Sandwiches of New York: #10

What is it? Tunisian Sandwich

Where is it from? Breads Bakery, 18 East 16th Street, just off Union Square.

How much does it cost? $11.43 (including tax).

What's in it? Tuna fish, hard boiled egg, boiled potato, tomato, olives and parsley on a 'focaccia' roll with harissa.

Breads Bakery is a busy bakery next to Union Square. The front of the store has a counter that sells loaves of bread, pastries etc and at the rear there is another counter selling drinks along with a wide selection of pre prepared sandwiches, salads and baked items such as quiches. 

The interior space has an industrial vibe and there is cafeteria style seating at tables and benches. It is set up as a self service cafe, you select your food and pay at the counter and then find a seat. I visited at lunchtime and the bakery was very busy so I got my sandwich to go, if you do so there is plenty of outdoor seating with tables to be found in Union Square which is just meters away. 

I love tuna sandwiches of all sorts and was looking forward to this North African take on a 'pain bagnat', a Southern French sandwich, which is basically a salad nicoise served in a round flat bread roll. I had also heard rave reviews about the Tunisian Sandwich so I'm sad to say that I found it didn't quite live up to my expectations. 

I didn't think that the bread used was the best option for this sandwich, it wasn't foccacia exactly, but it was quite stretchy and chewy which meant that it was difficult to eat without the filling spilling out. The tuna in the sandwich was plentiful and of good quality but the other ingredients were somewhat sparse and except for the olives I couldn't pick out their flavours as the harissa spread, although not exceptionally spicy, tended to overwhelm the other ingredients. The sandwich was a little on the pricy side especially as it was pre made rather than being freshly made to order.

I found the service to be a little impersonal so I wouldn't rush back for a sandwich or a sit down experience, but the breads and baked goods did look very good indeed so I would visit again and try those out. 

Breads Bakery is a kosher establishment so they have an impressive range of food suitable for vegetarians which is good to know and if you near Union Square it is worth stopping by to pick up some interesting bread, breakfast pastries or dessert to go.