Ordering a Subway sandwich can be more complicated than you might think. Here are some steps you need to follow to order a perfect sandwich.
Steps
Step 1. Decide all the details (the type of bread, meat, vegetables and cheese) before you get to the counter
Don't wait until you're asked to decide. If you are unsure, let others order before you.
- Ask what you want to know before you start ordering. For example questions regarding vegetarian sandwiches, meals in general, prices, etc. Many Subway restaurants have counter labels showing which types of cheese and breads are available.
- It's a good idea to ask right away if Halal meat is available (for Muslims). In some Subway in the UK, the ham is turkey, as is the bacon. In others the turkey is turkey, while the ham is pork.
Step 2. Ask for the type of sandwich you prefer
Note that Subway also offers a range of wraps and salads.
- Know that the rolls can be 6 '' or 12 ''. If you go with a friend, a 12 '' bun can easily be cut in half, this way you will save money.
- Tell who you need what kind of bread you prefer. It can vary from shop to shop, but options include ciabatta, white bread, wholemeal bread, oatmeal and honey, Italian Hearty (cornmeal dusted ciabatta), or herb bread and cheese.
- Add cheese if you like. Not all Subways offer the same types of cheese, and some cheeses look alike externally, so be specific. Don't just say white cheese as most of Subway's cheeses are white.
- Decide how you want it to be heated. Would you like it to be put in the oven and toasted or in the microwave? Toasting the sandwich is a good idea if it is a juicy sandwich such as meatballs or hot meat such as steak or chicken. Try the range of reheated cold rolls, they will taste different. Please note that Subway restaurants in the UK no longer put sandwiches in the microwave, only meat.
- Tell who you need what kind of vegetables you want in the sandwich. Be specific about the quantities, such as "a little salad" or "a lot of pickles". Also be clear with the names, Saying you want peppers isn't much help as many Subway restaurants have green peppers, sweet peppers, and Mexican jalapeno peppers.
- Order the toppings, such as mayonnaise, mustard, sweet onion sauce, etc. In this part of the counter you will also find vinegar, salt and black pepper. If you are not ordering off the menu, nothing is included 'automatically'.
Step 3. Pay the amount you are told at the cashier
Unless the price you are told seems unreasonable to you, do not argue or comment as it is calculated automatically by the computer. Unless a wrong ingredient has been marked, there is nothing the staff can do to change the price. However, if you want to save money, avoid ordering the combo option (putting together multiple types of meat or mixing meat and fish). Also, you can ask for water and the staff will give you a 250ml glass for free.
Step 4. Give thanks
Advice
- Be as kind as possible, as the happier the person serving you, the more carefully made your sandwich will be.
- If you frequent a certain Subway restaurant often, learn the names of the staff and, if they're not busy, have a word. Repeat and friendly customers make the day better, and if employees like you, they will be more likely to give you extras or offer you special discounts.
- Recently, Subway introduced an option called "The Works" which includes all types of vegetables available: salad, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, pickles, red onions, green peppers, Mexican jalapeno peppers (optional) and banana peppers. This makes it easier for you to order if you want almost any veggie in your sandwich. For example saying "I would like the Works option without pickles and chili" is quicker than saying "I would like the salad, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, etc."
- If you don't know the exact name of a sandwich, the staff can help you define what you want. For example, you don't remember the name, but a friend of yours told you to try a sandwich with chicken and sweet sauce. The staff can quickly tell you that you want the "chicken teriyaki" sandwich.
- If you go off-peak hours (between lunch and dinner or late at night) there are few employees. As a result, there is a long line, and don't expect to be served quickly. Be nice to the staff as it is a very stressful situation for them.
- When placing a long order, be extremely polite, especially if it's a rush hour. (It would be better to make long orders over the phone). To thank them for their service, leaving a tip is welcome.
- Don't be surprised if you are asked the same questions related to how you want the sandwich from different employees. It is rare for the same employee to go through more than two or three stages of preparation before being distracted by something else to do. Tip only if the staff prepared the sandwich correctly and didn't ask you the same question multiple times.
- If you think your serving party hasn't put the right amount of produce into the sandwich (especially the meat and cheese which cost extra), or if you think they are putting too much of it, you should politely ask for the sheet that contains the standard quantities. It will be useful for this order and for the following ones. Every Subway restaurant should have this sheet available to employees, but it is generally behind the counter (and not hanging in the restaurant) so be polite and patient in making this request.
Warnings
- Don't talk on the phone while you order. It's rude.
- Don't try to order while on the phone. It is extremely rude and will certainly contribute to your sandwich not being prepared properly. Unless you are ordering the sandwich for the person you are on the phone with, in that case they will take the order with pleasure.
- Many Subway's don't accept checks, so ask before the problem arises.
- Many Subway restaurants do not accept coupons from other franchised restaurants. So don't be surprised if they don't accept your coupon and read it carefully before using it. If you have any questions, ask for information before using it.
- Don't make the people who make your sandwich angry. They can make your lunch really unpleasant.
- Don't scold the staff members for not having the ingredient you want. Ask them to speak to the manager, he is the one who takes care of ordering the ingredients and, if you ask politely, he could order the type of cheese you want or the type of chips you prefer for the following week.
