Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
When the Ube Sandwich came out at Spring Cafe, I had memories of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The toasted multi-grain bread was just as thin and while the traditional Filipino spread looked a lot more colorful than drab peanut butter, there was a similar thinness that reminded me of that paper bag lunch favorite.
But the flavors, vibrant color, and experience of this unique sandwich rivals anything I ever tasted as a kid.
It was Robert Sietsema of Eater who turned me on to this vegan fast food joint hidden just outside of the Chinatown crowds of Canal Street. More often than not, he writes about exotic fatty international foods like lamb belly or pig’s blood soup. So this light healthy sandwich was a bit of a surprise coming from him.
I also have to give a shout out to Spring Cafe’s excellent vegan bao. The two pillowy steamed buns that I tried were excellent – one stuffed with meaty mushrooms in a sweet earthy black pepper sauce and the other emulating pork belly with layered braised tofu skin served with the usual pickled greens, peanuts, and cilantro.
But back to the ube sandwich. I’m surprised more Instagrammers aren’t queuing up to get shots of the dramatic purple-filled sandwich. Before you even bite into it, the purple sweet potato spread catches your eye. The sweetness is highlighted with some dried cranberry (the jelly-like addition), and some unexpected crunch is included thanks to toasted pumpkin seeds.
I can’t find any evidence that this is a traditional Filipino lunch (or breakfast) food. Ube, of course, is all over Filipino cuisine, but if this is indeed a regular Filipino take on peanut butter and jelly, my middle school luncher is extraordinarily jealous. Price: $5.95
| SPRING CAFE |
| 153D Centre Street (between Walker and Canal Street), Chinatown (212) 226-9669 |
| springcafenyc.com |
