Inside one of Metro Vancouver's most popular sandwich shops
High-quality ingredients make for one heck of a sandwich
Both Simin and Amin greeted us not only with open arms but also, and perhaps more importantly, the intent to feed us as much food as they possibly could. That’s because the duo are serious about the food, both when it comes to what they enjoy eating but also what they serve.
“We choose our travel destination based on the kind of food that we like to eat. So, I’m going to say we really appreciate good quality food ourselves and we want to pass that to our customers,” said Simin.
Despite having only opened four years ago, the duo shared that they’ve been in the trade of procuring and selling high-quality European ingredients for the last 25 years. So it’s safe to say that they know what they’re talking about.
But perhaps the most inspiring thing about our discussion with Simin and Amin was the way they described the humble sandwich.
“I love to make a sandwich and enjoy that process,” shared Simin. “It’s a piece of art. When you make a sandwich, it’s a piece of art.”
After just taking one bite of the sandwich, art seemed like the perfect descriptor for what we just experienced. Just watching Simin create the sandwich, laying each ingredient with care while making sure the sandwich had enough air, was a wonder to see. Talk about a man who has found his passion.
Marco Ovies/Dished
During our visit, we tried two of Dip Co.’s sandwiches, starting off with the Marseille, a sandwich whose history dates back before Dip Co., which was created entirely by accident after receiving some brie cheese from Marseille, France.
“Before opening the store, we actually experimented with some sauce,” said Simin. “Just putting ingredients together and trying many versions of what we had in mind. So I came up with a berry sauce, which is a mix of different kinds of berries and a few Iranian ingredients. Once we received the brie cheese from France, we decided that the sweetness of the sauce pairs very well with it.”
From there, Simin explained that he added crunchy items for some texture, and after experimenting, he settled on turkey as the protein option since it has a more subtle flavour.
“So this sandwich, yes, it was made by accident because we received good quality brie, but we also put a lot of thought into it,” he added.
Since then, the sandwich has remained on the menu to this day, and it continues to be one of Dip Co.’s most popular sandwiches (and one of our favourites too).
The combination of the slightly salty taste with the sweetness from the berry sauce, alongside the crunch from the onions and the creaminess of the brie, makes for one heck of a good sandwich. But it’s not just quality fillings that make Dip Co’s sandwiches so good, but it’s also the bread, which was invented by the team as well.
Marco Ovies/Dished
The bread is a combination of two cultures (much like many of the offerings on Dip Co.’s menu). Here, the team has created what they playfully call focabari, inspired by the Iranian barbari and the Italian focaccia.
“Focabari is a combination of the marriage between Italian and Iranian people,” explained Simin. “The base is whole wheat, rye bread, unbleached flour, and sourdough.”
Marco Ovies/Dished
The other sandwich we got to try was the Romano and Juliet, a nod to its use of pecorino romano cheese. It’s also topped with Italian porchetta, bocconcini cheese, tomato, mixed greens, olive oil, balsamic glaze, and basil sauce.
If you’re not a fan of the sweet and savoury combo, this is definitely more in the vein of a classic sandwich. Plus, just like every other sandwich on Dip Co.’s menu, it is stacked impressively high with toppings.
Romano and Juliet (Marco Ovies/Dished)
So, is Dip Co. worth the hype? In case it wasn’t obvious, we definitely think so. Larger-than-life sandwiches topped with high-quality, imported ingredients, while also fusing the best parts of different cultures, all make Dip Co. a must-visit spot when you’re in Deep Cove. But, if you’re still not convinced, go in and experience the sandwich magic for yourself. We’re sure Simin and Amin will give you the same warm welcome they passed on to us.
You can visit Dip Co. from Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dip Co. Sandwich
Address: 4381 Gallant Ave., North Vancouver
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