Tired of sushi and soba? Looking to change things up a bit in Tokyo? Head straight to King George Sandwich Bar in Daikanyama for sandwiches the size of your head in flavor combinations that will remind you of home.
The King George Sandwich Bar is located on the 2nd floor of a whitewashed brick building one of Daikanyama's main thoroughfares. Pay close attention to your map app or keep your eyes peeled for the small sign that marks this rather secret eatery. The main action happens up the stairs on the second floor, where a handful of tables share space with a small bar area in which chefs and servers mingle while making sandwiches and mixing up drinks.
The menu is an ode to the tastes of childhood - my American childhood at least - and features many familiar ingredients in appealing combinations. You'll find turkey and provolone cheese or honey baked ham and cheddar, both served on rye bread. If spicy is your thing, opt for the turkey and pastrami, white cheddar and jalapeno on rye. Or mix things up a bit with roasted chicken, provolone and taco seasoning. I went with the roasted chicken and marble cheese, slathered in honey mustard and served on rye bread that was impeccably toasted. All sandwiches average around ¥1500 and come with generous amounts of leafy greens. You can even add ingredients as you like. I livened up my order with avocado for an additional ¥200 and it complemented the sandwich perfectly. All choices are also served with two dill pickles.
A selection of juice, coffee and tea is available for ¥500 (though on weekdays, you can add a juice to your meal for a mere ¥100). There is a selection of smoothies for ¥800, and the size of the glass actually warranted the price. From mango apple to strawberry banana yogurt, the half dozen choices were all appealing.
If all of the tables on the second floor are full, you can sit at a large family-style table on the third floor, in a room that feels like your grandmother may have had a hand in decorating. However, if the weather is nice, the best seats in the house are up the narrow staircase to the roof terrace. The walls are draped with English ivy and large green umbrellas shield diners from the sun. The traffic noise from the main street below is negligible.
Sandwiches may not be the first thing that come to mind when you think of your next meal in Tokyo but having eaten here once, I am already planning to make it a regular occurrence.
