In the realm of food, certain creations are destined to capture the attention of social media users. Whether it's the CEO of Corn, a lovable character, or the plethora of food hacks circulating online, these culinary novelties have a way of becoming viral sensations. Now, Long Island's very own Yaphank Deli has found itself at the center of a social media storm with its unconventional yet mouthwatering creation: the Pickle Sandwich.
To put it simply, imagine your favorite sandwich—let's say a turkey club—only without the bread. Instead, the sandwich is nestled between two pickles, and that's the magic of it all.
"People are seeking alternatives to bread," explained Christine Roach, co-owner of Yaphank Deli, when asked about the sudden surge in popularity. "It's a refreshing and captivating option."
Captivating indeed, but how does it taste? Intrigued by the buzz circulating on Facebook and TikTok foodie feeds, we ventured to Yaphank Deli to sample one for ourselves. Opting for a turkey club, a personal favorite, we can attest that it delivers a delightful, crispy, and refreshing surprise. By hollowing out the inside of the pickle and securing the ingredients with toothpicks, everything stays in place perfectly.
Ever since videos featuring the Pickle Sandwich went viral on TikTok, orders have skyrocketed exponentially.
The video on our LongIslandRestaurants.com Instagram page has already had over 1,000,000 views
"We used to sell about one per week," revealed Roach.
Now, they're churning out at least five per day, often even more.
"Today alone, we've made approximately 12," exclaimed Alaina Reilly, a cashier and sandwich maker at the deli, as we conducted our taste test on a Friday afternoon.
They also mentioned that customers are traveling over an hour just to savor this viral sensation they discovered online.
Nestled in the idyllic town of Yaphank, which brims with historical significance, the local deli is an unlikely catalyst for a foodie frenzy. With its quintessential Long Island deli ambiance, it boasts a loyal customer base comprising blue-collar workers and police officers from the nearby precinct, who frequently drop by for breakfast or lunch. Moreover, it's the ideal pitstop for beachgoers on their way to or from Smith Point.
"Many people swing by on their journey home from the beach," shared Roach.
The deli even caters to a local rodeo, adding to its diverse appeal.
Head over to 908 East Main Street in Yaphank to try for yourself.
