These New West spots serve up seriously good sandwiches

It’s tough to quit a 2,000-year-old tradition: the humble sandwich. Whether it’s with meat, cheese or veggies, you can enjoy one at home, at your desk or on the go. We’re taking a look at four delicious options for you to try.

Big Star Sandwich Co.

They say they’re the makers of the “best damn sandwich” you’ve ever had. The stop offers an assortment of deli-style sandwiches—my personal favourite is the number one, or what I like to call “Thanksgiving all year round”: hand pulled turkey, house-made stuffing, cranberry sauce and cranberry mayo make for a sweet and savoury experience.

Big Star initially opened in 2013 along 12th Street, later moving to its current home along Columbia. Then welder Clint Bondzuk saw a for-rent sign in a window; thinking he’d had a ton of sandwiches during breaks on the job, he wanted to give it a go. Since then, Big Star’s made-in-New-West success has seen a total of seven locations open in the Lower Mainland.

V-Cafe

Do not walk by this cafe without at least ordering the vegan ginger chicken banh-mi. I’m not vegan or vegetarian, but this is one of the tastiest, most savoury, most refreshing lunch sandwiches in the city. If you’re looking for a meat option, the V-Cafe Special Club Banh-Mi will kick that craving to the curb.

Columbia Street Sandwich Company

If you see a bunch of people on the corner of 6th and Columbia, they’re probably lined up for a sandwich from this downtown New West mainstay.

Columbia Street Sandwich is not only passionate about catering, but serving up freshly baked goods and sandwiches. I can’t stop thinking about their egg salad and their BLT: both are simple, yet filling, and make for a delicious quick bite to eat. I’m hoping to one day give their charcuterie plates a go.

Gastronomia Italia

New to the downtown area, this deli and Italian grocery shop is a delicious stop for a sandwich. My husband and I headed down here a few weeks ago—pizza for me and a muffaletta for him. While they didn’t have a muffaletta available, the staff asked him if it would be OK to whip him up something on the fly to try. We suspect it was a version of the ottima, which includes prosciutto crudo, pecorino cream, and truffle sauce—though they did add mortadella to the sandwich. And yes, it was delicious. I had to stop myself from stealing my husband’s food!