One day, I found the “Crab Sandwich” in a hotel menu and ordered it for my lunch.

 

I was quite upset when the dish is put on my table. There was no crab meat inside, but bacon, smoked turkey, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. However, the taste was quite OK. Since I liked it, I started to order it in many other restaurants and coffee shops in various cities in Europe.

 

When I order it, all the time the same style and same contents sandwich came in Europe, so far until early 80’s.

 

 

Above:  A Crab Sandwich recreated by Kato

 

As you can see above, the shape looks like a crab sitting on the plate. The bacon strips looks like legs, and 2 black olives put on the toothpick imitate the eyes of a crab. So, those two items are essential for any crab sandwich and slices of bread should be oval shaped one. I ordered a crab sandwich in the US several times during 1980’s mainly as a light lunch at hotels during my business trips.  As far as I remember, I could get the same shaped ones in the US too.

 

Now, I came to China, and found it is not a Crab Sandwich, but a Club Sandwich. Even at Starbucks, they sell a Club Sandwich (no black olives, nor bacon strips).

 

Since I was so disappointed, I decided to check a web site. Surprisingly, even I checked Wikipedia, I could not find the one I used to eat in Europe and even in the US in late 80’s.  In their definition, Crab sandwich is a one that contains real crab meat. It means this is not a China issue nor a Starbucks issue, but a global trend (?).

 

I often visited Europe even in 2000 ~ 2003, but I did not have a chance to order a Crab Sandwich so that I do not know what will come out if I would order it today in some major cities in Europe. Have they also changed it to Club Sandwich? One day in future, I would like to try ordering it in Europe and see what comes out.

 

I would very much appreciate it if you could find my favorite Crab Sandwich and let me know where I can have it!!!