If you’ve ever stayed in Tokyo for an extended period of time, you might have noticed the difficulty in getting your five-a-day.
In October 2015, Ex-model Yokochi Naoko came to the rescue. She set up a takeaway sandwich shop, Potasta, providing sandwiches that can only be described as “overflowing” with vegetables. Juicy lettuce, crisp carrots, golden pumpkin...all vegetables are organic and farmed in nearby Chiba prefecture. Vegetables are picked by dedicated staff every morning, who then start the sandwich making from 4:00am. Sandwiches are sold the same day they are made, to ensure maximum freshness. Incidentally, the same farm supplies vegetables to a Tokyo based organic restaurant, We Are the Farm.
The name “Potasta” is a mashup of "Pottering", "Stand" and "Station", implying that Potasta is a place for customers to enjoy delicious fare without hurrying. Sandwiches come in a cute paper bag and thoughtfully packed with an ice pouch to keep them fresh until consumption. While they also make soups, water, and coffee, sandwiches are the main event and it would be foolish to walk away without one.
There is some daily and seasonal variation to the flavors, and you can check the daily menu by visiting their Facebook or Instagram. They supposedly try to keep a ratio of 4:1 Asian to Western flavors. Burdock, peanut, salad and citrus marmalade, and even strawberry and chocolate cake have all made an appearance.
For a closeup of two of the Japanese style flavors - "Walnut, Dark Cherry, and Sweet potato" and "Cherry Jam Beans & Beans" - check out the photos! Both were delicious and naturally sweet. The sweet potato sandwich had added crunch from the walnut pieces and tang from the cherry. The bean sandwich was incredibly filling, made from a variety of beans that had been cooked to floury perfection and lightly sweetened.
Retailing at 500 yen apiece and 850 for two, Potasta is a simply a godsend for Vitamin C starved Tokyoites. If you’re hungry for more generously filled sandwiches in Tokyo, check out this article. For Potasta style sandwiches in Miyagi, check out this article.
