A mitraillette (, literally "submachine gun") is a type of sandwich in Belgium commonly served at friteries and cafés. It is popular among students. It is thought to have originated in Brussels, but is also popular in Flanders, Wallonia, and the Nord region of France, where it is also known as an "Américain" (literally an "American").

Composition

A typical mitraillette consists of: Crudités may be included (grated carrot, fresh lettuce, tomato slices), as well as cheese and cabbage. Originally mitraillettes contained only a sausage or sliced meat. Alternatives quickly became available.

In popular culture

After the Brussels bombings in March 2016, images of the sandwich were shared across social media in Belgium and abroad as a sign of friendship and humour. In December 2020, former Top Chef (France) contestant Jean-Philippe Watteyne opened a pop-up mitraillette restaurant in Mons. In November 2021, DH Les Sports + reported that a friterie in Etterbeek sells Belgium's longest mitraillette, measuring 130 cm.