For over half a century, Pastrami Queen has been a cherished cornerstone of New York’s deli culture, serving up towering sandwiches filled with their famously succulent pastrami.
Now, in an exciting twist, this historic institution is launching its first-ever vegan pastrami sandwich in collaboration with Chunk Foods. This bold addition, dubbed “The Prince”, is exclusively available at Moynihan Food Hall and represents a significant moment in both the world of traditional New York delis and plant-based dining.
Pastrami Queen: A New York Institution
Pastrami Queen isn’t just a deli; it’s a cultural landmark. Established in the 1950s, it has long been celebrated as a place where New Yorkers and tourists alike can experience a true taste of the city’s rich culinary history.
Known for its high-quality meats, particularly its hand-cut pastrami, Pastrami Queen has maintained its reputation through the decades as one of the few remaining old-school delis in a city that’s constantly evolving.
For many, a visit to Pastrami Queen is more than just a meal—it’s a rite of passage. The deli’s reputation for authenticity and tradition has made it a beloved institution, especially for those who grew up with the flavors of Jewish deli cuisine.
As the late Anthony Bourdain famously described, Pastrami Queen serves “the real deal pastrami sandwich,” capturing the essence of what makes a deli experience truly unforgettable.
But with changing times and growing demand for plant-based options, Pastrami Queen is now making room for a new kind of tradition: vegan pastrami.
Chunk Foods: Redefining Plant-Based Meats
Chunk Foods, the innovative company behind Pastrami Queen’s new vegan pastrami, is at the forefront of the plant-based revolution.
Founded by Dr. Tomer Zirkah, a biotechnologist with a passion for sustainability, Chunk Foods is dedicated to creating whole-cut plant-based meats that don’t just mimic the texture and flavor of animal products but do so with ingredients that are both natural and sustainable.
The vegan pastrami, which is the centerpiece of “The Prince” sandwich, is made from a combination of simple, non-GMO ingredients including chickpeas, soy, and beets. This blend is carefully crafted to replicate the dense, fibrous texture of traditional pastrami, while also delivering the deep, smoky flavors that make pastrami a deli staple.
What sets Chunk Foods apart is their commitment to avoiding artificial additives, ensuring that their products are as wholesome as they are delicious.
The Prince: A New Era for Pastrami Lovers
The introduction of “The Prince” vegan pastrami sandwich marks a pivotal moment in the history of Pastrami Queen. It’s not just an expansion of their menu but a recognition of the growing diversity of dietary preferences among New Yorkers. For many, this new offering is a way to enjoy the iconic flavors of a New York deli without compromising on their values or dietary choices.
Available exclusively at Moynihan Food Hall, “The Prince” sandwich brings together the best of both worlds: the rich heritage of Pastrami Queen and the innovative, health-conscious approach of Chunk Foods.
Served on traditional rye bread and garnished with mustard and pickles, it promises to deliver the authentic deli experience that customers expect—just with a modern, plant-based twist.
Why This Matters
The collaboration between Pastrami Queen and Chunk Foods is a testament to the evolving nature of New York’s food scene. As more people turn to plant-based diets for health, environmental, or ethical reasons, even the most traditional institutions are finding ways to adapt.
By offering a vegan pastrami, Pastrami Queen is not only keeping up with the times but also ensuring that its legacy continues to be relevant for future generations.
For the city’s die-hard deli fans, this new sandwich might represent the passing of the torch—a way to honor the past while embracing the future. And for those who have never tried pastrami because of dietary restrictions, it offers a long-awaited opportunity to finally experience a true New York classic, reimagined for today’s tastes.
In the heart of a city that thrives on reinvention, “The Prince” is a delicious reminder that tradition and innovation can coexist, and that the iconic flavors of New York will always find a way to endure.
