In Search of the Ultimate Sandwich

By Jonathan Hatchman, Food Editor, @TLE_Food

Dating as far back as the 1700s with the namesake penned in homage to John Montagu, 4^th Earl of Sandwich, who allegedly came up with the concept of eating his meals pressed between two slices of bread: the classic Sandwich is now one of the most popular universal lunchtime dishes. Sure, the concept has evolved a little over the years, but the general precipice has remained the same. For many, the idea of a sweaty hunk of bread that’s filled with too much butter and soggy ingredients is enough to be deterred from the notion, altogether (think School packed lunches). However, when executed properly, the old classic is a thing of glory, so far as a masterpiece of culinary genius, some might say. Thankfully, the gourmet Sandwiches on offer at Street Kitchen’s new Broadgate Circle branch are absolutely delicious.

Opened as a new competitor to the city lunch titans such as Pret A Manger, Eat and Itsu, upon approaching the vibrant Broadgate area on a busy Friday lunchtime, Street Kitchen’s shop proves rather difficult to find (even the circle’s maintenance staff members have no idea of the venue’s whereabouts). Approaching from Liverpool Street Station, look for Yautcha’s megalithic logo and you’ll find that Street Kitchen is located just a few doors along. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (from 7am-9pm) on weekdays, the first permanent site from street food stalwarts Mark Jankel and Jun Tanaka offers the same brand of natural and organic food that Street Kitchen has become renowned for over the past three years. All of the food is prepared offsite within the team’s own kitchen, and Sandwiches and Salad boxes are the speciality at Broadgate’s Street Kitchen. Their signature 24-inch Sandwiches are all served ‘by-the-inch’ and priced between £4-7, and are measured against bespoke boards inlaid with vintage yardsticks. What’s more, it’s a real pleasure to admit that the Sandwiches here are really very good, and incredibly reasonably priced.

The new Salt Cod Sanwich served between two slices of pillowy Focaccia is delicious, albeit an acquired taste, and the Roasted Cauliflower is brilliant, as far as Vegetable filled baps are concerned: served with spiced Aubergine, Dill, Coriander, Mint, Watercress, Tahini and Yoghurt. Slow-cooked shredded roast Pork served in Brioche is absolutely sensational, yet it’s the hot Smoked Salmon (smoked in house at Street Kitchen HQ), pressed between glazed Challah Bread and strips of pickled red Cabbage and Beetroot that’s the jewel in the crown of Street Kitchen’s permanent outpost. Meanwhile, for a healthier option, a number of Salad boxes are available, priced between £5-5.50, including Butternut Squash, Rare Roast Beef, Hot Smoked Salmon, Roasted Aubergine and Spiced Aubergine.

As far as conveniently located spots for a quick lunch-hour fix are concerned, Street Kitchen is actually quite brilliant.

Street Kitchen can be found at Broadgate Circle, London, EC2M 2BY.