It’s Christmas sambo season.

But if you’re vegetarian, it might seem like many of the festive sandwiches on offer are piled high with meat.

Fear not, plant-based people. This year, the city’s cafes, delis, and sandwich bars are serving up inventive, flavour-packed vegetarian Christmas sandwiches that rival their meaty counterparts.

From creamy brie and cranberry combos to hearty root vegetable roasts, Cork’s finest eateries are proving that Christmas sandwiches can be just as indulgent and festive without the turkey.

We’ve rounded up three of the best vegetarian options in town:

The Christmas Toastie at Nadúr Deli

Where: Douglas Street

If you’re looking for a warming lunch that will keep you going all day, this hefty sambo is stuffed with brie, roast pumpkin, cranberry and thyme stuffing and pickled onion.

The Food Dude at The Grumpy Baker’s

Where: Washington Street, Cork City and Midleton

This festive little number is filled with sprouts, roasted carrots, stuffing, cranberry, toasted seeds and St Kevin’s Brie. A veggie take on a classic Christmas dinner.

The Earth Upside Down at Sonflour

Where: Castle Street, Cork City

We know, we know – it’s not a sandwich but if you fold it in half… hey presto! The The Earth Upside Down is a classic pizza topped with Tropea onions, bell peppers and oyster mushrooms marinated in juniper, sprinkled with Maldon Sea Salt and baked in a vegan cream, all topped with homemade tomato sauce and parsley. And look how festive…