The Missus has been a fan of Japanese Supermarket Sandos ever since our visits to Japan. Strangely, I don't have a post on the sandwiches we've gotten from Lawson over the years. Perhaps we just gobble them up too fast. And of course, the egg salad version has been quite hyped up; especially after this Tweet all those years ago.
The Missus's preference is the Katsu Sando of the pork variety and after trying out the Katsu Sando at EE Nami She was looking forward to what Kumo had to offer. I was just waiting for the place to finally open. Which they did, though on weekends only. I hopped on down and took a look at the menu and had to deliver the bad news to the Missus, they didn't do tonkatsu; only chicken katsu sandos. Which the Missus really didn't want. The line on that day was rather long so I decided to wait until after our trip to Taiwan when the shop would have more regular hours.
When I finally had another opportunity, I arrived just as the very friendly young lady was folding up the blinds on the front door. And as during the soft opening, only one party is allowed inside the shop at once. I recall seeing chicken karaage on the menu when I did my aborted visit, but that was no longer offered. There are four sandwiches on the erase board menu; chicken katsu, menchi katsu, egg salad, and fruit and cream.
And since I had actually made it in the door, I decided to order the three savory sandwiches and split them with JeffP back in the office.
Like I said, the young lady working was very nice. I ordered and was told to wait outside for my sandwiches.
I was intrigued to know that the bread came from MamMoth Bakery. We've been to their location in Marukai (now Tokyo Central) in Gardena.
A few minutes later my sandwiches were ready and I headed back to the office.
You want to see what $40 of sandwiches looks like from Kumo? Have a gander.
So how were they? Well, let's go from "first to worst".
For me the best was the Egg Salad ($12).
Compared to the Japanese version; this was chopped too coarse, there wasn't enough mayo. There was a bit too much black pepper and it edged on the sweeter side. Liked the visual of the quarter tamago. The bread was slightly moist, but a bit too firm and chewy for me. Like I said before, I prefer my shokupan fluffier and softer.
The breading was not good on the Menchi Katsu ($13) as it was peeling off and soggy. The patty was very thin and overly chewy. This threw the bread to protein ration off in my opinion.
It was also quite dry. This did the bread no favors. There was some flavor though it was quite mild. I could have used with a bit more katsu sauce to added a nice savory-umami-sweetness to things. It's a sad day when I think that the shredded cabbage is the best part of the sandwich.
And yet, the Chicken Katsu Sando ($13) was our least favorite. I was thrilled to see that it was chicken thigh which would usually mean more flavor, but not in this case as it was rubbery and very bland. Look at the color of the breading.
Which was soggy and peeling off the protein. Man, this was not good eats at all. It seems that the only thing I could taste was the katsu sauce. Again it was the cabbage that was the headliner of the sandwich, bummer!
I spoke to JeffP a bit later and got his thoughts.....not surprisingly, his first to worse was the same!
It's kind of sad, I was really looking forward to this place opening. I'm hoping that they do improve. But for now, I'm sticking with Sue's next door when I'm in the area.
Kumo
6755 Mira Mesa Blvd.
Suite 108
San Diego, CA 92121
Hours:
Tues - Sun 11am - 5pm
There's so much hype surrounding the place, and the fact it was supposed to open a year ago, but honestly it's just alright. I thought the Chicken Katsu I got was better than yours but I'm in total agreement the egg was the best by a long shot. I don't know how they would be able to fix it or if maybe the sogginess is exacerbated by taking it to another location, but it feels like it's not what it could be. I even got a loaf of bread from them once and it felt like I was eating a lesser version of Texas toast.
I will admit the fruit and cream sandwiches are delicious but cause my poor American brain to short circuit that I'm basically eating a cake sandwich.
Posted by: Loren | Monday, 01 May 2023 at 07:21 AM
At first glance, I thought the logo was for a Kumon school! I don't think I had a konbini egg salad sando when I was in Japan (I usually got onigiri). Ichiban Sando in Chula Vista doesn't do egg salad (they do more of an breakfast type egg sandwich), so I'll have to try Kumo's egg sando.
Posted by: Sandy | Monday, 01 May 2023 at 07:53 AM
:(
Posted by: kat | Monday, 01 May 2023 at 03:17 PM
As prices climb at restaurants, value is more important than ever. Not seeing any value here!
Posted by: Kathy Q | Monday, 01 May 2023 at 04:45 PM
It was kind of disappointing overall Loren. They need to do a better job of frying the katsu and things seem to need more flavor. Right now; this isn't nearly as good as what convenience stores sell in Japan!
Lol Sandy....yes, I see that too! Hope you enjoy your sandwich.
Makes me miss Japan Kat!
Definitely not worth the price right now Kathy. I was very disappointed.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 01 May 2023 at 07:39 PM
Sorry that look awful and I rather get sandos from the Japanese grocery store. Not worth the money and hype.
Posted by: Charles | Tuesday, 02 May 2023 at 09:02 AM
That is disappointing. I recall lines were over 2 hours when they first opened. I'd rather go to Nijiya to get my katsu sando fix.
Posted by: Junichi | Tuesday, 02 May 2023 at 10:33 AM
I liked the egg sandwich, but I've never tried the original Japanese one to compare. But it is expensive for what you get.
I'm curious if you'll do reviews for some newer Vietnamese restaurants like Ngon Ngon to Go and Thien Huong in Mira Mesa.
Posted by: Elle | Tuesday, 02 May 2023 at 12:43 PM
I agree Charles.
Yes, right now it's not very good JUnichi.
These really pale in comparison Elle! And yes, I need to make revisits before I do those posts.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 03 May 2023 at 07:04 AM
I'm a big fan of Japanese bread and might grab a loaf to try from here. Why can't you touch the bread??
Posted by: Dereck | Wednesday, 03 May 2023 at 07:48 AM
I think they are afraid of folks who might have a "bread squeezing fetish" Dereck! ;o)
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 04 May 2023 at 02:58 PM
I went to Lazy Dog for lunch yesterday. They had a Chicken Katsu Sando on their menu. The hype is real. I didn't have the courage to try it though.
Posted by: Junichi | Thursday, 18 May 2023 at 10:28 AM
Good lord, at a ch-ch-chain Junichi! This years birria taco! ;o)
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 18 May 2023 at 10:32 AM
I saw ManMoth bread at Nijiya, and noted their delivery dates for future reference to make egg sandos at home.
Posted by: Sandy | Thursday, 18 May 2023 at 11:20 AM
Nice! Now you can have an endless supply Sandy! ;o)
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 18 May 2023 at 01:27 PM