Israel's Top 5 Meat Sandwiches: From Pastrami to Pulled Short Rib
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Meat sandwiches are a growing trend in Israel, with establishments offering creative takes on the classic dish. Five notable spots include B12 in Tel Aviv for its diverse menu, MOB Deli for its New York-style pastrami and Reuben, and Zorba in Netanya for its 17-hour slow-cooked short rib sandwich. EatMeat in Tel Aviv offers entrecôte on a challah roll, while Joseph at If HaDerech mall provides a unique combination of brisket and smoked goose for travelers.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Zorba in Netanya is lauded for its 17-hour slow-cooked pulled short rib sandwich, considered by many to be the best in Israel.
- MOB Deli in Tel Aviv offers authentic New York-style hot pastrami and Reuben sandwiches.
- B12 in Tel Aviv features a diverse menu with six types of meat sandwiches, including entrecôte and smoked brisket.
- Meat sandwiches are a recent culinary trend in Israel, distinct from burgers and shawarma.
- The article notes a lack of quality corned beef sandwiches in Israel compared to New York delis.
Meat sandwiches have recently become a major trend in Israel, distinct from popular items like hamburgers and shawarma. While these new sandwiches, often featuring generous portions of sliced entrecôte or beef brisket, weren't common street food just a few years ago, the article notes a surprising lack of quality corned beef sandwiches, unlike those found in New York's Jewish delis.
Despite not rivaling the popularity of burgers or shawarma, a well-crafted meat sandwich can be a culinary masterpiece. The article highlights five establishments offering exceptional meat sandwiches. B12 in Tel Aviv boasts six different varieties, including a classic "Philly" with entrecôte, onions, and peppers, a BLT, and more adventurous options like smoked beef brisket and chicken, and even lamb sweetbreads.
MOB Deli in Tel Aviv is praised for its hot pastrami sandwich, made from beef brisket marinated and smoked for days, served on rye bread with mustard mayo, red onion, and pickles. They also offer a "Reuben" sandwich, similar to the pastrami but with cheddar and sauerkraut, and a smoked lamb sandwich.
Zorba, located in Netanya, is renowned for its "pulled" meat sandwich served in a pita. This creation features an enormous amount of beef short rib, slow-cooked for 17 hours until it falls apart, combined with garlic confit, tahini, chimichurri, amba, onions, tomatoes, and chili peppers. Many consider it the best meat sandwich in the country.
EatMeat in Tel Aviv offers a more modest take on the trend, serving thin slices of entrecôte on a large challah roll with fried onions and various sauces. Joseph, situated at the If HaDerech mall near the Vitkin junction, is described as more of a deli or butcher shop but serves a surprising meat sandwich combining beef brisket and smoked goose, along with vegetables and a choice of sauces, ideal for travelers.