a Norwegian, prefers open sandwiches with toppings piled high. Their dispute highlights cultural differences and personal preferences. Who is right? You be the judge.
The Prosecution: Carol's Case
Carol argues that a sandwich should be practical and mess-free. "Food should not fall out while you eat a sandwich, and your hands shouldn't be sticky with sauce," she says. Growing up in Ireland, she learned that a sandwich is two slices of bread with filling inside. Lucas, however, grew up in Norway, where open sandwiches are the norm. Carol finds open sandwiches unwieldy, with toppings spilling over the edges. She also criticizes Lucas's use of an ostehøvel (Norwegian cheese slicer) to shave multiple layers of cheese that hang off the bread. "With Lucas, there's always something escaping – cheese, sauce, fillings – and he just accepts it," she says. Even with tacos, Lucas overfills them, causing spills. Carol notes that they approach food differently: she dices vegetables neatly, while Lucas leaves them in large chunks to "feel" them. She concludes that if Lucas wants to eat messily, that's fine, but open sandwiches don't meet the criteria of a proper sandwich.
The Defence: Lucas's Perspective
Lucas defends his Scandinavian upbringing. "Two slices of bread feels a bit excessive. It's too much bread compared with the filling," he says. He explains that open sandwiches are normal in Norway, and he adjusts his technique for Carol: thicker bread for open sandwiches, thinner for closed. The cheese overhang is intentional to ensure every bite has cheese. He argues that Norwegian bread is oval-shaped, unlike rectangular Irish loaves, so mismatched toppings are natural. Lucas admits he likes a lot of filling, which can cause mess, but he values enjoyment over neatness. "I want more cheese," he says. He also points out that there isn't one correct way to make a sandwich.
The Jury of Guardian Readers
Readers offered diverse opinions. Nicola, 51, suggests both should let sandwiches be what they are: "Open, closed, round, square, crusts on, crusts off … it's just bread and filling." Tom, 43, agrees with Carol technically but says Lucas should eat what he enjoys, and make sandwiches Carol's way when preparing for her. Andy, 53, thinks Carol should accept plates and cutlery for open sandwiches. Amanda, 58, quotes a song lyric about silence. Gerald, 46, wonders if Carol's criticism stems from homesickness.
Now You Be the Judge
In our online poll, you decide who is right. The poll closes on Wednesday 6 May at 9am BST. Last week's results: 48% said Steven was guilty of using hair products poisonous to pets; 52% said not guilty.
