Sanwits is a Filipino sandwich shop from the group behind Semma and Naks, operating out of their former Rowdy Rooster space in the East Village. While technically served between bread, the reinterpretations of Filipino comfort food served here are aioli-laden knife-and-fork jobs—so wet they’re already self-destructing by the time you unwrap them. If these sandwiches were people, they’d brush aside your attempt at a handshake, wrap their arms around you, and say “I’m a hugger.”
photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick
photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick
Do we sort of wish we could pour the contents of these big-on-flavor, low-on-structural-integrity sandwiches out over rice? Sure. But the ambition is impressive, and though seating is limited, the upbeat Pinoy hip-hop and bags of Boy Bawang corn nuts stashed under the register make this a fun place to eat dinner that would probably escape the confines of its bread if you tried to take it home.
Food Rundown
Lechon Dip
This sandwich might be the most outrageous thing Sanwits makes, featuring pork belly with a creamy spread, plus pork jus on the side. The fatteeters on overkill, but a little grilled pineapple relish helps .
Ribeye Caldereta
A rich landslide of steak, sweet onions, and peppers that have nearly liquefied. It’s probably the most purely delicious sandwich on the menu, but we suspect we’d prefer it in traditional caldereta stew form.
Chicken Bagoong
This juicy fried chicken sandwich is amped up with the pleasantly strong funk of the shrimp paste in its name. Get it.
Spam Sanwits
A very solid breakfast sandwich, with toasted, crustless white bread, scrambled eggs, and a thick, juicy, downright luxurious slab of housemade Spam.
Lumpiang Shanghai
The wrappers aren’t very crisp, and the filling lacks any discernible vegetables to break up all the meat. Between these lumpia, the vinegar fries, and the mac & cheese, we haven’t found a side at Sanwits that’s a must-order.
Honey-Calamansi Fizz
Zippy, not too sweet, and basically a medical necessity on a hot day.
Halo Halo
A little short on toppings and texture variation, but creamy and custardy enough to satisfy a halo halo craving.
