Sam Sandwiches

Let’s be frank, January sucks in the UK. There isn’t much saving grace about London for the first month of the year. Particularly a couple of days before payday, well into your overdraft wading through Shepherd’s Bush Market with rain overhead, damp socks, and a drenched coat. Like a passive-aggressive comment whilst at the end of your tether, you have to see the absurdity of it all.

Walking in juxtaposition with a hangry friend to my left, and an optimistic one to my right. The former comments on London’s lack of wonder. Understandably after spending the last 3 months in sunny mesmerising Shanghai. But despite our bleak circumstances, this moody metropolis redeems itself with one important thing. The food.

Towards the back end of the market and down an alleyway to your left, lies ‘Sam Sandwiches’, a humble and honest Algerian food shack that only takes cash. These sandwich specialists have 6 on offer, each filled with classic Algerian spiced meat dishes alongside salad, chips, a fried egg, and a choice of sauces. Options range from Merguez (Algerian spiced sausage), marinated liver, chicken or special mince, fish fillet, and ‘Sam’s Special 2 Meat Sandwich’. And are all served inside the traditional Algerian Matlou’, a fluffy, round, leavened bread made with a mix of semolina and flour.

As we stand under the shelter of the food stall, frowns turn into smiles watching the chef crack on with the cooking. Everything is cooked on a flat-top grill in a method that would satisfy all diabolical drunken cravings. The Matlou’ is cooked first, puffing up beautifully, similarly to a Cornish Pasty. An excitement on the eyes for us Cornish lads.

Whilst that is set aside, the meat goes on, followed by the chips, and finally the egg. Once the egg begins to fry and take shape, everything is chopped up together with a spatula and left to crisp up. Two contrasting sauces go into the Matlou’, one spicy with a hint of harissa, and the other complimentary, with a creamy & sweet finish. Finally, the meat, egg and chip mix is added along with the salad and voila. It’s honest and good hearty cookery that in anticipation, outshines our initial pessimistic moods.

We had different sandwiches, but no one was envious of the other. They were equally banging. A joy to eat and packed full of flavour and complimentary textures. The bread is soft inside but has enough exterior crunch and personality to match the rich filling. All bringing the best out of the Algerian spices and ingredients.

This is seriously some of the best street food I have had in London. It’s generous and affordable, even in January. With prices ranging between £7-£8. Each sandwich brings something unique to the table. To me, it feels like one of those spots you get a real craving for. Serving food that satisfies desires nothing or nowhere else can. Made evident by a review I read from a couple of regulars who happily cycle 2 hours for their favourite sandwich.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get into much conversation with the chef, who I like to think was Sam, but that is a question for another time. Either way, the owner alongside his team are doing a wonderful job here. Bringing a much-needed smile to me and my friends, alongside a slice of their culture to a bustling part of West London. All reminding you why you put up with the city in the first place.

9 Shepherd's Bush Market, London W12 8DE

Open 12:30pm-18:30pm

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Adela’s Carinderia London