Conti roll

The sandwich consists of a long, crusty bread roll filled with meats, cheese, and preserved vegetables.[1] Another description, courtesy of The Bell Tower Times is 'a generous bread roll, a variety of deli meats & cheeses and then whatever else you want from the showcase of Mediterranean delights'.[3]

A good continental roll is said to contain at least three different meats, as well as slices of cheese. This approach to a sandwich is not traditional to Italian cuisine, which often avoids the mixing of too many flavours. A Conti roll, by contrast, attempts to 'have the whole shop in the roll'.[1]

The cheese used is typically a Swiss-style cheese, although mozzarella is also used.

The pickled vegetables are typically eggplant, olives, and artichoke.[1] While some contemporary variations use tomato and lettuce in the roll, the traditional approach is to stick to pickled veges.[2]

While the bread is traditionally supposed to be crusty, softer versions of the bread is sometimes used instead.[1]

The conti roll reportedly originated at the Northbridge store of Antonio Di Chiera, who arrived in Perth during a wave of Italian immigration to Australia following World War II.[1][5] It should be noted though that the sandwiches' origin is contested.[3]

According to the Di Chiera account, the sandwich originated as a portable store-bought lunch for Italian migrant workmen.[1] Initially it was not called a continental roll, and was merely referred to as panino.

The name 'continental roll' originated in an attempt to market the appeal of the sandwich beyond its Italian audience, and toward Anglo-Australians. The name referred to the ingredients being from continental Europe.[1]

Since its initial creation at Di Chiera Brothers, the sandwich grew in popularity to become available at other cafes and delicatessens.[6][7][1] Other outlets serving continental roles include The Re Store, Passione Gourmet Deli, Charlies Fresh Cafe, and Lo Presti & Son.[8][9][10][11][12][13][2] Of these outlets, 'The Re Store' has a particularly famed association with the sandwich.[14]

In recent years, contemporary variations on the Conti Roll have emerged. One Perth outlet, Deli's Continental, uses an undercoat of capsicum conserva topped with mortadella, salami, casalinga, and percorino-style cheese.[2]

As of 2023, the original Di Chiera Brothers store has closed for business, although its former owner has said it may one day be reopened.[1][15]

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