A popular hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop in Sydney is home of the nation’s best sandwiches, as voted by the Australian public.
Wotif’s Uniquely Aussie Award for “Best Sanga” has been awarded to South Dowling Sandwiches in Darlinghurst, a local favourite for more than two decades.
Owner Avi Labi and his team took over the business 14 years ago, revamping it and turning it into the popular outlet it is today.
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Labi said the sandwich shop prides itself on the quality and freshness of its ingredients.
“Everything is made to order,” he told 7NEWS.com.au.
“Everything is made in house, from the bread to the chicken that we receive fresh daily — we cut it and we tenderise it.”
Labi said the most popular sandwich is The Biatch — affectionately named after his daughter.
“It’s spicy, like my daughter,” he said.
“But it’s so, so, so good, so delicious, one of my favourite sandwiches.”
The $15 sandwich comes with chilli chicken, red pesto, herb mayo, lettuce, rocket, pickles, red cabbage, bocconcini and the shop’s famous caramelised carrots.
“We’re known for our caramelised carrots, there’s no one in Australia that does it,” Labi said.
“Many people (have) tried to copy it, but they’re not even coming close to it.
“People love it.”
The other fan favourite is The Hugo, a chicken schnitzel sandwich with herb mayo, lettuce, tasty cheese, roma tomato, cucumber and caramelised carrots.
Labi said it was “an honour” to be recognised by the community as Australia’s best sandwich shop.
“Our team …. are giving so much love into our food, and our customers are return customers on a daily basis and we appreciate it from them that they voted for us,” he said.
South Dowling Sandwiches also has locations in Alexandria and Millers Point.
And in good news for sandwich lovers outside Sydney, Labi said they are looking to expand.
“We’ve got a lot of AFL players (who) want to be the face (of the store) in Melbourne,” he said.
Wotif managing director Daniel Finch said the Uniquely Aussie Awards are about recognising and celebrating the best businesses across the country.
Everyday Australians can nominate their favourite businesses across each category, with the business which receives the most nominations crowned the winner.
The best flat white was awarded to ACT cafe The Cupping Room, while Felons Brewing Co in Queensland was voted best brewery.
The best botanic garden was won by the Western Australian Botanic Garden in the heart of Perth’s Kings Park.
“The categories this year really encompass what Aussies are most passionate about, from delicious foodie experiences to breathtaking natural wonders and scenery,” Finch said.
“These are the simple yet essential experiences that make a local trips spectacular and unforgettable.”
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