New Sanlitun Sandwich Shop Hotpress Impresses

Hotpress aims to please those feeling hard pressed for a wholesome lunch option. Having quietly opened a few weeks back at a sidewalk facing nook at the east side of the Pacific Century Place, the tinsy little sandwich shop serves simple but nourishing meat and cheese combos on rye in a reasonable RMB 30-65 range.

Owner Leo Liu

The smoked ham and cheese on rye that we tried (RMB 30 for a small or RMB 40 for a large) was lean and wholesome with a hint of sweetness. Owner Leo Liu (best known as the operations manager at The Opposite House and East hotels prior to this venture) says that softly sugary aftertaste is due to a smattering of applesauce, and it made for a simple but effective addition that gave the sandwich some extra oomph. Though it was heated in a panini press, Liu thankfully didn’t use the stretchy panini bread that leaves one feeling bloated and was all too trendy at numerous restaurants a few years back. His choice of German rye will instead fill you up without leaving you sluggish.

Liu serves a customer at the newly opened shop

Other hot pressed sandwich options include spicy beef and cheese (RMB 40 for a small and RMB 60 for a large) and three cheese (RMB 45 for a small and RMB 65 for a large). There’s also a trio of stuffed sandwiches, with the bread gently warmed on the outside, though not so mouthwateringly molten hot as the hot pressed items. The stuffed sandwich options are tuna with wasabi mayo (RMB 38), avocado and sun-dried tomato (RMB 35), and turkey bacon (RMB 38). Liu also seems to follow the adage of good things coming in threes, because he rounds the menu off with a third trio of items – thick and creamy Greek yogurt with either avocado and kale, mango and papaya, or berries and rhubarb (the latter being our favorite because rhubarb is a bit of a rarity in Beijing).

The Greek yogurt with berries and rhubarb

That menu is obviously a bit limited (though Liu has plans to expand it later); furthermore, the joint is so small it can barely house eight customers. But thankfully, those slim characteristics are a testament to Liu’s narrow focus on getting the product right, and he pulls it off. No, the sandwiches aren’t as stuffed with indulgent ingredients as in Sanctuary across the way. Instead, Hotpress’ wares aren’t priced to bust your wallet, and don't leave you waiting for up to 15 minutes for a gourmet masterpiece. If you want to treat yourself to an extravagant sandwich after a long night of boozing, then the late night only Sanctuary will suit you just fine. But if you need a lighter, more affordable and more speedily prepared bite for a weekday lunch, Hotpress will leave you more than impressed.

Hotpress
Mon-Sat, 10am-9pm. 1/F, 115, Bldg 8, Pacific Century, 2 Gongti Beilu (next to Zhaolong Hotel)
工体北路甲2号盈科中心裙房一层115

Photos: Kyle Mullin

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