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I don’t remember life before Sacha Finkelsztajn. Ok, that’s not entirely true, but I’m certainly enjoying it more now that I’m a convert. For members of this club, the mere utterance of the word “Sacha” can induce profound hunger fits, and the sight of the boutique’s bright yellow facade literally has a Pavlovian effect on me (drool and all).
I’m referring, of course, to Sacha Finkelsztajn, Paris’ most famous Jewish bakery, located on the rue des Rosiers in the Marais. The bakery has been family owned and operated since 1946 and Sacha, the current owner, still whips up recipes passed down from his grandparents (the original founders of the bakery).
Skeptics claim that Sacha is overrated (and overpriced), and to be quite honest, I can do without most of their offerings. But once you’ve had a Finkelsztajn sandwich, there’s no going back. Even when I’m in New York—the land of a million delis—I have regular flavor flashbacks and find my taste buds yearning for Sacha’s classic sandwich. And when I’m in Paris, it provides a welcome break from traditional, buttery French fare.
The sandwich is a heavenly combination of lean spiced beef (or turkey), a layer of smoky (but not too smoky) eggplant spread, another layer of spicy (but not crazy spicy) red chili paste, thinly sliced pickles, cucumbers, and tomatoes, all layered on a soft onion roll.
They don’t come cheap—they’re 7.80€ a pop—but it’s probably for the best. Were they not such a significant investment, I would undoubtedly end up eating five a day. Not advisable. In addition, the bakery has a bunch of traditional Jewish desserts—like a particularly fluffy looking cheesecake—but I’m always too fulfilled after my sandwich to bother.
What do you think, readers? Does Sacha merit its rep as the hottest bakery on the rue des Rosiers? Check out what those at The Puff List, We Blog the World, and This Little Piglet had to say.
Sacha Finkelsztajn
27, rue des Rosiers, 75004
+33 (0)1.42.72.78.91
Métro: Saint Paul
Open: Wed – Mon 10am – 7pm. Closed Tuesday.Written by Tory Hoen for the HiP Paris Blog. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.
5 comments on “The Cult of the Sacha Finkelsztajn Sandwich”
Hmmm well, Maggie my dear, raisins are normal in the traditional Eastern European Jewish cheesecake. And this is not at all the NY Cheese cake, it is a whole variety of its own. I personally like both kinds. This one reminds me of my 88 year old French friend Janine whose nephew makes this for us every year on Yom Kippur. Yumm, bring on those raisins!
I battled the winds and headed to the Marais after reading this post. Thanks, Tory! The sandwich was great – I’d like a tub of that eggplant spread, please.
The cheesecake was good – but not NY-style enough for me. Plus, there were raisins in it. As far as I’m concerned, raisins belong in… wine… oh and before they’re raisins… you know, when they’re grapes… and that’s it. Raisins = ick!
I confirm, these sandwiches are amazing. I love the onion rolls. It makes me think of my Grandma. Also not to be missed is the chopped liver and the cheese cake. Prices are steep, but worth it from time to time. Yumm. If there was not hurricane force wind in Paris right now, I would be there right now!
Well, now I know what I’m taking with me to the airport for lunch before my flight on Thursday. Un Finkelsztajn à emporter, s’il vous plaît!!