It’s been over a year of patiently waiting, but no longer. Finally, it’s here.

What’s here?

By Daiisyy – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84328317On September 14, 2020, Popeye’s released their “Popeye’s Chicken Sandwich” to British Columbians. Not a moment too soon, either. Recall way back to August 2019, the Popeye’s chicken sandwich isn’t new; it’s been available in North America for over a year now. Releasing to massive critical acclaim last summer, Popeye’s sold out their American stock in just under two weeks. There were fights, there were protests. On November 4, 2019, a man was stabbed and killed after he repeatedly cut in line for a chicken sandwich.

Thankfully, no such violence occurred following its release at 9 BC locations, but the hype is still alive. The question is, is it warranted? Just how tasty is this sandwich compared to the competition? 

Keep reading to find out.

Before beginning, there must be two disclaimers: this list is limited to chicken sandwiches and burgers only. This sandwich ranking excludes Subway(or submarine sandwiches in general), as the customer essentially prepares their meal. Sincerest apologies to all of the sandwich purists. Finally, a warning; there’s a high probability of becoming hungry upon finishing this list. Without any further ado, here are five of the best fast-food sandwiches customers can find in Metro Vancouver.

# 5 Beyond Burger, A&W

Imitated by many, replicated by none. A&W was Canada’s first fast-food franchise to offer beyond meet products. Safe to say, this sandwich inspired an abundance of copies; competing franchises have scrambled to accommodate this new found craze, creating plant-based options of their own. With good reason, too. For a sandwich without meat, A&W’s beyond burger doesn’t skip a beat. The beyond- meat patty is seasoned and grilled to perfection, and the flavor is almost indistinguishable from beef. Not to mention how tender it is. Alongside that, this sandwich is loaded with delicious toppings, such as pickles, fresh lettuce, red onions, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and ‘uncle burger’ sauce. If you’re not a big meat eater, then this is definitely the premier sandwich for you. 

# 4 Famous Chicken Chicken Sandwich, KFC 

Released to be a direct competitor to Popeye’s chicken sandwich, Colonel Sanders wasted no time frying up his own version of a southern-style chicken sandwich. The ingredient list for this sandwich is nearly identical to Popeyes, with two key differences; the chicken, and the potato bun it’s served on. The chunk of chicken is quite tasty, consistent with the colonel’s signature taste. Surprisingly though, that potato bun is the most pleasant part of the experience. It’s light, soft, and has a distinct potato flavor not found in many burger buns. By itself, KFC’s chicken sandwich is just two dollars; it’s quite difficult to go wrong at that price point. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try the colonel’s famous chicken sandwich with chipotle mayonnaise!

# 3 The Whopper, Burger King

 Happy Whopper Wednesday! Needing no introduction, this hard-hitting heavyweight burger is the King’s flagship meal; and it’s more than earned that title. Featuring a four-ounce patty; a sesame seed bun, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and ketchup. this sandwich hits the spot every.single.Wednesday. The flame-grilled beef is the star of the show, with a wonderfully smokey char to it. Throw some cheese, and even bacon on that beauty, and enjoy an incredible sandwich. Make no mistake either; Burger King has several tasty chicken sandwiches available. They also even feature a plant-based “impossible whopper”, but A&W’s beyond meat is the tastier alternative. When it comes to Burger King, the whopper reigns supreme.

# 2 Popeyes Chicken Sandwich 

Here it is. Served on a warm, toasted, buttery brioche bun, garnished with pickles and spicy mayonnaise, it’s Popeye’s Chicken Sandwich. Popeye’s truly outdid themselves with their chicken sandwich. Second place on the sandwich podium is no easy feat, but it’s been earned. This sandwich is a fantastic, fresh alternative for hungry consumers looking for a delicious new meal. You’re already aware that the ingredients used are similar to KFC’s, but the difference shines through in the chicken. That Louisiana flavor is impeccable; light, crisp, incredibly tender, and missing the grease usually associated with fried chicken. If you can handle some heat, the spicy chicken sandwich delivers all that flavor, with just the right kick. Overall, the hype is very real. Barring the killer customer from Maryland, Americans were right to go crazy about this sandwich. Indeed, Popeyes has changed the game of fried chicken, and their chicken sandwich is guaranteed to be a fan favorite for as long as it’s here.

 Drum roll, please…

# 1 McDonalds Big Mac

Sing it! Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun!

Expecting a McChicken here? Sorry, it’s the Big Mac. What can be said about McDonald’s’ flagship sandwich that hasn’t been said before? It’s nothing short of iconic; truly classic. A timeless masterpiece, in every sense of the term.

Since it’s 1967 release in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Big Mac’s recipe has remained largely unchanged. Meanwhile, the Big Mac has become more than a sandwich, it’s a token of Americana; a symbol of the American dream. Overall,the sandwich is fantastic. 2 patties pack a delicious, beefy bite, but the Big Mac special sauce really gives this burger it’s uniquiety. In the United States alone, Mcdonalds sells approximately 550 million Big Macs every year, making it the world’s best-selling sandwich. 

On a sidenote, credit is due to Burger King; the Whopper is the only sandwich not eclipsed by the Big Mac’s sales.

That was a lot of sandwiches.

 So there it is, a humble, non- biased, and entirely objective ranking of several of Metro Vancouver’s fast-food sandwiches. Perhaps it seems a little presumptuous to be ranking Popeye’s chicken sandwich so highly, but try one. It won’t disappoint.

Disagree? 

To avid sandwich consumers, this list likely contains controversial material. That’s the beauty behind it all. For sandwich lovers, there are dozens of other options available in the Lower Mainland. This review/ ranking doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the iceberg lettuce. Now that the summer’s over, there’s an entire school year to try them all!