If you were a sandwich, what would you be? This playful question often elicits intriguing responses which tell us a lot about the respondent's personality and culinary preferences. Sandwiches, deceptively simple in construction, actually reflect a broad spectrum of preferences, from conservative to adventurous.

It's no wonder that the love for sandwiches transcends generations. They offer an infinite palette of flavors, a journey from the humble ham or turkey sandwich of childhood lunches to adult delicacies like the New Orleans Muffuletta or Upstate New York Beef on Weck. But where to find these edible masterpieces? As it turns out, several of America's stand-out sandwiches aren't restricted to specialized sandwich shops but can be found in pop-ups, family-owned eateries, and contemporary American restaurants.

Take for instance, New York's seafood restaurant, Penny, which tempts taste buds with an ice cream sandwich nestled between two slices of brioche bread. Other culinary stars can be found in unconventional locations, like Win Son’s bacon egg and cheese on a scallion pancake or Sam Jones BBQ Restaurant’s delectable chopped pork sandwich.

There's something undeniably inviting about the traditional sandwich shop, though. The spirit of discovery, exploration, and nostalgia – coupled with the olfactory delight of freshly baked bread. As a means of understanding what sandwich you might identify with, let's embark on a gastronomic tour across America.

Starting south, in Durham, is Ideal's – a shrine to sub lovers. Owners Ian Bracken and Paul Chirico masterfully combine the sub culture of the northeast with prominent Carolina elements. Their house-made bread - sesame hoagie or rosemary focaccia - is cherished far and wide, with their sandwich specials being a sought-after treat.

Crossing over to the West Coast, Bodega Park on Silverlake Boulevard offers an East-meets-West fusion, with a South Korean culinary spin. The deli impresses its foodie fans with pork bulgogi sandwiches and other western classics.

Back in the Midwest, we find J.P. Graziano’s in Chicago. A cornerstone since 1937, Graziano’s iconic spot is home to the Mr. G sandwich - a diaphanous blend of flavours that keeps locals coming back.

In Philadelphia's Italian Market, Paesano's is a spot beloved by Anthony Bourdain. Known for its daring, big, bold flavors, an experience at Paesano's is not for the faint-hearted.

Meanwhile, in Seattle, sandwich-making is an art form at Mean Sandwich in the Ballard neighborhood. This sandwich theatre encompasses a variety of genres, leading to an eclectic mix of sandwiches that all carry a unique story.

In New York City, Sunny & Annie’s has achieved legendary status. Creating an assorted array of memorable sandwiches, this corner bodega flips conventional sandwich making on its head with its contrarian ethos and under-$15 pricing.

Miami's Sanguich, a Cuban sandwich fountainhead since 2017, lures those who adore a beautifully toasted Cuban sandwich, packing six craveable sandwiches that hit just right.

Finally, Nashville's Bill’s Sandwich Palace, originally a pop up, now serves up its palate-pleasing, chip-incorporated sandwiches at a permanent location.

Across these spots, what prevails is a love for sandwiches-an emblematic dish that represents a tasty palette of identities and inclinations. So, next time, when asked, "If you were a sandwich, what would you be?" – remember, you're not just picking a sandwich, but defining your place in America's culinary landscape.