Indian-inspired Tea Party Sandwiches for your next Indian Afternoon Tea. A Desi spin on the classic finger sandwiches.

I had my first chutney cheese butter sandwich at six years old while traveling from Nigeria to India on Air India. At 6, I vividly remember opening up the sandwich on the plane and seeing what was in it because it was that good.

Did I mention that I love plane food too? I know, I'm so weird. It gets me so excited when I travel internationally.

I am obsessed with chai and anything that has to do with chai. I get so excited about the fun snacky food that goes with chai, in this case, vegetarian tea sandwiches.

What are Tea Party Sandwiches?

Tea Party Sandwiches are crustless dainty little sandwiches with delicious sandwich fillings which are ideal for afternoon tea. Tea Sandwiches also referred to as finger sandwiches originated in the United Kingdom, naturally. The British influenced the Indian tea culture that is still present in India, but we desis love our masala chai which is made with tea leaves and milk brewed for minutes over the stove.

So back to these tea party sandwiches. The most classic combo I've seen while going for a High Tea Party is the Cucumber Cheese Sandwich with butter. Simply add some chutney and chat masala and you've got an Indian-inspired Cucumber Cheese finger sandwich.

3 Indian-inspired Tea Time Sandwiches

Cucumber Sandwich with chutney, cheese, and butter. A classic sandwich with some added desi flavor.
Egg Salad Curry Sandwich prepared with the classic ingredients in addition to butter, green chilies, and curry powder.
Veggie Cream Cheese Sandwich flavored with red bell pepper, olives, chives, cilantro, green chilies, chat masala, and more.

Tea Party Sandwiches are:

Simple & Delicious
Delicate
Indian-inspired
Perfect for Afternoon Tea
Classic for Mother's Day
Ideal for a Baby Shower

How to make Tea Party Sandwiches recipe step by step?

Cucumber Chutney Cheese Sandwich

1. Take 2 slices of white bread. Spread a generous amount of butter, about 1 tablespoon per sandwich.
2. Spread cilantro chutney on both sides.
3. Add thinly sliced cucumber on one side.
4, Any white cheese on the other side - I used Trader Joe's unexpected cheddar (you can use muenster, white sharp cheddar, pepper jack cheese).
5. Sprinkle chaat masala to taste.
6. Close sandwich. Slice the crust off. Cut into threes.

Egg Salad Curry Sandwich

1. Make the egg salad - begin by boiling the eggs. Then combine boiled eggs, sour cream (or mayo if you wish), chives, curry powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mash the eggs. Mix well.
3. Take 2 slices of white bread. Spread a generous amount of butter, about 1 tablespoon per sandwich.
4. Spread a generous amount of egg salad on one side of the bread.
5. Close sandwich. Slice the crust off.
6. Cut into threes.

Veggie Cream Cheese Sandwich

1. Use cream cheese at room temperature.
2. Add red bell pepper, cilantro, olives, Indian green chilies, chaat masala, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix well.
4. Take 2 slices of bread. Add a generous amount of veggie cream cheese on one side.
5. Close sandwich. Slice the crust off. Cut into threes.

Serving Suggestions

I have an entire post on How to host an Indian Afternoon Tea Party where I suggest what to make with High Tea Sandwiches.

Tips on making Desi Tea Party Sandwiches:

Make sure you use thin white bread for these sandwiches, I love Pepperidge Farm and Wonder Bread.
For other bread options - you can opt for rye, pumpernickel, or wheat.
The butter and cream cheese should be used at room temperature.
Finely chop the veggies used in these sandwiches and thinly slice the cucumber.
Prepare the sandwich and then cut the crust off.
You can slice these into long rectangular pieces or triangles - I prefer long rectangular.
These sandwiches can be made a day ahead, just make sure you tightly wrap them in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

Tea Party Sandwiches (Indian-inspired)