I am a huge fan of the Pastrami Sandwich at Whisgars in Bangkok (Sukhumvit soi 23). To me it's a wonderful sandwich experience because with each bite, the pastrami melts into the toasted grain bread crunchiness and delights the palate with evenly balanced textures and flavours. The pastrami is usually very tender but there occasions where its a little dry. Sorry I don't have the photo of Whisgars pastrami sandwich.
A few years ago they had a customer who imported some freeze dried Katz's deli pastrami and, with the help of 5 other customers, had a blind taste test. Apparently 5 out of 6 said Whisgars was better so I was happy to continue to indulge there. I was after all in Bangkok and did not have the ability to compare for myself...... Until now.
The pastrami at Katz's Deli is easily the best I've tasted anywhere. I had the standard pastrami on rye bread with mustard and pickles. Stacked high, it looks ominously delicious. When the server carves a few slices to try, you can't wait for the finished product. It's magnificent, so succulent and tender, full of flavour without being too smoky or salty. I will say however the one thing the Whisgars sandwich does better is the fact that the multi grain bread is toasted, giving a contrast of texture as well as flavour.
