There are a lot of sandwiches to be had in Queens, so for this week’s Sandwich Wednesday, I thought I’d call out seven of my favorites. Some are big, and some are small, but they’re all delicious and hold a special place in my heart and stomach.
1. Tortas Pumas,Tortas Neza
You’ll need to round up some amigos to help you eat this $14 behemoth from Queens’ tastiest torta truck. The ingredients include headcheese, a chorizo omelet, and fried hot dogs. 111th St. and Roosevelt Avenue, Corona
2. Bangamary Sandwich, Sybil’s Restaurant & Bakery
A crunchy fried fillet of bangamary—also known as the king weakfish—is tucked into a Guyanese roll. What makes this sandwich ($6) truly great though is a medley of condiments, including tamarind and tartar sauce. A bit of fruity, fiery Scotch bonnet sauce sends the whole thing into the flavor stratosphere. 132-17 Liberty Ave., Richmond Hill, 718-835-9235
3. Turkey Lamb Shuwarma, Grill Point
With a perfect balance of crunchy burnished bits and succulent swatches of meat the turkey lamb shuwarma at this Israeli joint is simply amazing. Truly the Platonic ideal of shuwarma. 69-54 Main St., Kew Gardens Hills, 718-261-7077
4. BLT, LIC Market
What’s better than a BLT? One with creamy avocado that melts into warm slices of bacon and grace notes of peppery arugula. A delicious update of a lunch counter classic. 21-52 44 Dr., Long Island City, 718-361-0013
5. Skirt Steak Sandwich, La Fusta
The off-menu skirt steak sandwich ($7.50) at this Argentine steakhouse is one of the best deals around. It’s even better with a slather of garlicky chimichurri sauce. 80-32 Baxter Ave., Elmhurst, 718-458-7747
PLEASE NOTE BEN’S BEST HAS CLOSED
6. Knishwich, Ben’s Best
The ramen burger is a flash in the pan, but the knishwich ($8.95), is a mashup of two old school tastes that will endure. I am partial to pastrami between my potato, but you can also get corned beef, or go for broke and order both. 96-40 Queens Blvd., Rego Park, 718-897-1700
7. Peking Duck Sandwich, Corner 28
Flushing’s tastiest and cheapest snack, as I like to call it, is sold from a window in front of Corner 28. One dollar buys a few slices of duck, along with lacquered skin, green onions and a slather of hoisin all cradled in a pillowy bun. 40-28 Main St., Flushing, 718-886-6628
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