Sando Bar

When was the last time you went out for brekky or lunch and ordered a sandwich? We get it, this humble dish might not be your first pick on a food menu... but that may all be about to change. Enter Sando Bar.

A sneak peek at the food menu will tell you how this Surry Hills cafe chose its name: the ‘sando’ is Japan’s answer to our ‘sanga’, and Sando Bar joins a smattering of cafes who’ve recently been sending Sydney foodies a bit sando-crazy.

But first, let’s talk coffee. The coffee at Sando is gooood. Like crowds out the door good. Made using beans from Sydney coffee legends at The Little Marionette, your smooth cup of joe is served with a soundtrack of 90’s hip-hop and a side of friendly banter with head barista Jay. The team at Sando get to know their regulars and welcome newcomers with open arms.

Now back to the food. If you only get the chance to try one thing here, make it the pork katsu sando. Think thick, juicy pieces of panko-crumbed pork, with a layer of apple, fennel and cabbage slaw, and just the right amount of mustard mayo and tonkatsu sauce; all slapped between two slices of fresh white bread. Um, yum.

But if their signature dish doesn’t tickle your fancy, you needn’t worry—the team in the kitchen are jacks of all trades. Serving a bunch of familiar faves with Japanese flair, we’ve sampled a mix of dishes from both the all-day breakfast and lunch menus.

Speaking of dranks, the cocktail menu at Sando also surprises and delights. Go from brekky date to boozy brunch with a ko-hi martini—a Japanese-inspired espresso martini feat. shochu, white chocolate liqueur and vanilla-orange foam. Or, turn your office break into a looooong lazy lunch by sippin’ on a summery highball. Because it’s five o’clock somewhere…

Image credit: Bob Barrett.