Quiznos' Spicy New Take On The Philly Sandwich Features Kimchi
Quiznos is offering an item aimed at Philly cheesesteak fans who crave a little extra spice with their bite. This month, the national sandwich chain unveiled a new addition to its lineup of beloved subs: the Kimchi Philly.
Quiznos' new version features all the staple ingredients of the classic sandwich, including melted white American cheese, sautéed green peppers and onions, and, of course, the all-important thin-sliced steak, but provides a flavorful twist with the addition of hot and tangy kimchi, as well as spicy Korean gochujang sauce. It's all piled high on a toasted loaf of artisan bread.
Mike Gieseman, Quiznos' Vice President of Culinary and Innovation, said in a press release that the company has been on a mission to test its creative limits with items like this internationally-inspired Philly sandwich. It probably doesn't hurt that the kimchi business has been booming in the United States. South Korea's top exporter of kimchi to the country, Daesang Corp., reportedly saw its revenue balloon by 270% between 2019 and 2022 alone. The U.S. may be on track to become the world's biggest buyer of the fermented dish. So it makes sense for the company to try to tap into that popularity.
Why kimchi works with savory sandwiches
As unique as this combo certainly is, adding kimchi to a savory sandwich is practically a no-brainer for those in the know. Kimchi is a staple Korean ingredient, typically consisting of napa cabbage fermented with spices and gochugaru (Korean chili pepper powder). The result is a brined bite that provides a full range of umami flavors, from sour to spicy, as well as a satisfying crunch.
Foodie pros across the world, including celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay and Robert Irvine, have turned to kimchi to upgrade their sandwich recipes, using it in everything from grilled cheese to chicken cheesesteaks. Indeed, the fermented cabbage pairs particularly well with cheese, as the creamy richness is counterbalanced by its tangy crunch and kick of spice. Adding tender slices of steak along with juicy peppers and onions arguably fits with that flavor combination.
Although it's not clear how long the Kimchi Philly will be available, Quiznos currently lists it as a limited-time offer on its website. Of course, even when it's not around, fans can always keep some kimchi in their kitchens to spice up their own homemade cheesesteaks and beyond.