On top of mounting apprehension about Election Day and the gradual, inevitable acceptance of dystopia becoming the norm…once again, a cuisine has entered and remained in my mind so steadfastly that I have no other option than to write a gluttonous post.

A couple weeks ago, I discovered my favorite sandwich on the planet.

This vibrant, savory tower of perfection can only be experienced at Golden Diner, located almost directly under the Manhattan Bridge in Chinatown.

Golden Diner augments the traditional American diner menu, creatively (and impeccably) applying an Asian influence. We found the menu so intriguing and inviting that we struggled to cull down our order more than in any other New York dining experience I can recall. And, despite over-ordering, we departed without a crumb of leftover food—only plans to return.

As for the aforementioned Chicken Katsu Club…

The chicken katsu is juicy and tender, and its breading is impactful without being too heavy.

The bacon delivers crisp texture and nostalgia from bygone mornings at the local diner.

The cabbage slaw is delightfully creamy yet crunchy enough to complement the rest of the sandwich’s textures.

The taste of the Japanese milk bread is subtle, holding the layers of this behemoth together but not competing with its flavors.

Despite how opulent this sandwich sounds, it’s also pragmatic. The ratios of its contents are so well-proportioned and assembled that they don’t slide around at all when biting into them. Ultimately, the Chicken Katsu Club’s thoughtful design matches its deliciousness. And I think that’s what solidifies it as my favorite sandwich in New York—a city that knows how to assemble memorable meat and bread concoctions.

To close with some additional selling points for Golden Diner: It serves breakfast all day, as any respected diner should, and the chefs/owners have curated a short but spectacular list of organic, biodynamic wines.

Golden Diner is firing on all cylinders—a true staple of Lower Manhattan.