One of my biggest problems with restaurants is not being able to decide what to buy. From pizza to pasta, there are so many options that it’s easy to think “what if” if your meal turns out to be somewhat disappointing.
But luckily (sort of?) there’s a new restaurant in Borough Market that only serves a sandwich. Yep. A sandwich. Describing itself as a “sando” bar (aka a Japanese sandwich), Tóu prides itself on its only sando option.
I decided to give it a try and see if their unique option could be the answer to food analysis paralysis.
READ MORE: Dr Martens boots in six colors that ‘go with every outfit’ and offer ‘no blisters’ £85 off sale
The pop-up is a residence in collaboration with the Globe Tavern pub and the restaurant is located upstairs. This pub also features in the Bridget Jones films, as it is next to where the title character’s apartment was.
Tóu, which opened on April 4, is small and charming, with large leafy plants and orange lampshades everywhere. The tables are arranged with old fashioned ketchup bottles and jugs of water neatly placed on them.
Reading the menu for, not too long, I decide to order the signature sandwich. I am then persuaded to also order the fries by the waitress. It also offers pickles and spiced port croquettes to start, as well as a Biscoff and coffee ice cream for dessert.
Sandos are usually made with milk bread and served with thick fillings and without crusts. Tóu’s sando is made with toasted brioche, deep-fried Iberico pork neck, cabbage, onion and raspberry and shallot sauces.
The food arrives quickly and looks just as delicious as I hope.
The style of Japanese sandos means that the sandwich is displayed in an open manner, which makes it look incredibly appetizing. It also creates an even distribution of the filling, which makes a fairly well-filled sandwich very easy to eat.
The pork shoulder is tender and juicy, while the cabbage and onion add a satisfying crunch to every bite. The real standout element of the sandwich, however, is the raspberry sauce.
When I read that the sandon had a raspberry sauce, I was doubtful that this combination would work. But the tartness of the raspberry sauce cuts through the fat of the fried pork, making every bite delicious.
The fries are perfectly seasoned and are generously portioned. While the portion size for the sandwich isn’t bad either, my biggest gripe with Tóu was the price, with the sandwich being £16.50 and fries £5.50.
Across the other side of Borough Market you’ll find the viral pork sandwich, from The Black Pig which retails for £12. Although at Tóu you also benefit from being able to sit down in a quiet and peaceful environment while enjoying your meal, I’m not sure that justifies that much of a price increase.
If you want to try some unusual cuisine at Borough Market, but don’t want the discomfort of having to stand up, Tóu might be the place for you.
Tóu is located on the top floor of the Globe Tavern at 8 Bedale Street, SE1 9AL.
You can sign up to get the most exciting events for the new bars and restaurants in London sent directly to your WhatsApp from the team.
To sign up, you must already have WhatsApp. All you have to do is click on this link and select “join the community”.
No one will be able to see who is registered and no one can send messages except for the team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and advertisements from us and our partners.
If you don’t like our community, you can check out whenever you want. To leave our community click on the name at the top of the screen and select “leave group”.
If you are curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.
