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Browners Jan 17, 2009 08:37 AM

[London] Best Chinese Sandwich

I'm trying to find somewhere in London that does an amazing Chinese sandwich. I'm a bit stumped at the moment and would really appreciate some help.

  1. r
    raistlyn Jan 24, 2009 03:04 PM

    Are you referring to kong bak pau (braised pork belly bun)? That's the only thing I can think of that looks remotely like a sandwich in terms of Chinese dishes.

    Just as a point of reference, the dish can be seen at this link: http://www.deliciousasianfood.com/200...

    I'm sorry I can't help you in terms of where to go to have that in London, but if that's what you're referring to, it's indeed a delicious dish!

    4 Replies
    1. re: raistlyn
      s
      skut Jan 24, 2009 04:32 PM

      ok finally had a visit to Leong's today when they weren't out of kebab, and it is indeed an excellent kong bak pau, as linked above. Not as refined as the memorable one at ssam bar, but insanely good, mix of sweet dark marinade, braised greens and roasted peanuts and excellent textured belly. Had this at the newer joint on Lisle street, which I have been to three times now, and each time the xlb have been perfect: not too thin, not too thick, none splitting on lifting, intense soupy hit and lively herby pork filling. The oyster wrapped in egg was too cornstarchy, my friend didn't like it, leaving me to eat it all, which ended up being a bit of an undertaking. May not order this for a while. In terms of the kebab sandwich, they now have a window out front where you can order anything off the menu for nearly half price to take away. The pork bun isn't listed, but I'm sure they'd do it for you. This will be great come summer. In terms of its rep for inconsistency I have still only had two bad experiences at this place out of about 25 visits since it opened, often alone for afternoon yum cha.

      1. re: skut
        Browners Jan 26, 2009 08:56 AM

        This is so helpful. Thank you very much indeed.

        1. re: Browners
          s
          skut Jan 28, 2009 02:42 AM

          no problem mate. let me know how it goes.

          1. re: skut
            Browners Feb 9, 2009 03:49 AM

            Here's the finished article:

            http://londonist.com/2009/02/sandwichist_-_chinese_new_year_sand.php

            Thanks for everyone's help!

            Now time to find a good lamb sandwich... any advice.

            http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/593901

    2. r
      rolyatoj Jan 23, 2009 03:53 AM

      In Sydney we have an institution called Hong Ha, a little shop just near the airport that churns out thousands of chilli chicken rolls a day. They are vietnemese by definition and my favourite food. Fresh hot bread roll, grated chicken, cucumber, shredded chicken, special sauce, mayo and chilli... they are one of the things i miss the most in london. If you can recreate I will go back to eating one a day!

      1. s
        sulineats Jan 18, 2009 12:51 PM

        The steamed pork belly bun can be found at Leong's Legends. I have a photo of it on my blog if you're interested. If not, try one of the Chinese baked buns at many of the Hong Kong style bakeries - I like Golden Gate Cake Shop in Chinatown. Or you can try the Chinese steamed baos...the white ones you get at dim sum places. You can buy them in 6 packs in the supermarket to steam at home.

        8 Replies
        1. re: sulineats
          Browners Jan 20, 2009 03:22 AM

          Thanks everyone for all of your ideas. I'm really nervous about this one. I feel that I've got to find a proper sandwich really. But with a Chinese filling. I am desparate to try all of the lovely buns but are they really sandwiches? If yes. I'm over the moon.

          1. re: Browners
            CTownFeedR Jan 20, 2009 04:18 AM

            Check out Sulineats blog photo. It's a sliced starch product (i.e. bread) filled with meat and veggies. Sounds like a sarnie to me.

            http://tamarindandthyme.wordpress.com...

            1. re: CTownFeedR
              d
              DollyDagger Jan 20, 2009 04:24 AM

              Agreed. If you can buy it in London, I don't see why not.

              The only other kind of Chinese sandwich that comes to mind is the ones filled with that neon pink 'Chinese chicken' they used to sell in low-end supermarkets. Vile!

              1. re: DollyDagger
                Browners Jan 20, 2009 07:00 AM

                Having had a look at Sulineat's blog I agree. Looks like a sandwich to me! Let's test it out.

                Thanks.

            2. re: Browners
              zuriga1 Jan 20, 2009 06:17 AM

              I don't really think that a Chinese bun is all that different from a paninni sandwich. Both are dough containing a filling....

              Be brave!

              1. re: zuriga1
                Browners Jan 20, 2009 07:01 AM

                You're right. Thanks for the gentle kick. I'm going to give them a go. Wish me luck.

                1. re: Browners
                  iheartcupcakes Jan 20, 2009 08:08 AM

                  I'd say a bun is a sandwich as its bread with a filling!!!

                  Good luck :)

                  1. re: Browners
                    zuriga1 Jan 20, 2009 11:01 PM

                    Good luck.... and let us know when the piece appears in print! I love those buns and always have some in my freezer. :-)

            3. CTownFeedR Jan 18, 2009 06:30 AM

              I remember getting Taiwanese sandwich back in the Flushing mall in NY. It was made using a rice flour bun (one of those white, puffy ones), pork belly and cilantro. It was excellent. Succulent pork, soft bun, snappy cilantro.

              I know that the location doesn't help, but perhaps you can look at Taiwanese places in London.

              7 Replies
              1. re: CTownFeedR
                s
                skut Jan 18, 2009 07:40 AM

                Leung's does something like this called Taiwanese kebap or similar. They were out of rolls last visit, but it sounded deep.

                1. re: skut
                  iheartcupcakes Jan 18, 2009 08:11 AM

                  I'm visiting NY in March and have been reading LOTS about NY food - and I keep hearing pork buns being mentioned - perhaps something like this can be found in London?

                  You can read about them/see them on the Girl who Ate Everythings great blog
                  http://www.roboppy.net/food/2008/10/k...

                  Good luck - can't wait to read about what you manage to find in London!

                  1. re: iheartcupcakes
                    zuriga1 Jan 18, 2009 08:32 AM

                    I don't remember ever seeing anything like those pork buns in all the years I lived near NY. They look very good ....and not the usual pork buns at all.

                    I used to know all the interesting spots but rarely get back there now. Email me if you want any ideas. My email in is my profile.

                    1. re: zuriga1
                      s
                      skut Jan 18, 2009 10:42 AM

                      Ssam Bar is Korean. Those buns are insane, best thing I ate in NY...

                      1. re: skut
                        zuriga1 Jan 18, 2009 01:18 PM

                        Thanks. I'll be there in May.

                        1. re: skut
                          iheartcupcakes Jan 19, 2009 12:47 PM

                          Ah sorry - I just kept reading about these pork buns so thought something similar may be apt for this sandwich contest!

                          Zuriga - thanks v.much but I have a list as long as my arm and then some - 8 days will be FULL I think! if you known any secret cupcake spots please email!

                      2. re: iheartcupcakes
                        Browners Jan 20, 2009 03:29 AM

                        Thanks for the link. Looks really intereting. Awesome blog by the way.

                  2. j
                    JFores Jan 17, 2009 11:53 PM

                    Unless you mean Vietnamese banh mi or the flatbread sandwich like things they make in Xi'an, I'm confused.

                    1 Reply
                    1. re: JFores
                      Browners Jan 20, 2009 03:27 AM

                      Your change of tack onto Vietnamese is interesting. Given that it seems that Chinese sandwiches are hard to come by... Vietnamese is a good idea. Does anyone have any advance on this: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/587450

                    2. zuriga1 Jan 17, 2009 10:29 PM

                      I don't think I ever remember seeing anything Chinese made with flour... except for noodles or buns, dumplings etc. I've never seen a Chinese sandwich. I'm far from an expert, though, and maybe others who have lived in other places will know if there is such a thing... especially in London. You may have to write about another ethnic group this time. :-)

                      1 Reply
                      1. re: zuriga1
                        Browners Jan 20, 2009 03:24 AM

                        I've got a feeling you might be right unfortunately. I'm going to keep going. But am currently thinking of back up plans.

                        But it seems that Vietnamese New Year also runs into February... so that could work JFores...

                      2. f
                        foreignmuck Jan 17, 2009 09:12 AM

                        What exactly is a chinese sandwich? Can't say I've ever heard of it, let alone try it..

                        Is it a sandwich filled with char siu or roast duck or something?

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