Smoked meat: New York’s iconic sandwich
In New York, there's more than burgers and hot dogs: try the smoked meat sandwich. Here's what it is and where to find the best spots.
What is smoked meat?
- Among New York’s signature dishes, one stands out as distinctly local and, as far as I know, unavailable in Europe: the smoked meat sandwich. You’ll find it mainly in New York and Montreal.
- This delicious sandwich consists of two slices of rye bread spread with sweet mustard, piled high with smoked beef in the middle. It’s fantastic! 🙂 It typically comes with pickles (large American-style dill pickles) and coleslaw.
- The smoked meat sandwich arrived in Montreal with Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. It later spread to New York, where the Jewish community is substantial. Since then, it has become a favorite among New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Where to eat a great smoked meat sandwich in New York?
Since Carnegie Deli closed, only two places in New York still serve this classic sandwich:
- Katz’s Delicatessen at 205 East Houston Street, at the northern edge of SoHo. The place looks frozen in time from the 1950s, with photos of famous customers including former President Bill Clinton. You can also eat under the sign marking the table where Harry met Sally in the movie of the same name.
- Sarge’s Deli at 548 Third Avenue, between 36th and 37th Streets. The décor here is equally unchanged since the 1950s. The advantage: the dining room is smaller than Katz’s and feels less industrial. It’s also less well-known, so keep it to yourself! 🙂