Summer Sandwiches

By Matthew Flint Translated by Ann Lee

At Papa's, customers can find three types of sandwiches, oven toasted subs, paninis, and one that might not be a sandwich at all, pita wraps. Approaching its third year in operation, Papa's has consistently experimented with different menu items, keeping the ones that work and allowing the others to live on only in the memories of those who enjoyed them. A few that have been embraced by Papa's enthusiasts are the Ham and Egg Breakfast Panini (NT$70) that's served all day; the Smoked Salmon Pita Wrap (NT$160); and the Chicken Caesar Oven Toasted Sub (NT$180). All of the sandwiches come with a free, all-you-can-drink fountain drink. Papa's prides itself on fresh bread baked in-house daily, real cheddar cheese, and its original and creative monthly specials. A couple other must-try items on the menu are the Italian Sub (NT$185), the Meatball Sub (NT$195), and the Greek with Dijon Pita (NT$120).

The Naked Cafe

575, MeiCun Rd, Sec 1; (04) 2378-3161
Hours: 7 am-3 pm
Credit cards not accepted.

Although this two-floor deli/bakery has a very eclectic menu ranging from cakes to seafood, it's always been the sandwiches that have brought people back year after year. Most of their 11 sandwiches (NT$90-160) are served cold and come with your choice of bread: French, Bagel, or Sliced. The Smoked Chicken Sandwich (NT$100) and the Smoked Salmon Sandwich (NT$150) are popular favorites. BBR offers three club house sandwiches (NT$120-150) that come with melted cheese and fries. The atmosphere here is comfortable without making you feel trapped. You can sit inside or outside and still feel as if you are part of the BBR experience. They also serve five salads (NT$160-240) that are big enough to share; Soup of the Day (NT$60); their famous quiche (NT$80); six main course meals (NT$220-420), and Movenpick ice cream. Wash it all down with a soft drink, tea, juice (NT$100 or less), beer or wine. Delivery is available for orders over NT$500.

Bagels 'n Beans

462, HeNan Rd, Sec 4

Although Bagels n' Beans opens at 7:30 a.m., many of their delicious bagel sandwiches are not available until 11 a.m. But don't worry; in the morning you can get the Spicy Breakfast Burrito (NT$160) or the Breakfast Bagel (NT$120), with eggs, sausage, cheese and coffee. In fact, all the Breakfast and Brunch Combos come with all-you-can-drink coffee. After 11 a.m. try the Smoked Salmon and Caper Bagel Sandwich (NT$200) or the BBQ Chicken Bagel Sandwich (NT$140). With eight different bagel sandwiches (NT$120-200, with fries) and nine different bagel flavors, you could be mixing and matching for weeks. To balance out a heavy bagel, try a freshly blended seasonal fruit juice. This month has the Mango, Papaya, Apple, Ginger, and Yogurt Smoothie (NT$90)－try saying that five times fast with a mouthful of bagel. With two floors plus a business luncheon room, this large and spacious diner is a great place to cool off and grab a sandwich and a cold drink.

BBR European Gourmet

84, HuaMei W St, Sec 1; (04) 2319-2926
Hours: 10 am-10 pm; Fri & Sat 10 am-10:30 pm
Credit cards not accepted.

This lounge bar is actually a sake house that offers a selection of grilled kebabs, hot stir-fries, fried foods, soup, and salads—all created by their chef, whose specialty is traditional Taiwanese cuisine. Strangely enough, the theme of this sake house is (Causeway Bay), a district in Hong Kong. A signature dish here is the Hakka-style Stir Fry. The dish, a great companion for any alcoholic beverage, is sauteed pork combined with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine and cinnamon powder, topped with a bit of flavor-enhancing celery. Apart from Taiwanese dishes, the chefs also offer dishes like the Japanese-style Matsusaka Pork Chop, which is crispy and impossible to stop eating. Most items are between NT$180 and NT$380. The German Pig's Knuckle is also a classic choice. A selection of alcoholic beverages is available at Causeway Bay, including some sweet, fruity cocktails that are great for summer.