(Anything But) Sub Standard: Sandwich & Pizza Shop in Jing'an

Shanghai is upping its sandwich game! New on Wanhangdu Lu in Jing'an is Sub Standard, a hole-in-the-wall churning out excellent sandwiches and pizzas, brought to you by Jason Oakley.

About Sub Standard

Jason Oakley is a force to be reckoned with. Let me give you the abridged version of his resume: fine dining and Michelin pedigree, worked at Napa Valley's The French Laundry and Shanghai’s Fifty 8 Grill at the Mandarin Oriental, as well as Coquille, Scarpetta, and Cages. A guy that knows what he's doing and what he likes, and is all about a “no bullshit” work ethic.

Going back to basics, he’s opened Sub Standard, a sandwich and pizza place that’s primarily delivery focused. Despite being self-deprecating in name, the sandwiches and pizzas are totes bomb (just like the logo) and are so very affordable.

Photo by Richard Williams

The store is tiny. You could squeeze, and I mean like a can of sardines, a maximum of six people at the counter. There are only three bar chairs. It is, after all, meant for grab-and-go and delivery. It reminds me of mom-n-pop shops in New York.

Made Fresh In-House

The bread for the sandwiches is made fresh on-site, as is the dough for the pizzas, the latter is cold fermented for 72 hours for that lift and fluffiness. That said, some items may or may not be available during certain times of the day as they re-bake a fresh batch of bread.

Sicilian pizza

Pizzas are 12-inch pies, five with tomato sauce bases and two white bases. The standard pepperoni pizza is ¥88. There are 10 different sandwiches, served on 12-inch rolls, six hot sandwiches and four cold. In addition, there is also focaccia (¥18) and Sicilian pizza (¥28) available by the slice/square, as well as salted chocolate chip cookies (¥25).

Pizzas & Sandwiches

Deluxe Pizza (¥108) – Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, green peppers, mushrooms, onions. Would be my go-to pizza.

Meatball (¥98) – Mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, marinara, onions, herbs.

I managed to steal a slice of the Smoked Bacon (¥88), a white sauce-based pizza, which was also great. I preferred the smoked bacon to the meatball pizza.

Italian Sausage Smash (¥58) – Italian sausage split lengthwise and sizzled on the plancha with charred broccolini, mozzarella, garlic, and chili flakes. Pepper more than spicy with a bouquet of herbs.

Corned Beef (¥68) – It’s not surprise that this was my favorite sandwich. Made with cured beef brisket, pickled cabbage, caraway Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. Juicy, slightly smoky and with just the right amount of acidity.

Big Cheesy (¥38) – A three-cheese sando of cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella with tomato, onion, and piquant and pickle-y banana peppers.

Italian (¥58) – Prague ham, salami, pepperoni, capicola, mozzarella, banana peppers, vinaigrette, and mayo. A solid Italian sub. A sandwich that you can eat every day.

Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie (¥25) – The best part of getting it in store is they’ll reheat it for you, if they’re not too busy that is. Crispy on the edges, light gooey center, and a proper amount of salt, just how I like my cookies.

Finally, for drinks, Sub Standard stocks rare (for Shanghai that is) imported sodas like Fanta Grape and Orange, and A&W Root Beer (OMG the feels). There isn't any beer, but I’ve been told that it’s totally kosher to grab one next door to bring over if you want a brewski while you chow down.

For delivery, Sub Standard is on Eleme and Meituan. However, it is cheaper to get it in-store.

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Sub Standard
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