Conti roll

The sandwich consists of a long, crusty bread roll filled with meats, cheese, and preserved vegetables.[1] Another description, courtesy of The Bell Tower Times is 'a generous bread roll, a variety of deli meats & cheeses and then whatever else you want from the showcase of Mediterranean delights'.[3]

A good continental roll is said to contain at least three different meats, as well as slices of cheese. This approach to a sandwich is not traditional to Italian cuisine, which often avoids the mixing of too many flavours. A Conti roll, by contrast, attempts to 'have the whole shop in the roll'.[1]

The cheese used is typically a Swiss-style cheese, although mozzarella is also used.

The pickled vegetables are typically eggplant, olives, and artichoke.[1] While some contemporary variations use tomato and lettuce in the roll, the traditional approach is to stick to pickled veges.[2]

While the bread is traditionally supposed to be crusty, softer versions of the bread are sometimes used instead.[1]

The conti roll originated at the Northbridge The Re Store, one of the RE brothers, Who's father Giuseppe arrived in Australia 1885. Italian immigration to Australia .[1][5] It should be noted though that the sandwiches' origin is contested.[3]

The name 'continental roll' originated in an attempt to market the appeal of the sandwich beyond its Italian audience, and toward Anglo-Australians. The name referred to the ingredients being from continental Europe.[1]

Since its initial creation at the RE Store , the sandwich grew in popularity to become available at other cafes and delicatessens.[6][7][1] Other outlets serving continental roles include Passione Gourmet Deli, Charlies Fresh Cafe, and Lo Presti & Son.[8][9][10][11][12][13][2] Of these outlets, 'The Re Store' has a particularly famed association with the sandwich.[14]

In recent years, contemporary variations on the Conti Roll have emerged. One Perth outlet, Deli's Continental, uses an undercoat of capsicum conserva topped with mortadella, salami, casalinga, and percorino-style cheese.[2]

As of 2023, the original Di Chiera Brothers store has closed for business, although its former owner has said it may one day be reopened.[1][15]

• List of sandwiches
• Muffuletta