The “Special Vegetarian” at Blimpie is the Spiciest Sandwich in Midtown

Blimpie

“How can I not?” was the first thing that went through my head when I read about the off the menu “Special Vegetarian” sandwich being served at the Blimpie on 46th btw. 5+6th on the Village Voice blog.  Doritos?  Spicy green chutney?  Off the menu?  At a Blimpie?  How… can… I… not.  I posted a quick link to share the info with you people (I’m unselfish like that) and headed straight over to this gross sandwich chain, which had decided to buck the Latin food trend that other Blimpieowners seem to be impressed with, and instead make something for the Indian population working in the area. 

Since I know some of you were probably holding off, waiting for the visual proof of this sandwich’s existence- I present, the foot long crime-against-nature, after the jump…

Blimpie
Blimpie To accommodate the popularity of this vegetarian craziness (the peak of which is towards the end of the week) the owner of the Blimpie decided to create a separate counter in the front, just for these sandwiches.  If you’re looking for the standard Blimpie fare, head all the way to the back- if you want the craziness, you order at the counter in the front.

The “Special Vegetarian” starts off with a standard Blimpie roll, and as promised gets topped with crushed Doritos, and American cheese.  The whole thing is put in the microwave (yes, you heard me right) to melt the cheese (naturally) and then topped with almost every vegetable Blimpie offers (lettuce, tomato, carrots, onions, green bell peppers, pickled hot peppers) before getting finished off with this neon green spicy “chutney” which is fancy code for jarred habanero sauce.  As they’re making this creation you realize this is not so much a cool, off the menu Indian sandwich, as a typical vegetarian Blimpie sub, taken to another level of insanity.  I told the guy behind the counter to make it how the regulars order it- but apparently every customer has their own special requests (most of which have to do with how much of the habanero sauce and pickled peppers you want) or as I like to call it- how badly do you want to be able to feel your tongue after finishing lunch.  A 6″ sub is around $4.50, the foot long will you run you a little over $8.

Blimpie

Despite it being 95% Blimpie (and 5% bottled habanero sauce) the sandwich was strangely appealing.  It helps if you were a fan of putting chips on your sandwiches as a kid (I did- anybody else like fritos or cool ranch doritos on their tuna fish?) and the creamy crunch of the American cheese topped Doritos definitely blended well with the hot peppers and habanero sauce.  Oh- which brings up my final thought.  To those commenters who complained about me linking to an article about a vegetarian sandwich- did you not read the ingredients? Doritos… topped with American cheese… put in a microwave… with hot pickled peppers… and a habanero sauce that will burn your face off.  This sandwich need not answer to anyone!  Sarah DiGregorio– we are forever in your debt.

Blimpie, 29 W. 46th St. (btw. 5+6th), 212-869-2189

24 Comments

  • hey zach i think this blimpie’s location is closed!!
    i just walked by last week and the door was locked and windows covered in paper.

  • Nacho sandwich

    Best sandwich I ever had….

  • This was one of the best sandwiches I had around the district….until it closed :(

  • User has not uploaded an avatar

    before they closed the owner mentioned they were going to try to get the sandwich into another local shop, maybe have a little corner in another establishment, just making the nacho sandwich. anyone know if they ever succeeded in setting up somewhere? i want them back so bad!

Leave a Reply

You must log in or register to post a comment.