Growing up, my family would buy sliced ham, sausages and hamburger patties from Otto Barth at Barth’s Pork Store in New Providence, New Jersey. I’d eat thin-sliced ham for a snack and make thick sandwiches on toasted wheat bread. If I was feeling ambitious, I might even add Swiss cheese and mustard. It’s been years since I’ve been on such a big ham kick, but Los Angeles sandwich shops and restaurants keep giving me reasons to recommit to the swine-tastic cause.

Over the years, I’ve enjoyed Spain’s jamón Iberico de bellota, which develops nutty flavor and crystallization during the aging process. A ham this special would get lost in a sandwich, though I enjoy thin-slices draped over pan con tomate, at most. A little Jinhua ham from China’s Zhejiang province also goes a long way and adds smoky, savory flourishes to soups and sauces. Featuring Jinhua ham in a sandwich would be intense. French chefs might prefer jambon de Paris or jambon de Bayonne while Italians prize prosciutto di Parma, which have all been known to star in memorable sandwiches.

When I attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Southern-style country ham was the main event at restaurants like Loveless Cafe and Monell’s. History minded chefs like Nashville based Sean Brock and Georgia born Brian Dunsmoor have called attention to classic country hams like Colonel Bill Newsom’s, Benton’s and Broadbent’s. Dunsmoor is now a Los Angeles ham champion who was previously with Hart & The Hunter, Ladies Gunboat Society and Hatchet Hall. He now runs Dunsmoor in Glassell Park and has deepened my understanding and appreciation for domestic ham traditions.

Still, one of my favorite ways to eat ham is in a sandwich with accompaniments that help to accentuate and balance the meat’s sweetness, salt and smoke. Learn about my favorite Los Angeles ham sandwiches at the moment.

Bread Head Sandwiches Signature Ham and Cheese Sandwich – Santa Monica ↓

Bub And Grandma’s Ham Royale – Glassell Park ↓

Calic Bagel Ham Cheese Club – Westlake ↓

Clark Street Bread Jambon Beurre – Brentwood, Echo Park + Larchmont Village ↓

Gelsinger’s Grown-Up Grilled Cheese – Montrose ↓

Jeff’s Table Kold KimCheezy (and Grandma’s In Florence) – Highland Park ↓

Lady & Larder Franch Girl – Santa Monica ↓

Little Flower Grilled Ham and Cheese (Special) – Pasadena ↓

Maison Matho Jambon Beurre – East Hollywood ↓

Milkfarm HBB – Eagle Rock ↓

Petit Trois Jambon Beurre Sandwich – Hollywood + Sherman Oaks ↓

Rock ‘n Egg Cafe Ham Melt – Eagle Rock ↓

Seed Bakery Ham Melt – Pasadena ↓

SQIRL Jamon Pepín Sandwich – Virgil Village ↓

Superba Snacks + Coffee Ham And Butter Sandwich – North Hollywood + Pasadena ↓

Tommy & Atticus Rosemary Ham & Gruyere Cheese Sandwich (Sandwich of the Week) – Redondo Beach ↓

Wax Paper Audie Cornish – Frogtown ↓