PhillyFoodGuys: Hittin’ the Streets for Underground Eats

 

 South Philly Veggie Sandwich Smackdown [11:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This week we chose to search out some really good vegetarian sandwiches in the land of the Cheesesteak. With all due respect to Pat’s, Geno’s, Tony Lukes and their brethren, the Philly sandwich scene is much more than just beef and cheese wiz. Really.

Let’s get ready to rruuummbblle!!

Making our battle plan, we decided to include Veggie Hoagies and Falafel sandwiches for those not keen on the Hoagie thing. In addition, logistics would force us to stay within an 8 block radius in South Philly, otherwise we’d still be driving and eating as you read this post. So you fans of the Veggie Sandwich unite, and tell us what we missed - I’m sure it’s a lot.

Other rules of the Smackdown included:

• “Vegetarian” includes cheese
• All Sandwiches were takeout
• Compare Like Sandwiches, when possible

Now touch gloves and come out fighting!

Realizing that it would take several days to find several really good veggie sandwiches, we braced ourselves. To be honest, I felt like freakin’ Ricky Bobby after all of the laps and parking shenanigans in South Philly. By the time we were done, we visited 7 restaurants and ate 9 sandwiches over 3 days. In summary, here’s what we found:

Chickie’s Original Veggie Hoagie (Lg.) $6.5 - (Baked Eggplant, Sauteed Greens, Roasted Peppers and Sharp Provolone - we requested Hot Peppers too) Very good sandwich, lots of flavors that blend well, substantial and satisfying. Style points for using Sarcone’s rolls. A past Best of Philly Award Winner.

Sarcone’s Roasted Vegetable Hoagie (Med.) $6.5 - (Roasted Eggplant, Peppers, Garlic and Long Hots with Sharp Provolone, Dry Herbs, Oil & Vinegar) Great hoagie. Lots of flavor. The Long Hots and the Provolone gave us a good “bite.” Who needs a cheesesteak when you can get one of these?

Sarcone’s Italian Veggie Hoagie (Med.) $7.5 – (Roasted Eggplant, Sauteed Mushrooms, Roasted Garlic & Mozzarella) A good sandwich with mild flavors but we thought the eggplant needed something. If you like mushrooms you won’t be disappointed.

Sarcone’s Spinach Hoagie (Med.) $6.5 - (Sauteed Spinach, Roasted Garlic, Sharp Provolone and Roasted Long Hots) OK. We’re fans of this sandwich, but the Spinach lacked any kind of flavor. The spicy pepper spread and Provolone still make this one worth a shot.

Cae Nhu y’s Vegetarian Banh Mi  $3 - (Marinated Tofu, pickled carrots & radish, fresh Cilantro, mysterious mayo-like substance on a light, flaky roll similar to a baguette. Known as a Vietnamese Hoagie, the Bahn Mi has to be included in the Smackdown. Cae Nhu y is known for this vegetarian sandwich, which is light and mildly flavored. Comparing a Vegetarian Banh Mi to a traditional Veggie Hoagie is like comparing an Apple to an Orange. Regardless, the Tofu was tasty and the pickled vegetables give it a unique twang of its own. Can’t beat it for $3.

O Sandwiches’ Tofu Sandwich $3.25 - Similar to Cafe Nhu y’s Vegetarian Banh Mi in all respects, except flavor and quality. While this one didn’t do it for us, Tushar still wants to return to try the Sardine Sandwich (they were sold out when we were there).

Alyan’s Falafel Sandwich w/ Hummus $4.75 - A very good sandwich that included fried falafel balls (chick peas, onion, garlic, parsley, spices), shredded lettuce, tomato with Tahini sauce wrapped in Pita bread. A tasty veggie option that’s portable, but messy. Tush loves this sammy. I like it a lot.

Maoz Vegetarian “Maoz Meal w/ Eggplant + Hummus” $7 - An excellent fried Falafel sandwich with a condiment bar to make it your own. The Falafel was light & fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. To be fair to the other candidates, we ate this one while driving around town, so it was as fresh as they come. Check this place out if you’re walking South Street.

Bitar’s Grilled Falafel Vegetarian Sandwich $2.50 - A good, delicately flavored sandwich that uses both Chick Peas and Fava beans in its Falafel. Lettuce, tomato and parsley accompany the grilled Falafel patties wrapped in a Pita. A healthier alternative to its fried cousins, I liked this one but thought that the lettuce & parsley overwhelmed the falafel. Bitar’s is also a grocery with Middle Eastern food items. Mmmm.

And the Winner Is …

Psyche! Did you actually think that we could agree on something? Well, kind of.

Spit Decision on Veggie Hoagie:

Bill - Sarcone’s Roasted Vegetable Hoagie “The Long Hots were key.”
Tushar - Chickie’s Original Veggie Hoagie “Broccoli Raab is the difference.”

Unanimous Decision on Falafel Sandwich:

Maoz - Fresh & crispy with condiments on tap

If you’re still hungry for more, check out our podcast at http://phillyfoodguys.com

Participants in the Veggie Sandwich Smackdown were:

Chickie’s Italian Deli 1014 Federal St. (215) 462-8040
Sarcone’s Deli 734 S. 9th St. (215) 922-1717
Cafe Nhu y 802 Christian St. (215) 925-6544
O Sandwiches 1205 S. 9th St. (215) 334-6080
Alyan’s Middle Eastern Cuisine 603 S. 4th St. (215) 922-3553
Maoz Vegetarian 248 South St. (215) 625-3500
Bitar’s 947 Federal St. (215) 755-1121

TAGS: Philadlephia, South Philly, Vegetarian Food, Veggie Hoagie, Falafel, Sarcone’s Deli, Chickies Italian Deli, Cafe Nhy y, O Sandwiches, Alyan’s, Maoz, Bitar’s, Podcast