A hero sandwich, also known as an Italian sub or Italian submarine sandwich, is said to have originated in New York in the late 19th century when Italian laborers wanted a convenient lunch that reminded them of home.

The hero is traditionally at least two Italian meats and provolone cheese on a small or half loaf of crusty Italian bread with roasted peppers, vinegar, olive oil, and lettuce. It is a pork-based sandwich; popular meat choices include ham, prosciutto, pepperoni, capicola, mortadella and salami.

Tomatoes were not a historical ingredient of the hero, but are often included in modern heroes.

Synonyms and similar sandwiches are called elsewhere in America: heroes, subs, grinders, hoagies Submarine sandwich or po'boys.