[London] Best Chinese Sandwich

[Browners]

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.

[foreignmuck]

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?

[zuriga1]

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. :-)

[Browners]

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...

[JFores]

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

[Browners]

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

[CTownFeedR]

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.

[skut]

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

[iheartcupcakes]

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!

[zuriga1]

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.

[skut]

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

[zuriga1]

Thanks. I'll be there in May.

[iheartcupcakes]

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!

[Browners]

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

[sulineats]

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.

[Browners]

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.

[CTownFeedR]

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...

[DollyDagger]

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!

[Browners]

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

Thanks.

[zuriga1]

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!

[Browners]

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

[iheartcupcakes]

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

Good luck :)

[zuriga1]

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

[rolyatoj]

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!

[raistlyn]

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!

[skut]

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.

[Browners]

This is so helpful. Thank you very much indeed.

[skut]

no problem mate. let me know how it goes.

[Browners]

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