Cafe Mondo - Review - Camberwell - London - The Infatuation
"Cafe Mondo feels like a group of cheffy friends casually knocking up gourmet sandwiches after a big night out. There is music, there is singing, and there's even a Princess Di fridge magnet next to Sesame Street's Ernie. This fun sandwich bar occupies a narrow spot on Peckham Road and queues begin to form at 12pm when they open. Dogs' leads get tangled around the legs of waiting locals and office-workers, and extra napkins are recommended by the friendly gaggle of chefs who stand behind the counter frying fish fingers, wrapping hoagie rolls, and spooning koji caesars into takeaway boxes. Just know any wait is worth it for the excellent sandwiches.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
photo credit: The seating area at Cafe Mondo
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Cafe Mondo uses neighbour Toad Bakery's pillowy tin loaf for one of our favourite sandwiches, with tender chunks of turkey poached in chipotle butter, and sesame subs for their heftier fillings like pork and greens. Don't ignore the sides either. A few mouthfuls of massaged kale in a koji dressing does us the world of good after eating so much bread. But really, anything you order at this buzzy, fast-paced spot is going to drastically improve your afternoon.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Green Turkey Sandwich
Anytime we see a green goddess salad, we're going to wistfully think of this sandwich. For starters, the bread is spongy and soft, and won't irritate your delicate palate. The green sauce is full of lemon zest and garlic, and the creamy avocado becomes part of the sauce. We love the crunch of the croutons too.
Pork & Greens
A sub to make Subway shake in its boots. The sturdy hoagie is perfect for holding big, meaty chunks of soft pork, sweet, spicy pickled chillies, and the buttery, mild provolone cheese. It's perfect.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Potato Salad
Is it necessary to order a side of this potato salad to go with your already substantial sandwich? No. But it is tasty and heavy on the mustard and pickles, which makes an adorable little afternoon snack when the bread sweats have abated.
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
Koji Caesar
A bit of green is a good move to go with all the full-on dinner-between-bread sandwiches. The kale has been massaged so it's not spiky or bitter, the koji dressing has a nice saltiness, and the croutons are crispy. It's good, but the portion is a bit small." - Sinéad Cranna