This is one of the best sandwiches in the world.

The Caribbean roast pork from Paseo in Seattle is one of my favorite sandwiches in the world. Go get it!
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[@colink3265]

I am absolutely loving these side quest restaurant lunch videos.

[@joewills7582]

The Main quest

[@enriquejr613]

Couldn’t agree more

[@cwg73160]

Use your big boy vocabulary.

[@MikeNolanNolski]

I've not lived in Seattle for probably 8 years and I still think about that sandwich.

[@Idk_anything_anymore]

The new Paseo ownership never got the pork recipe quite right since part of the sales agreement they didn’t get the roast pork recipe. The pork was the only thing the original owner didn’t allow anyone else to make. Will say if you been around since the beginning, the whole situation was weird as you see some of the original Paseo staff part of Un Bien. Personally I go Un Bien, Bongos, El Cubano, Paseos for Caribbean sandwiches.

[@Samuelio]

True, the new Paseo just never got it right. Un Bien definitely still brings me back to the first time I had this great sandwich though

[@RadianIndustries]

Un Bien gets the old Paseo's salad recipe/dressing closer to the original as well. They both make great sandwiches and it's somewhat obscene that we get to argue about which one is best.

[@alanzhan4436]

the paseo now definitely doesnt live up to what un bien is offering

[@ryankwan1934]

@@RadianIndustries "Somewhat obscene that we get to argue about which one is best," is perhaps the most self-aware comment. Here, I am living in Germany and I have had to make due with the sad excuse that they call Mexican and Caribbean food here :(.

[@sundarpichai940]

I don't know why people here are so positive about Un Bien. The original owner of Paseo skipped town with all the cash to evade taxes and left his employees without their paychecks. While out of the country, he sold Paseo to an investor who was a fan of the sandwiches and that guy was able resurrect the business by rehiring many of the old employees and working with them to recreate the menu. Meanwhile, the sons of the original owner worked with their dad to open Un Bien and seemingly everyone has forgotten/excused what their father did. In my opinion, the sandwiches between Paseo and Un Bien are basically identical, but I haven't forgotten how we got to this point. You guys are free to do so, but I'm a little disappointed in the ones that do.

[@sethmiller7925]

"It is a sloppy one" is a big understatement for that sandwich, but it is so good!

[@mammontustado9680]

It's probably his favorite phrase 😂 He said it too about the Smash That Burger one

[@242sighting]

Napkins aren't enough, I always want a pail of water.

[@daniellavery6667]

Too true. I usually end up basically wearing this sandwich by the time it's done. The lettuce later really helps the whole thing slide apart. It is tasty, though.

[@brystmar]

Some of the other sandwiches on their menu are also tasty, but that #1 is what keeps me coming back. Love it!

[@ModeratelyAwesomeX]

Sandwich aside, gotta say you're looking great Kenji :) keep these videos coming they're very comfy

[@mineralmax]

Kenji! You look terrfic! You actually look 10 years younger! And thank you for yet another terrific video! Love what you do for us foodies! Cheers!

[@zdraco]

I prefer Un Bien these days, but definitely the first time I had a Press at Paseo was incredible! definitely top 5 sandwich.

[@2drumallday]

I wonder if he's actually been given he pronounced the name wrong

[@whitest_kyle]

Yep, Paseo is incredible! Un Bien and Bongos are both amazing as well.

[@sbhopper8511]

First I'm seeing this new channel. It's great seeing Kenji out and about talking about food places.

[@magicjuand]

The Stop in Pioneer Square is also a solid sandwich shop which has one of these caribbean pork sandwiches on the menu (called the "Cubana"), highly recommended, they do it with a jalapeño aioli

[@HawkeyeFan321]

Would love to see a video where you try to emulate these onions

[@shelleyjohnston2537]

110%

[@ShovelChef]

It's kinda like a braise? Similar to my approach to carm onions, though I often do the reverse as well-- start low, end high. I'd like to see a comparison, if there's a significant difference.

[@zachrosenberg8264]

Would you ever consider making a shareable google maps “saved places” collection of Seattle spots?

[@danielrasmussen2167]

U could just write them down

[@zachrosenberg8264]

Google maps collections are way more useful, shareable, and interactive. Not to mention the direct links to their locations, menus, etc@@danielrasmussen2167

[@MrAzijn]

maps.app.goo.gl/V299SA6sszi3ZbZw8 here ya go! I've been keeping a list of places all over the world and have a Seattle eats list. It's mostly Kenji recommendations but maybe not completely

[@harshaldesai2505]

maps.app.goo.gl/1JhuUrT4LmNxrUm2A I use this one. Someone else made it, based on his Instagram posts.

[@s.flanders]

It exists, but made by someone who mapped every single place mentioned on Kenji’s Instagram (even the ones he didn’t particularly praise): Kenji Seattle/PNW+ recs by @rajawashere · Raja H maps.app.goo.gl/CdU6EM9n6g5XVdkL6?g_st=i

[@CheeseDud]

The idea of sending a signed book to your enemies is very funny

[@patrickyoung8277]

I've been there and absolutely agree. This may be my favorite sandwich of all time.

[@jcb76]

Love Paseo, It has been a must stop spot for us whenever we are in the Seattle area.

[@markhotton6906]

Yep…Amazing Sandwich, even better story. Thanks Kenji.

[@juliasalavarria8164]

my lord to be sat up with that sammy in that spot😫 stay blessed kenji

[@iiJuggaloZzHD]

you make a lot of lunch videos but i liked this one a lot, it's one of the all time for sure

[@carolinepeterson7995]

I tried this sandwich when I visited Seattle way back in 2014 and I still remember it was fantastic!

[@dustinanglin]

It's the perfect combo of flavors. I'm also in the same boat that I can't really tell the difference between the modern, the original, and the Un Bien, but I do remember the first time I had the OG Paseo sandwich, and it was mind blowing. That sandwich and the Fast Eddie from HoneyHole (another storied sandwich location that is in an unfortunate world of drama) are the two things I crave when I'm away from Seattle.

[@RohitKulshreshtha]

Love a lazy afternoon at golden gardens with a sandwich from un bien.

[@tonyjolley832]

Paseo's fish sandwich is very underrated. I usually get that when I go.

[@yoyoyobottleoyos]

I go with the chicken thighs version…much juicier.

[@claudiddle]

oh my god, you posted this on the weekend I visited Seattle for the first time, and the DAY i went to that bookstore across the street. i must return.

[@laurarice3080]

If I remember right, the original Paseo's didn't even have a business sign. And it still had a line around the block. The sandwiches were that good!

[@antichef-j8z]

Thank you for your lovely compliment. I hope my recipe was able to help you in your cooking.

[@christopherkarr1872]

I almost forgot I was watching a restaurant review. All the love, Kenji. Thanks for your part in making me the chef I am today.

[@GlassofJ]

My one visit to Seattle was capped off with a trip there before heading to the airport and I STILL dream about that sandwich. My goodness now I’m sad I haven’t been back since 😂

[@ClaudeDebussy2000]

The native Philadelphian in me would probably love this. Roast pork with provolone and broccoli rabe is my favorite sandwich in the world but honestly if you give me roast pork with whatever on any kind of crusty roll I'd probably enjoy it

[@2kbk926]

Team Un Bien, it’s the most like the original, and better overall

[@Bison162]

I lived in Seattle for just a few years shortly before Kenji did and I’m so sad about all these recs that I never appreciated or knew about

[@juliusschumann6545]

I love this format! All the best from Germany 🫶🏽

[@JeffRElliott]

Sometimes the algorithm hits just right, glad to discover your channel.

[@RewDowns]

This brings me back to good times :) The secret to the sandwich is how the aioli interacts with the caramelized walla walla sweet onions. Also great bread, tender juicy pork, really everything about it is amazing. You could also make the case that this is the best onion dish in the world!

[@HunterOnaLoop]

That looks gorgeous! Also loved the For science little note on the signed copy. Glados would approve

[@no-passport-needed]

At Bongo's I highly recommend trying their jerk chicken sandwich! Also a sloppy one, but so darn good.

[@dakotacx]

Bongos is so good. I live just a few blocks south and I'm there all the time.

[@jakelondon]

I need to try that place. I've heard it's good.

[@VerticalRun]

Weirdly enough there was also a Paseo in Key West that became Bien. Had this same sandwich. We would eat it every year. One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had.

[@ChrisBakerDrummer]

YES! Same! We miss that place so much since it closed in recent years. I asked on Kenji's IG page if that Key West location was related. It had to have been, I think

[@joe_schmoe_420]

I love that sandwich It was amazing when i had it last

[@ahc1230]

Had this place a while back. So good and so big

[@richhuynh6314]

Just ate one. Can confirm, it’s pretty good.

[@Gobzer5526]

Love the shout out to Bongos, that place SLAPS and has a really good burger

[@kamsbry]

I like sandwiches a lot. Like probably too much, a lot. I will totally agree with you on this, one of the best sandwiches you can put in your mouth. I actually went and got one years ago as a celebration of finishing my divorce.

[@AniesR]

I saw the thumbnail and thought "Man that looks a lot like Paseo's" 😂

[@ivers1001]

Glad you are shouting out bongos. The west-indies sandwich from bongos is maybe my favorite sandwich in seattle.

[@LoopyChew]

Ah, the Shop of Theseus. A well-known paradox.

[@salilgupte4507]

Their shrimp sandwich is also amazing. They had a location in the Ballard neighborhood near the beach when we had just moved to Seattle. We couldn't remember the name of Paseo back then so we just called it "Shrimp Shack" for years even though it wasn't known for that particular sandwich. 😅

[@ClassyJohn]

nice to see Paseo’s is still around

[@jgray2718]

Hey Kenji, that sandwich looks awesome! Whenever I make a pulled or shredded pork sandwich I do the onions similarly, but I also always put pickles on it to get a bit of the sweet/sour contrast with the onions. I'll have to try it without pickles sometime, it honestly never occurred to me. Also, I'd love to see some variations you might do with some of your restaurant favorites. I steal your ideas a lot _(or buy them in the form of your cookbooks)_ and I love seeing you do variations on things you enjoy.

[@JKenjiLopezMain]

These Sandos also have pickled jalapeño so there’s definitely that vinegary bite in them that’s important.

[@sureitsdanny]

​@@JKenjiLopezMain Try the scallop sandwich next time! It is even sloppier and even better imo!

[@piy0911]

Paseo has some of the most indulgent cross-sections and amazing grilled onions

[@MythicFox]

I know this happens everywhere, but it amuses me how one restaurant will become well-known for a sandwich and all of a sudden you get a bunch of places in the area making a version of that sandwich.

[@ishmiel21]

Their scallop sandwhich is also pretty bomb!

[@coreymahjoubian3668]

We always go to the one in SoDo whenever we go to a concert at the Showbox SoDo or a ballgame. Messy but awesome!

[@Marzipaniv]

Un Bien is marginally better! Do Salumi in Pioneer Square next.

[@dustinanglin]

Oh man, the Mole sandwich is so good.

[@BearHawkful]

I thought you meant Fremont, CA and I got so happy then sad when it says Seattle

[@stgoku]

I dream about this sandwich. Def one of the best sandwiches I've ever had.

[@andersc6593]

Un Bien is amazing! Though I’ve never had Paseo.

[@mousepotato581]

You should have been all like "Congratulations! You guys did it! Best sandwich in the world!"

[@dychui]

I got really excited when I saw Fremont; then realized it was not Fremont California so a bit far away for me hahaha ! Love these side quests

[@Lowkink]

Looking good, kenji

[@azayakaakari]

Hi @JKenjiLopezMain, thinking of doing a daytrip from Vancouver, Canada down to grab the Wok book and try this sandwich out across the street. Was thinking sometime in mid January but couldn't find the schedule of the next book signing online. Hopefully I'll get to meet you in person but worst case I'll get them to hold a book for me!

[@starvingrtist8714]

OMG please teach us how to make this in your main channel!!!

[@brainneeded]

it is legitimately one of the best sandwiches in the world (or that i've experienced anyways). i keep trying to find the time/an excuse to go to seattle based solely on this sandwich.

[@hunterjr90]

Also the odds . I was just there a few days ago having that sandwich.

[@UloPe]

Looks delicious. But in my opinion the best type of sandwich is the Bahn Mi.

[@Drew-C-]

The ripe plantains are called "maduros". Grew up in Miami, so I am familiar with all this stuff and really curious how this take on the Cubano tastes.

[@maxcastillo8191]

You should make a trip up to El Cubano in Shoreline. Their classic cubano is damn good.

[@davidmoore2699]

I love Paseo and Un Bien, but usually go to Un Bien because the parking is easier

[@harshaldesai2505]

Trying to round out my seattle sandwich tier list --- haven't gone to paseo yet. Un bien was honestly a little disappointing for me, but all of my friends speak very highly of paseo. Will need to check it out. Have you been to royal grinders? I fucking love their Italian grinder. In fremont as well.

[@cheesemaster6666]

ok 🙂

[@TheAMersOFFICIAL]

Remember hearing about this from the old Eater Dining on a Dime series. Happy to get reminded of a food bucket list item

[@SparkyFinch]

Tre's House of Cheesesteak is also near there (it keeps moving) and it's pretty awesome

[@benelson12]

Paseo sandwiches are ridiculously good.

[@2gDSM]

Didn't expect to find a Ship of Theseus on a sandwich review video 🤣

[@daniellavery6667]

I haven't lived in Seattle long enough to have nostalgia for the original Paseo, but I will say I've had Un Bien and modern Paseo both, and I think the Un Bien sandwich is tastier. They are both pretty good, and both are very messy to eat.

[@qasax0913]

i love how he just filmed the grill from a distance lol

[@vedrisca]

Funny how so many great sandwiches end up having baguette as the bread of choice. Maybe it's that buttery outside?

[@infantrychef]

Indeed. I've only eaten at Un Bien...many, many times, but, yes. It is the best sandwich in the world. One day I will get to Paseo 😂

[@jakelondon]

If you've had Un Bien, you've had the real deal.

[@AllWIllFall2Me]

I was literally just trying to figure out how to burn an hour in Fremont, as I have to make a stop there on my way home for Thanksgiving next week. Very interested in swinging by now.

[@jmcmonster]

I’ve had both Paseo and Un Bien. It’s a little polarizing amongst my friend group, but I prefer Paseo, partly because it’s walking distance from my house. Loving these videos!

[@acrobaticfish]

Un Bien for the exact same reason.

[@Underdogbassist]

I thought he was gonna talk about un bien when I clicked, would love to see a video about them!

[@jakelondon]

I started eating Paseo in the mid 1990s. Un Bien, imho, retains more of that spirit and the food is better there. I live pretty near the SODO Paseo, but stopped going there after the first few visits, especially after they removed a lot of the more affordable stuff from the old Paseo menu (e.g., the carne and rice for $8 that they still have at Un Bien). It still looked like Paseo food, and if you'd never had it before, it was probably a pretty good experience, but it was more like a facsimile of the goods, rather than the real deal. I'd rather just make the drive to Golden Gardens periodically (especially on a warm summer night), and get the real thing. So that's what I do now.

[@AquaBilliam]

They are more or less a wash to my taste buds, but I've never had them side-to-side. I should get a couple of friends together, toss Bongo's into the mix, and do a taste test. But I'm definitely in the "whichever's most convenient" camp.

[@acrobaticfish]

@@jakelondon The carne and rice is such a good deal that I am always befuddled when I order it and see the price.

[@ColeOshiro]

Lmao I legit live a few blocks up the road from there and never went because i hate cilantro. I'm gonna go there friday for lunch because of this.

[@bacaliboy]

I keep forgetting you moved to the PNW and thought you meant Bay Area Fremont :( But, we have Roli Roti at the Ferry Building in SF which is similar!

[@the_senate8050]

No such thing as blabbering about unimportant stuff, all of this very important :)

[@frasersgirl4383]

Looks delicious!

[@tomdale1313]

thxs for sharing...

[@benw4102]

Hey Kenji! I'm curious if you've ever had a roast pork sandwich from John's or Dinic's in Philadelphia and if so, how they stack up in comparison to this one? Thanks!

[@JKenjiLopezMain]

Oh yeah I’ve been tk John’s. It’s really a completely different thing. Hard to compare.

[@BallardBaller]

Ma’s Cafe has an excellent version as well

[@argosprtn4931]

💯 agree best sandwich in the world! My first stop every time I go to Seattle

[@timchristensen1308]

Are the Seattle Paseo/Un Bien at all related to the (now-closed) Key West restaurant Bien (formerly Paseo) that sold very similar sandwiches? I feel like they must be. I loved those sandwiches and would happily travel to Seattle to get another one.

[@DG-si2vp]

That is my fave sandwhich.

[@Shwexx]

Its such a hard choice for me for the "best" sandwich. Its a tie between Un Bien/Paseo and Al's Italian Beef

[@Nicolas-rc9zi]

well i am in Fermont (Vermont)

[@ryonmerrick3112]

Goddamn, looks delicious

[@gabriel-diez]

Might be too late to this but I gotta ask, a sandwich lover, I am willing to go to Seattle for this sandwich alone however, with that being said, if I were to go to Seattle and you being the local you are, you should do a video of places in Seattle worth checking out, or like a playlist or what have you.

[@blasphlamer]

I love the channel name

[@redbeard36]

People have fought battles over that recipe.

[@mrfroopy]

I am glad you said among.. Its ridiculious to think there is one best sando.

[@pBlackcoat]

One of the major downsides of no longer working downtown is that I can no longer easily get Paseo. :(

[@gabebegin2278]

Hi Kenji, can I get the link to that serious eats article? Thanks!

[@pter0_dactyl]

In search of the best sando, did your friends go try the calamari sandwich at Marechiaro's on Olde Highway 80 in East County San Diego? I will put this up against any sando you and your colleagues put up! Love your vidyas, thanks Kenji!

[@FriendofWigner]

Lived a few blocks from there, but never stopped in. There were always lines, and I don't do lines. I dunno if it's still there, but Royal Grinders was close by and had some great sandwiches. I loved their broiled Italian grinder; I could get it, walk ten minutes to my place, and it would STILL scorch my mouth.

[@MisterFuturtastic]

Kenji.. best sandwich I have ever had was a BLT with pesto on baguette. So that's 2 world class sandwiches with baguette.. plus the bahn mi of course.. which I haven't tried yet. But my point is that I think you need to help us perfect the baguette at home if haven't already. P.S. I got an old Wolfgang Puck pressure oven from a family member and I heard they are great for making baguette or bread at home.. is this true? Does it help much? Have you ever tried his pressure oven's? What's your review?