South Dowling Sandwiches
In a gluten-free era, it is hard to find a satisfying lunch in Sydney. Many of the modern, quinoa kings take cover in the streets of Bondi. ‘Enjoying’ their dairy-free, sugar free, flavour free, experience.
At times, this health craze can be a bit confusing. It seems you need to make a choice, flavour or health? But for those who want both, fear not. South Dowling Sandwiches have answered our prayers. Actually, they’ve been answering our prayers for 15 years. Notorious for their mammoth sandwiches, never-ending salads and hometown service, ‘dowlo’ as it’s commonly called, should be a weekly ritual for anyone in Sydney.
4 years ago, owner Avi Labi took over what was already a successful lunch spot. After launching fashion brands including Australia’s iconic surf brand, Insight, Avi noticed the business for sale and took a leap of faith from fashion to food. Giving it the little revamp it needed, South Dowling Sandwiches became an ultimate favourite. With a cult following from Sydney Swans, Waratahs and even Aussie legend Jimmy Barnes.
This little sandwich bar on South Dowling Street in Darlinghurst, squeezed between rows of small terraces, could easily be missed if it weren’t for the small queue of people outside. While this line out front may be discouraging, don’t be fooled. The girls hidden behind the high counter throw every thing together at a rather impressive, quick and confident pace.
They keep the menu simple with either a salad or a sandwich. The sandwiches are just $8 with two extras for $2. The best part is their glass cabinet holds all the ingredients so you can pick your sandwich base and then yell out your extras as you go, while the girls put it together right in front of you. While is a great option for those who are particular sometimes it's best to trust the sandwich artists and go with what’s on the board. The chilli chicken with red pesto, lettuce and rocket is a Swan’s players dream. Labi says he is big on fresh and he’s made it his mission to keep his produce at the top of its game. Everything is cooked and prepared onsite and the veggies are delivered straight to them every morning, so you know you’re getting quality produce.
As for the salad, you’re more likely to be taking things out than adding them. For $12 you get an abundance of 15 ingredients thrown together. The favourite for the salad seems to be chicken schnitzel. They may seem like opposing ideas, schnitzel and salad, but this combination is hard to beat. With a variety of items, each bite offers a new flavour. The sweet taste of beetroot, the lettuce dampened by a tangy balsamic dressing, the crunch and warmth from the freshly cooked schnitzel and the undeniably flavoursome honey roasted carrots (their novelty).
As for the interior, it's pretty tiny. With only enough room for a single file line and two or three tables, this space is best kept for ordering. After a few minutes crammed inside making your order, you can enjoy outside. Although the seating can still be limited out here, the turn around is quick and most patrons are collecting takeaway for a group back at work.
Inside may be small and hectic but outside its location on South Dowling Street is the perfect lunch spot. In summer the shade of trees provide a refreshing escape from the heat, in winter the abundance of cracked falling leaves are almost reminiscent of Central Park.
If you do become a weekly regular, you won’t be forgotten. Most people who visit are on a first name basis and all the girls preparing food know what you like. No tomato? Extra mayo? Chilli sauce on the side? No matter the order, they remember every time. Which is hard to believe considering they pump out a few hundred orders everyday.
With so much success and praise, South Dowling Sandwiches recently announced a sister spot in Alexandria. Sitting within an up and coming shopping complex, Labi said the new cafe will be a lot bigger with plenty more seating.
“We have so many clients over that way already that make the trek to (Darlinghurst), so we know it’s going to go well,” he said.
There is still no set date for the opening but at this stage January looks likely.
It’s easy to see how South Dowling Sandwiches got its glowing reputation. It's comforting to know there are still quality food spots that still value customer service and giving the best experience possible. Everything about this place is made with love and their next venture is sure to see the same treatment.