9 global takes on handhelds

Put a Latin spin on sandwiches, fries or burgers with a cheese such as cotija, pepper jack or queso.

Some cheeses, in fact, are practically shorthand for specific global cuisines: feta (Greek); Camembert (French); manchego (Spanish); Gorgonzola or provolone (Italian); pimento (Southern). Build a sandwich, burger or wrap around one of these cheeses, or use on a cheese board or other shareable.

Condiments represent an excellent way to add global allure to all kinds of foods: Tapenade, aioli, tzatziki, miso, Sriracha, Asian fish sauce, fig jam, harissa, salsa or chutney all easily add a punch of flavor to familiar menu items.

Simpler still, add a seasoning blend such as Caribbean citrus, chipotle, jalapeno, Italian or garlic-and-herb to mayo, sour cream, vinaigrette or cream cheese to create a flavor-forward marinade, spread, dip or dressing.

Many global sandwiches depend on specialty breads such as baguette (banh mi), telera roll (Mexican torta), biscuit (Southern favorites), naan (Indian flatbread) or tortilla (taco), so use that as a starting point for a worldly riff on the ever-popular burger.

Chicken wings and tenders are an excellent vehicle for global flavors, from Cajun blackening spices to sticky Chinese-style barbecue sauce to pungent Korean-style gochujang glaze. Operators can also easily dial up the heat from spices including chipotle or jalapeno, or they can offer “sweet heat” combinations to give global flavors an innovative twist.

Pressing a ham and cheese sandwich with mustard and pickles on a panini grill creates an instant Cuban sandwich; other popular pressed sandwiches include Caprese (Italian-style tomato, basil and mozzarella), certain types of burritos or pan bagnat (Provençale-style tuna salad).

Global street foods are gaining in popularity, and many of them answer the call for handhelds, including satays and skewers, tacos, quesadillas, empanadas and arepas, rice balls, gyoza and other dumplings, kebabs, knishes, falafel, pakora, grilled corn on the cob, focaccia and gyros.

When in doubt about an item’s popularity potential, menu it first as an LTO (limited-time offer) to allow for special promotional efforts and to test the waters.