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Name: Zenwich
Address: 416 N York St,Ste B, Elmhurst, IL, 60126
Telephone: (630) 359-5234
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.60

Zenwich

416 N York St,Ste B, Elmhurst, IL, 60126

(630) 359-5234
Store is closed

Zenwich Menu

Appetizers

Edamame

Agidashi Tofu

Veggie Tempura Teriyaki

Seaweed Salad

Calamari Strips
Soup

Soup Of The Day
Salads

Zen Salad

Soba Noodle Salad

Ginger Salad

Peanut Salad
Signature Zenwiches

Crabby Yo!a (crab Cake)

Famous Remus (mu Ping)

Bryanism (pork Katsu)

Joesplosion (chicken Satay)

Dantastic (buffalo Chicken)

Roi (chicken Teriyaki)

Tony Q (korean Bbq Beef)

Beef Curry

The Mike Deluxe (wasabi Roast Beef)
Vegetarian Zenwiches

Tofu Satay

Tofu Teriyaki

Tofu Curry

Tofu Ping

Veggie Tempura Teriyaki
Sides

Seasoned Chips

Cucumber Salad

Ginger Coleslaw

Wasabi Coleslaw

Healthy Meal suggestions for Zenwich

Appetizers

Edamame [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Agidashi Tofu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veggie Tempura Teriyaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seaweed Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamari Strips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soup

Soup Of The Day [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Zen Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soba Noodle Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ginger Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Peanut Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Signature Zenwiches

Crabby Yo!a (crab Cake) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Famous Remus (mu Ping) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bryanism (pork Katsu) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Joesplosion (chicken Satay) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dantastic (buffalo Chicken) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roi (chicken Teriyaki) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tony Q (korean Bbq Beef) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Mike Deluxe (wasabi Roast Beef) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Vegetarian Zenwiches

Tofu Satay [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tofu Teriyaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tofu Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tofu Ping [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veggie Tempura Teriyaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Seasoned Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cucumber Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ginger Coleslaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wasabi Coleslaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Elmhurst for healthy meals suggestion.

Elmhurst Family Restaurant ( 441 W Lake St )

Buffalo Wild Wings ( 149 N York St )

Panera Bread ( 108 W North Ave )

Elmhurst Lodge 941 Af & Am ( 232 S York St )

McDonalds ( 190 E Butterfield Rd )

Burger King ( 436 N York St )

Visit below restaurant in Elmhurst for healthy meals suggestion.

Buffalo Wild Wings ( 149 N York St )

Panera Bread ( 108 W North Ave )

McDonalds ( 190 E Butterfield Rd )

Burger King ( 436 N York St )

Write An Anonymous Review

Scott F.

It's crazy I have lived in this area my entire life and I just heard about Zenwich from my wife today. Needless to say we went for lunch and I was pleasantly surprised. The spicy garlic shrimp sandwich was very fresh and tasted amazing. My wife got the Korean beef sandwich and it was equally as tasty. As I was eating I went over the entire menu and I cannot wait to go back and try some more. This is our new favorite sandwich shop.
(5)
Victoria B.

The food was very flavorful and the service was great. I'll defiantly be a regular there!
(5)
Jennifer B.

Just arrived in Chicago from Los Angeles. Starving so I check yelp and decide to give it a try. This is what social media is about. Fantastic sandwich. I not a foodie and rarely post. Ordered the special, spicy chicken basil sandwich. This man is a genius. Go there. Bring the recognition this menu deserves!
(5)
Danilo N.

I noticed this place over a year ago and loved it, but it took one whole year to revisit it! Now you must say, I live far...but I only live 10 minutes from this place. What is wrong with me! My favorite is the crab cake and the special on Friday and Saturday the spicy garlic shrimp! They are delicious with the accompaniment of the chips or the cucumber salad! The owner is great and friendly! The place is small so plan on taking it to go, but overall I love each meal I have had and plan on making this more than an annual place to visit!
(5)
Scott W.

This is my all-time favorite sandwich place. We took some out-of-town relatives here and they could not believe how good this place is. All sandwiches are made to order, so it can take some time to get your food. The Mu Ping is my go to sandwich. It is unbelievably good. Pick any sandwich that you think you will like, and you will love it. This place is little cramped for space, so it is also a great place to order food to go.
(5)
Larissa N.

Just has the spicy garlic shrimp sandwich and the spicy miso soup and one word.... AMAZING! The bread is so soft and the shrimp are so full of flavor and there's plenty of shrimp so no worries on the skimping! It's awesome because you get a punch card.. And get a free sandwich after a certain amount. I can't wait to try the other sandwiches :)
(5)
Andre G.

Variety is the spice of life. Great little gem on York road in between fast-food joints that offer freshly prepared Asian inspired sandwiches and wraps.
(5)
Jacki A.

I am in LOVE! I am a sucker for good food, but especially when it comes from a small hole-in-the-wall type place such as Zenwich! My brother was the one to introduce me and I have craved it since then! Luckily, I am now attending Elmhurst College so I am always right down the road. I'm a lucky girl. I went there on a Friday, and had the shrimp sandwich. I do not remember the specific name but it is the Friday special. It did feature fried shrimp as the filling. When I got the sandwich, I didn't really know what to expect. I bit in, and it was so delicious. The shrimp was just lightly fried and hot, but the other condiments were cold, but not too cold. It had a great balance of flavor and temperature and it kept your mouth wanting to take another bite even before you were done chewing the previous! Such a lovely place and the price is not outrageous either. Need to get my stamps up on my card to get a free sandwich!
(5)
JaKelly V.

Thanks to this pesky wheat issue that I've had (for the last 5 years), I've missed sandwiches. I always drove by Zenwich on my way across town and looked at it with longing for the highly yelped sandwich that I'll never eat (until my gluten intolerance hopefully and eventually clears up someday). Anyway, the point is that I heard from a friend who heard from a friend who heard it from another that they had some allergen free options. We went the very next day. I had the rice paper wrap on the Famous Remus. It was so amazingly delicious. I didn't even miss the bread. Seriously. I told my gluten loving husband that he should forgo the bread for the rice paper wrap too next time. The other surprising things about Zenwich you ask? 1) My kids are both begging to go back. They had the chicken satay and the teriyaki kids meals. Both kids loved them both. Best sandwich ever sort of statements. 2) they had cost conscious, healthy, GF, vegan, and/or kid friendly options clearly labeled and in plain sight 3) owner is really funny and nice, the place has some character (well as much as possible in a strip mall) but in the form of bright clean colors and streamlined. 4) It is really tiny inside (hence the lower star). Like really really tiny. Borderline panic room sized. I hope that as they have continued success, they move into a larger place, especially because it takes about 10 minutes for the order to be ready (a good thing). Personally, my dream is relocating to a spacious place on Spring Road and have them allow BYOB... Maybe some outdoor seating... It would be a perfect picnic by the prairie path... Of all of the single $ places on Yelp that we've tried, this one makes us all very very happy... and we really did eat for about $20 for the family (no drinks)
(4)
Candice G.

On Sunday, I ate Spicy Basil Tofu from Thai Happiness. On Monday, I ate Spicy Basil Tofu from Thai Pot. On Tuesday, I ate Spicy Basil Tofu from Siri Thai II. On Wednesday, I ate Spicy Basil Tofu from Bangkok Village. On Thursday, I ate Spicy Basil Tofu from Thai O'cha. On Friday, I ate Spicy Basil Tofu from Mama Thai. And on Saturday, I decided it was time to switch things up, so as not to get into a dining rut, and I ate a Spicy Basil Tofu SANDWICH from Zenwich. I felt like a new me! Eating outside my comfort zone and all. Normally, I try not to defer from my usual Thai schedule so as to avoid gaps in happiness, but something told me I was in for a treat at only my second ever visit to Zenwich. The good news: They accommodated my lifestyle meal of choice with their Spicy Basil sandwich (and it was surprisingly spicier than expected- yay!) . The bad news: It was a special, so they likely won't have that as option all the time. The great news: They have other great sandwiches available, too. I also took in part of the tofu curry sandwich (tastes like Himalayan vegetarian pot roast sandwich- So good! ) and their habanero toffee which was unbelievably good and super sneaky spicy. Arm yourself with plenty of tissues when pairing with the spicy basil. We got the seasoned home-made chips and ginger slaw for our sides (which comes free with the meal). The chips weren't very seasoned, but after the very spicy basil and the super curry tofu, it was nice to offset those other strong flavors and I normally hate coleslaw or anything even remotely resembling it, but in the spirit of adventure I opted to try the ginger slaw and then opted to not put it down until I had finished the tub. oink, oink. I don't want to speak too soon, but I will say that I'm contemplating giving myself one traditional Thai food cheat day each week so I can come here and get some Thai style sammies. The times, they are a-changin'.
(5)
Cristie F.

I'm confident I can describe Zenwich is pure amazingness smashed between a warm and toasty ciabatta. Whether it's meat, seafood, tofu, or veggies, it's simply to die for. And deserves the recognition it has received. The menu is limited to sandwiches, a few sides, a handful of salads, and a few weekly specials. Have no fear...there's definitely something here that will make you all giddy inside. And with fresh ingredients nonetheless! After much deliberation, I opted to go for the Veggie Tempura Teriyaki sandwich, that was loaded with tempura veggies and baby greens, doused in teriyaki sauce. I devoured that little sammy like it was my last meal. It was phenomenal. I loved that it contained more veggies and greens than heavy tempura breading. The sweetness of the teriyaki sauce complemented the veggies nicely. I loved that the side of cucumber salad had a hint of red onion and jalapeno to spice it up. Also, delish. My seafood eating half went for the Spicy Garlic Shrimp Sandwich which had fried shrimp, crunchy garlic, arugula, cilantro, and homemade spicy mayo. The mayo def had a kick to it, so for someone like me who is somewhat of a sissy when it comes to spicy food, I thought it was slightly much. However, he also ate it like it was his last meal on earth and is still raving about it. I'm not a huge fan of cole slaw, but decided to go with the gingerslaw for his side. Although I didn't sense a strong ginger presence, it was one of the few slaws I've actually enjoyed and didn't want to immediately spit it out. For dessert, there were beautifully wrapped bags of toffee sitting on the counter and I couldn't resist. We ended up bringing home a bag of the Lavender Sea Salt Toffee and the Espresso Toffee. If I wasn't diabetic, both of those bags would have been eaten by now. ((Damn pancreas)). The service was amazing. For not being "fast food", our sandwiches came out within a matter of minutes. The staff made sure we were happy without our food and wanted to make sure we had a pleasant experience. The guy who took our order also made great recommendations and was happy to answer my 1.2 million questions. While we were there, I also picked up a punch card. Buy 9 Zenwiches and get your 10th for free. The only word I can think of to describe this is the over-used "winning." But seriously, winning!! In just a few trips, we'll be getting a Zenwich just for being a loyal customer. Zenwich is tiny and doesn't offer a ton of seating, so if you leave near by and it's during the busy lunch/dinner rushes, taking your order to go or opting for delivery isn't a bad idea! I love the concept of Asian flavors on ciabatta bread. The fusion of the two created this perfect little place called Zenwich. I absolutely love it and can't wait to get back. I'm determined to try just about every sandwich on their menu. Nomz.
(5)
Egan V.

Good food, and decent prices. Very friendly staff who knows what can be made vegan. They have a chart by the register if you need help. I tried the tofu ping with cucumber sauce instead of dairy mayonnaise. It was very good and vaguely reminiscent of a bÃ¡nh mÃ¬ but on a torta roll instead of a baguette. My co-diner liked her tofu satay sandwich, especially the spicy peanut sauce. The house-made BBQ chips were flavorful without staining your hands. The edamame was piping hot and made fresh to order. Fries are standard but good to have for picky kids. Definitely worth a try.
(4)
Samantha G.

The reviews on this place don't lie (with the exception of the ones who are written by miserable people)! Every single item that I've tried is so fresh and flavorful. The owner is incredibly friendly, informative and delivers quality food and service effortlessly. He is a huge part of the Zenwich experience. I can't wait to try the Tom Yum soup when they make it! You've made me one happy customer! Thanks :-)
(5)
Cheryl B.

This is our go-to place for flavor and quality in sandwiches. I'm a Zen-aholic along with my husband and it has not changed since our first visit. Yes, small storefront, but gargantuan taste! Worth every penny.
(5)
Nichole C.

I HATE sandwiches. I love meat and bread separately, but when you put the two together, they magically become intolerable. I hate sandwich meats (you know, those slimy slabs of whoknowswhat that people call "meat"), I hate most sandwich toppings and condiments (again, okay on their own, but slap 'em onto a sandwich and it's over), and I really just hate everything about what the sandwich is trying to achieve (I imagine people eating sandwiches with a thought bubble over their heads: "I just want everything in my mouth at the same time! RAWR!"). UGH. But guess what? I LOVED the sandwiches at Zenwich. I don't know if it's because of their quality ingredients, their real meats and seafood choices, their delicious sauces, or their bread...but I LOVED it. Everything is fresh, delicious, inventive, and has a nice flair. Now my only problem is picking which sandwich to mangia on. Thanks, Zenwich.
(4)
Leona L.

Delicious. Original. Fresh. I almost always order the Mu Ping with a wasabi coleslaw on the side. They load it up with fresh veggies and it's packed with flavor. My ONLY gripe with their sandwiches is that it can be very soggy. So eat it fast. Highly recommended!!!
(4)
Christina J.

Yummy fusion sandwiches. The kids' meals were little spicy. Though they were chicken curry sandwiches, I figured my Korean-American kids would be able to handle the heat. They didn't touch it; though I liked them.
(4)
Lissette F.

Highly recommend this place. Had the Joesplosion with the rice wrap and a side of ginger coleslaw. Deliciousness all around. The guy who took our order was super kind as well. Definitely coming back.
(5)
Mallory L.

First off, I'm sad that Zenwich is not near me. Secondly, this is one of the best Asian Fusion places I've been too. The sandwiches are so unique and taste so good. They're always crowded for lunch and so, you'll want to get there early!
(5)
Ben B.

Dirty hands all in the salad! She took my money then proceeded to dig through all the the vegetables with her dirty hands while using her cell phone.
(1)
Ray J.

Carry out from here fairly regularly. Fresh, in both ingredients and composition. Pork Katsu (or whatever it's called now) is my go-to, but many of offerings are solid choices. Staff is good people, the owners are very passionate and very appreciative of your patronage. Oh and dem chips. They could do with offering portions by the bucket.
(5)
James M.

It's been awhile since I wrote a review, probably because I've been on a diet since February. Now I have a reason! I had the opportunity to work on (I'm a massage therapist) one of the owners of Zenwich. We talked about the restaurant and these Asian fusion sandwiches that I couldn't get out of my head, even into the next treatment. So as soon as work was done I drove over to this hidden gem. The service was fast & friendly and the Mu Ping sandwich was a sweet & spicy blend of grilled pork goodness! I'm looking forward to trying out the rest of the menu!" If you're in the Elmhurst area and have a taste for something different, you should definitely check out Zenwich! No wait, "different" doesn't do this place justice. If you have a taste for MEGA-delicious, then go to Zenwich! There I mentioned Zenwich three times (four) in one review, I should get paid for this.
(5)
Bear C.

I really enjoyed their sandwiches. The restaurant looked clean but I don't think it's a sit down place.
(4)
Brad J.

Incredible soup, sandwiches and chips. Very unique food and very fresh. Great work!
(5)
Paul S.

One of the best sandwiches I've had in a LONG time. I had the teriyaki tofu, man was it delicious. The bread was perfect, plenty of tofu and veggies bulking up the inside, with a spicy sweet teriyaki sauce complimented by spicy mustard. And the cucumber salad was insanely good. If I lived nearby I'd be here a few times per week for lunch. :) The owner / manager is a super friendly guy and seemed to know most of the people that walked in, so that's ALWAYS a great sign! DEFINITELY go check this place out.
(5)
Eric M.

I have nothing new or useful to say about this place. I just need to do my part and give it a well-deserved 5 star review. Favorites include the spicy garlic shrimp, tofu teriyaki, and the chicken satay. All the sides are fantastic but the house made chips are a must-try. It's totally worth it to venture away from your favorites and try the soups, sides, other sandwiches, etc. The service is fantastic, especially the owner who is super friendly.
(5)
George J.

Fantastic. That's all I can say. Love this Vietnamese-like Sanwhich shops. Tony (the owner) is great and personable. Glad to see his restaurant finally take off after starting from the ground floor and having a slow year 1-2. Now I see it on Chicago's Best and listed as top suburban Best sanwhich shop. The Friday/Saturday Shrimp Sandwhich is by far my favorite....a touch of heat and love the satay. I savor the moments that I can eat that Shrimp (I try to play hookie on Friday's) on those days.
(5)
DOUG K.

Just sitting in Zenwich waiting for my to go order. Salivating and stomach growling. Everything I've ever ordered here has been fresh and delicious. It's a treat I don't give myself often enough. I can't recommend this place enough to people. Best sandwich shop I've been to in Illinois. Even my picky kids love Zenwich.
(5)
Chuck R.

Top shelf stuff. I've been eating sandwiches for over 40 years, and 2 or 3 of the Zenwich sandwiches are among the top 10 best sandwiches I've ever had. (Pork Katsu, Crab Cake, Spicy Shrimp and the Mu Ping too, come to think of it). The sides are unique and tasty. The soup is wonderful. This place is near where we live in an unassuming strip mall. Not much room to eat in, but we're always taking out anyway. If I don't have a Zenwich sandwich for a couple of weeks, I find myself waking up at night thinking about them. Really. And I have eaten there for lunch and dinner on the same day before and would do it again. It deserves a better location - but the selfish part of me hopes it never moves, or if it moves, it better stay close!
(5)
Christine N.

I absolutely love this place! I used to work in the area and I'd come here at least twice a week. Unfortunately, I moved downtown so my trips to Zenwich have been sparse. They have the best sandwiches around. My personal favorite is the tofu satay! Their peanut sauce is so yummy and the cucumber salad compliments it so perfectly. For less than $8 you can't really go wrong here! The owners are so nice!
(5)
Rosanna L.

Found out about this place because of a Groupon special so I decided to give it a try since it's near home and have unique sandwiches. The service was very friendly and I even got to talk to one of the workers while I waited for my order. I ordered the Bulgogi - korean bbq beef slices and Mu Ping - caramelized pork. The Mu Ping was delightfully tasty with the carrots and relish and the sauce gave it a nice hint of flavor. The Bulgogi burst with flavor with the first bite and the red sauce with it makes it just that much better. I definitely enjoyed both. My brother also enjoyed both, but he thinks a buttered bread would give it more flavor. The side of coleslaw, chips, and pickle hits the spot. The chips were warm and soft, lightly seasoned. The coleslaw was very light, which I love (can't stand heavy coleslaw). Too bad I didn't get more Groupon coupons, but I will definitely be coming back. For 2 sandwiches it was about $16 and the best it's down the street from my house!
(4)
T M.

Man. I really want to like this place, but I just don't. I'm not even a picky eater... Everything is so heavy. Too much sauce on the sandwiches. The ginger slaw is just regular coleslaw with ginger... again, heavy. I've had post the Tofu Ping and another meat-based one, but I can't remember which. Your hands will end up covered in the sauce and the bread get soggy quickly. I love sandwiches. I love asian cuisine. I just don't think a combo of the two is for me.
(3)
Dennis J.

Less than 10 bucks, and just a wonderful selection of varied flavors. No pretense, not much seating, but it feels like the staff is passionate about putting out great sandwiches. We both ended up getting the crab cake sandwich and every part of it was awesome (crab cakes - moist, bread - tasty and not too dense, vegetables - fresh, sauce - perfectly seasoned, chips - celery/ramen flavored and light). The only flaw is that it's located in Elmhurst. =) But, definitely my go-to place when I'm in that area now.
(5)
Jaime G.

Zenwich is one of the many Asian fusion sandwich places popping up and it really delivers. Tried the Mu Ping, a caramelized pork sandwich with cabbage and also the Crab Cake sandwich. Both really excellent. Love the crunchiness of the crab cake with the baby greens and garlic basil sauce. The pork sandwich was so tasty with hints of sweetness from the pork and mayo sauce plus the freshness of cilantro in every bite. Most sandwiches seem to include really tasty toppings on ciabatta bread. Next time I'll try the chicken satay sandwich with peanut sauce or the beef PR chicken curry. Both looked very good. A little pricy at $7.50 per sandwich but i have to say that they are big portions. One other item on the menu that i tried was the seaweed salad. The addition of cucumber makes it a bit unique for me and tasty. For the variety of offerings and unique blend of flavors, this place is worth the drive to the burbs. I would give them all 5 stars if it wasn't for the lack of ambiance - the strip mall local and little attention to decor keeps them (at least from my perspective) from having this be a truly superior experience. One thing...be warned. This place won't come up correctly on any map. The "B" in the address throws it off and sends you way south of where it really is. The place is actually in a strip mall on York just north of North ave.
(4)
Marla R.

The best place for a sandwich with exciting fresh ingredients. I love the chicken satay and in the winter I get the chicken curry. So yummy! The soups are great and you have to try the homemade toffee. Worth every penny!
(5)
Dan E.

Zenwich was in my Yelp bookmarks. So even though I felt too lazy to drive up York Road from Oak Brook I made the trip. And I am glad I did. This place is a gem. Anyway, back to the food: nine meat and five vegetarian sandwiches. They all sounded so good I wanted to immediately try all of them. So my only complaint is that they don't have a combo plate with a small sample of every sandwich. I wound up getting the crab cake sandwich with seasoned chips on the side. Tough choice since the special of the day was a spicy shrimp sandwich. The crab cake is a homemade panko encrusted crab cake with baby greens and garlic basil aioli. I counted eight tables and three stools, so capacity is 19 diners. They do a bustling carry out business at lunchtime. Since everything is made to order, call ahead if you're getting carry out. So today is the 8th of February and if I am to get to my Yelp 100 goal for the year I need to have 10.68 reviews as of today, so I running slightly behind. A moment of Zen: the sandwiches are just the way they are here. And that is very good.
(5)
Benilen M.

Best Asian fusion sandwiches! No matter what you get you won't be disappointed!! I'd give it more stars if possible :)
(5)
Sandeep M.

The food was great, i had buffalo sandwich and and seasoned fries. Very warm people loved the attitude.
(4)
Kristin C.

The food is delicious and fresh every time I come here. The chef/owner are kind and quick. p.s. tried the lemon basil candy. DELICIOUS, NEED MORE
(5)
Chai K.

Wow! What a find. Met up with Boon K. and her hubby so they can experience my three rug rats running around their place. :) So for lunch they took us to Zenwich. I would describe it as "Sandwiches with an Asian flare". We ordered Crabby Ho!a, Mu Ping, and the Garlic Shrimp special. The Mu Ping was delicious. Good flavor and refreshing veggies. The crab cake sandwich was tasty as well. It was better than most crab cakes that I've had at upscale restaurants. But overall, The Garlic Shrimp special was probably our favorite. Lots of shrimp in a flavorful sauce. Good pairing with the cucumber salad or potato chips. Great place to try out. Don't let the location keep you from going in. You could miss it driving by, since it doesn't stand out. We'll definitely go back.
(5)
Lori T.

Love love love Zenwich! From their excellent customer service to their flavorful menu, I really reaaly enjoy ths place! Favs include: Crab cakes, Veggie tempura, Zen Salad and Peanut Salad. Add their lightly fried tofu for an extra crispy treat to the salads! I hope everyone reading ths will try this little gem!
(5)
Jeffrey D.

They know how to make a good sandwhich. It absolutley a great change from the average boring sandwhich. Crabcake was delicious with a giant pickle. I also have to give a major shout out to the cashier. I showed up forgetting my wallet. He handed me the food and said that's not a problem just pay us over the phone when you get back. Thanks Zenwhich!
(4)
Kathy R.

I went there the other day for the first time. Had the Mu PIng Pork sandwich with cucumber salad. I should've gotten the chips, but my friend shared hers with me. Yummy! For dessert, we split one of their little packages of milk chocolate, almond toffee with lavender. Divine! I'll go back for sure.
(5)
Carm C.

Went there last week for the Mu Ping (Famous Remes) sandwich and got the wasabi coleslaw. The sandwich was delicious. I don't think I'll get the wasabi coleslaw again but that's because I'm not a huge fan of wasabi. It was slightly spicy but nothing major. I'm going there again this week to try something different, so obviously I liked this place. Be prepared to wait a few minutes for your order, as this is NOT fast food, but good food done quickly. Also, there are very few tables to sit at, and it was pretty crowded.
(5)
madeline t.

I love this place. Had called in before they had opened and they still took my order. The sandwiches was fresh and its packed with really good flavor. My favorite would have to be Crabby Yola and the Spicy garlic shrimp. I never really liked coleslaw either but the Wasabi and Ginger coleslaw is good.
(5)
Michael C.

I have been on a find weird food kick and upon searching the web for a "not your normal kinda lunch day place" came across Zenwich ( my wife swears she told me about the place and has wanted to go, but I don't listen; and would like to think I found this on my own ). Being overly proud of myself for such a find I decided to go last week, nothing could have prepared me. After hours of looking over the menu online and overthinking what every bite could have been I was not disappointed at all. I choose the Bryanism (Pork Katsu) Panko crusted fried pork cutlet with coleslaw and baby greens topped with tangy Japanese BBQ sauce and mustard. With a Side of the Wasabi Coleslaw Nothing can explain the taste, every bit of this amazing sandwich was better than the last and in-between bites I kept testing my limits and cleaning my sinus on one of the best coleslaws I ever tasted, I am not a noob when it comes to Wasabi, however this coleslaw really puts your mouth to the test. I found a perfect balance of alternating between sandwich then coleslaw and back again to the sandwich when the Wasabi coleslaw got to strong, but once the sandwich was complete I was unable to finish the coleslaw, it had won. I strongly suggest you try it, but warn you it is not for the weak at heart. I will be back. The only down side of the entire trip was the parking lot is a nightmare! Beware of lunch hours as this lot doesn't fit much and making a left turn out of the place will take forever ( good thing I go right to get back to work, but not the most "Zen" like in a hurry. :) I suggest calling ahead so your food is ready or according to site THEY DELIVER, I may test that to my location in the future!
(5)
Keith W.

Awesomely simple, yet delicous sandwiches. The owner is super friendly and will walk you through the menu. I've gotten the Crab cake and Mu pIng sandwiches, both delicious. They're cucumber, coleslaw, and house made chips are all really good too. They have a couple of tables set up inside, though not too much room to sit. I usually carry out. One of the better, unique sandwich shops around.
(5)
Soyoung P.

My boyfriend and I LOVE Zenwich! The owners truly enjoy what they do and it comes across in their food. All of the sandwiches are awesome, but the mu ping and the crab cake are beyond great. The seasoned chips are the perfect match to these tasty sandwiches. My only wish.....I wish it was closer to home.
(5)
Natalia S.

MUST I JUMP ON THE FIVE STAR BANDWAGON FOR THIS PLACE? i must. so fresh. so delicious. ahhh everything was wonderful. seriously had the crab cake sandwich with a side of chips and this cucumber salad and it was so perfect. so so so perfect. nicely priced truly a gourmet sandwich experience.
(5)
Stacy D.

I absolutely love this place. It's my go-to sandwich joint...Don't let the funky strip-mall it's located in turn you off...they have some of the most delicious sandwiches around. I always get the tofu satay sandwich...and sometimes order extra chips {the best chips on the planet...salty sweet and spicy little chips of joy.} The owners are always super friendly too...
(5)
Jennifer H.

I can't believe I have not written a review for Zenwich! First of all, this place is a dream ... the sandwiches are delicious! My favorite Crabby Yola. Description - Crabby Yo!a - Japanese style panko crusted homemade crab cake and baby greens topped with homemade creamy garlic sauce. Crab Yola is delicious. It is so hard to find a good crab cake in the Midwest and even on a recent trip to the Northeast I was less than impressed by several of the crab cakes I had there (I did finally find a good crab cake). Nonetheless, for $7.50 (pretty darn close to what you pay for 1 crab cake on the East Coast) you get the yummy sandwich, your choice of several slaws, or the homemade chips. I love those chips so I get those. Next up: Spicy Garlic Shrimp Sandwich (special on Friday and Saturday) - $8.25 (I believe). Description: Spicy Garlic Shrimp Sandwich - Light breaded fried shrimp, crunchy garlic, arugula and cilantro with homemade spicy mayo. This is a favorite of my husband. I was so enamored with my crab cake sandwich that I didn't venture away from it. Last time I convinced my husband that we should share our sandwiches so I got half of his and he got half of mine. OH MY. Spicy Garlic Shrimp Sandwich was AMAZING! I've seen several reviews that suggest the sandwich is "messy" but they wrap it in such a way that if you peel back the wrapping you can eat the sandwich with no mess. It is juicy a little juicy, but not soggy. I want to make sure I also say that the service here is top notch and is always very clean. Crab Yola - 5 stars Spicy Garlic Shrimp Sandwich - 5 stars Homemade chips - 5 stars Service - 5 stars Definitely give this place a try!
(5)
Jonathan N.

I dragged my coworker to this place based on the yelp reviews. It's a small little place with a parking lot that is shared with other restaurants, but I did not have problem finding parking during lunch time. After I sat down, the place randomly got PACKED. Cucumber Salad was fresh and tasty. It resembles the Vietnamese salad called "goi" and tastes pretty much the same. Crabcake Sandwich was as good as everyone said. The bread was light and delicious, I could have just eaten that along with the sauce it came with. The crabcake was crispy (mostly imitation crab) and delicious. I asked for hot sauce and received Sriracha (not complaining). I definitely want to come back and try the daily specials they have since it changes often. It has mostly asian flavors, but does actually pull off the fusion aspect. It is very nice to find a good sandwich place in the suburbs.
(4)
Angela M.

I ordered their Peanut Sandwich (The name escapes me). It was delicious! I'm vegan, so it was awesome that they have vegan sandwiches that you can have on a lettuce wrap or rice paper.My mom had their Crab Cake Sandwich, and loved it. Their homemade chips were delicious as well. Can't wait to go back and try out other sandwiches. The owner was super nice & helpful when I told him I was vegan, which was a major plus!
(5)
Kelvin R.

I don't like every sandwich, but if it sounds good it'll be good. If it sounds interesting ... it will be interesting.
(3)
Darice H.

Yummy!
(5)
Joanne W.

Yay! I am a fan indeed! I had been itching to try Zenwich for quite some time now so when I received notification that Zenwich was this week's Groupon...I took that as a sign that I needed to get off my booty & high tail it on over to Elmhurst for some sandwich nirvana! This cute & small (very small) shop is located in a strip mall that you probably have passed a dozen times. While the location might be a bit lackluster, I assure you the food is not. I had the Mu Ping which is grilled caramelized pork, pickled carrot & daikon, cilantro, cucumbers, jalapeno, onion and house made mayo served on a toasty ciabatta roll. Homemade seasoned chips, ginger slaw and a pickle accompanied my porky little number. The chips were quite nice - they were a little sweet and a little spicy and I was glad I ordered an extra bag to snack on later. The cost for all this deliciousness? $7.50 !!! (minus the extra bag of chips...which are a whopping 2 bucks!) As I said, the place is small...there are a handful of tables at best which wasn't a problem for me as I was ordering to-go. I imagine dining during the week during the lunch time rush would be a bit risky...fair warning. You might have to wait a little bit for your order which is very clearly stated for you at the counter. Zenwich is NOT fast food, so expect a bit of a wait...it's totally worth it and you will not be disappointed. If you are looking for something new & fresh...look no further!
(4)
Jeff L.

I've tried most of their sandwiches now and most of their sides. Everything they make is an explosion of great flavor. Everyone that works here is friendly; this place is a great local business that you should definitely give a chance. This is probably the only place in Elmhurst I regularly crave and would recommend to someone visiting as a great find. There are other good restaurants in the area, but Zenwich has unique food that's exceptionally good.
(5)
Gana R.

Definitely the most interesting sandwich I've had in a while. As someone who frequents sandwich spots for lunch (Which Wich, Jimmy Johns, and even the occasional Subway), it's safe to say that I was getting bored of sandwiches. Each one is slightly different but nothing revolutionary. That is until I tried Zenwich. I ordered the Tofu Satay sandwich and was pleasantly surprised. Everything was cooked fresh, it was loaded with veggies, and it tasted great! Finally a change to the boring sandwich! Its entirely unique menu is a very refreshing change. Also - give the home made toffee a try. It was delicious. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Jennifer W.

My favorite sandwich shop, hands down. Everything is fresh, made from scratch on-site. A true gem, especially in the burbs where lunch options are pretty sad. Worth a trip if you don't live or work in Elmhurst.
(5)
Bradley F.

Crabcake sandwich is stellar and like so many others say....get the cucumber salad as a side. Yum!
(5)
Rick C.

what can i say.... Star,Star,Star,Star,Star please, open more locations!!!
(5)
Dee C.

I was very pleasantly surprised with this place. Their sandwiches are flavorful and all we paid is the $5 for groupon! My fiance and I both had a groupon each worth $10. We each ordered a sandwich, I had the special which was the tofu ping and he had the tofu satay. I had the cucumber salad for my side and he had the wasabi slaw. We both got thai tea each. The tofu ping was great! All the vegetables were fresh, the bread was perfect (not to hard or soft), and crispy tofu strip which was a big piece of tofu in the middle and a finish with the homemade sweet mayonnaise. Perfection at its best. The cucumber salad was sweet and fresh and oh so good. Only disappointing this was that I didn't know the thai tea was a can and was not comparable to thai tea we get else where. The tofu satay had the crispy tofu with fresh vegetables with the homemade peanut sauce. I thought this sandwich was a little two sweet because of the peanut sauce. I didn't try the wasabi slaw since I don't like wasabi. Overall We just payed for the groupon and nothing on top. What a great meal for total of $10. I would go again even if I didn't have a groupon. They have free Internet for those who want to work there. The owner was very nice. This place is nice and small and close to home!
(4)
Rodrigo D.

I had the buffalo chicken sandwich and it was great. I look forward to trying some of their other sandwiches. You can tell that the owners have a great talent and love for cooking. I would recommend offering miso soup all the time and not just as a soup of the day. Also, those comments on the wait for the food are weak in my opinion. Good things are worth waiting for. If you want your food to be ready quickly, then go to McDs or White Castle.
(4)
Fady G.

Found a dead bug in my sandwich, thank u very much
(1)
Julia P.

Loved the sandwich choices.. definitely fresh and unique! I'm personally a vegetarian and loved the vegetarian sandwich options! Fun sit down.. definitely recommend!
(4)
Rebecca P.

I discovered Zenwich via Groupon - let me tell you, this is probably one of my best discoveries here in the burbs. Although I have only tried one sandwich from Zenwich - the Chicken Satay - I have nothing negative to say about this place. All the ingredients are so fresh and just perfect. Their potato chips are amazing - and I am not a "potato chip person". Also their ginger coleslaw is out of this world and I am not a "cole slaw person" either. That must say a lot. Zenwich also has a daily soup - which I have tried once. Pretty good as well! This is a little place that you would expect to find in the city of Chicago, right here at home in Elmhurst!
(5)
Megan M.

I love this place! I get the turkey sandwich, which seems like nothing special.. but the turkey itself tastes so good and I love garlic Mayo! They give you chips and a pickle with your sandwich, and coleslaw too if you order a specialty sandwich. I really don't like potato chips, but their's are to die for! They are seasoned chips.. kinda spicy... yum... :) I wish they had a fountain machine though :(
(5)
Sarah B.

Yet again, another update. I tried the weekly special, spicy garlic shrimp sandwich. It is my FAVORITE. I wish they would have it permanently on the menu. It is the most delicious sandwich I've ever tasted. If you ever see it on the specials board, get it. Seriously, you're missing out if you don't.
(5)
Loreen O.

Amazing! Just had the crab cake sandwich with cucumber salad! I will be thinking about this until I come back.
(5)
J M.

Hmm... I really like all these classic Asian flavors, now how to make it memorable and unique -- turn it into a sandwich! Genius! This is exactly what Zenwich does. So, I've been here a handful of times and unfortunately I'm stuck. I tried the Chicken Satay sandwich, loved it, and now I can't convince myself to order anything else. Next time... next time, you watch and I will. The house chips are lightly seasoned with some bbq flare. I'm not really a "chip" person but these make me happy! Be prepared to wait a little longer than usual for that of a "fast food" place (like 10 mins). Everything is made to order in the kitchen behind the counter. The staff is friendly, welcoming and modest about their rapidly growing regulars list.
(4)
chantelle p.

Make sure to specify if you want it vegan.
(4)
Teresa K.

Stopped here for lunch with some friends who have been here before. Wow great food! I had the crab cake sandwich and it so much better than expected. Not greasy, good sauce and loved the bread! it's a small place in a strip mall, so easy to pass it by. But i like small indie businesses. Especially ones that specialize in a smaller unique menu.
(4)
Kimberly M.

Funny thing, I use to pass by this place all the time when I would take the side streets to try to avoid some traffic on 290 but I never stopped by. Then, I stumbled on it while looking up some reviews on Yelp! and was amazed that it had some good reviews. On my way home from a business trip, I stopped by and ordered the Mu Ping, the crabcake and the chicken satay. My bf and I halved the Mu Ping and Chicken Satay. Mu Ping was delish. It was sweet and tangy in a good way. I also liked the Satay, loved the peanut sauce that came on it. Both were good, but I liked the Mu Ping more. I got an order of cucumber salad and an order of their house chips. The chips were ok. I didn't really like it that much. I loved the cucumber salad, the jalepenos were a nice touch.
(4)
Prince V.

Oh my goodness!!! This place is awesome. Korean food in a bun.... tasty. Had the bimbibob. Tasty. Chicken satay sandwich Good too. Seasoned kettle fried chips were out of this world. If im back in chicago. I will definitely come here. Sandwiches are around $8 bucks
(5)
Katie L.

Tasty! I've only been there like twice, but I really liked it both times. I had the Mu Ping sandwich and it was really good. They did a really nice job of grilling the meat and the roll was soft enough to bite through, but not too soft as to fall apart easily. I had the cucumber salad as my side, which was good but not my favorite. It had a sweet dressing, and I'm just not a fan of sweet dressings. Also had the soup of the day, which was a pork miso soup. Delicious! The restaurant itself is very cute. Love the lime green walls! It is very small, so if you dine in be prepared to bump elbows.
(4)
Patrick K.

We just ate here last night. Not a fancy place, but it was clean and tastefully decorated. But, more importantly, the sandwiches were great. Definitely nice to be able to get something different than a hamburger or italian beef. As others have noted, there isn't a lot of seating to the restaurant. But don't let this deter you - just go at a slightly off hour, or get the food to go!
(4)
Mary T.

I visited Zenwich a couple weeks ago with some friends. From what I had heard, the sandwiches were delicious. This was helpful, because looking at the menu, it was... I'd say... a little intimidating. While I had heard rave reviews on the "Mu Ping" (Porky Pete) and the Crab Cake Sandwich, I went for the Wasabi Roast Beef. The sandwich included roast beed, lettuce, red onion, tomato, and giardiniera with wasabi sauce served on a french roll. It also came with Japanese Mayo, which I opted out of... (Im just not a mayo fan) As you can imagine, my mouth was on fire, but this was one of the most delicious sandwiches I have ever enjoyed!! I would definitely recommend this place to the sandwich lover as well as the non-sandwich lover because this is not your typical sandwich place! It's not a real big place, maybe room for 15-20 people max at like 4 or 5 tables. I can't wait for my next Zenwich!
(4)
Dino D.

A+++++ will definitely buy again. This has become a staple and a trusted part of our going out to dinner rotation. Crabcakes are a delight. The chips are awesome. My wife always gets the boxed dinners and they haven't let her down. My kids have had the tofu sandwiches and they love it. I wholeheartedly recommend this place.
(5)
Sean Y.

Love the originality and flavors. The Remus was very good. The Crabby was okay, had very high expectations after reading the reviews.
(4)
Mike K.

As soon as we walked into Zenwich we were greeted with a smile. The cashier helped us navigate the menu. We tried the Crab Cake sandwich and the Korean BBQ sandwich which was the special of the day. Both were amazing. The secret is in the bread for the sandwich. It was just the way I like it. I ordered two more sandwiches to go to take to over to my parents house. I will be back for sure!
(5)
sherry t.

The asian inspired sandwiches were decent. I knocked off a star for the unintended messy water downed mayo dripping down my arm. It ruined the experience. I thought it was only present in the crabcake sandwich. No, it was also present in the mu ping sandwich. A yummy delicious well put together sandwich was ruined because the water downed mayo just made everything soggy. The chips were a nice touch. I hope they were home made. i also tried their chicken watercress soup. Not bad. I think it's a good sandwich place for the area. If I had to choose between this and Huong Lan in san jose, I would choose Huong Lan any day.
(3)
Keri M.

I like me some Zenwich! I was bummed that a friend wasn't up for Thai food and recommended Zenwich. BUT WAIT... Zenwich has Thai! The soup of the day was Tom Kha Gai and I got the Mu Ping Sandwich which came with these homemade potato chips sprinkled with seasoned salt and a kosher pickle. I also got a side of Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce to put on my sandwich. As well as the basic menu they have weekly specials on dry erase boards posted on the wall. Also the staff was really friendly, but the seating seems limited. There is a cafeteria like setup in the front.
(4)
Peter U.

Zenwich is hands down one of my favor places to grab lunch!!! One of the Best place to eat lunch!!! Summary: Best things to eat - Mu Ping Sandwich, Crab Cake Sandwich (actually everything is great) and the freshly cooked homemade side of chips....YUMMY in MY TUMMY!!! The food is amazing and is a fusion of favors between bread. The first time I went was about a 1-1 1/2 years ago at the recommendation of my girlfriend and other yelpers...at that time they were still just trying to survive and now they look they are finally getting the recognition they deserve. The owners are beyond nice and I love that its a "mom and pop" place with the husband taking orders and the wife cooking. Things to note: Even though its a small sandwich shop, you would expect fast food like subway or something, ZENWICH IS NOT FAST FOOD! It takes some time to create these amazing sandwiches so take a breath, sit down, watch some tv (they will change the channel to whatever you want to watch), or go on your phone/netbook and surf the web via their free wifi. I usually eat the Mu Ping, and my girlfriend tries all the other sandwiches like Crab Cake, Chicken Basil, Chicken Satay, and then we just trade half of a sandwich.... :) I wish all the best for Zenwich (mom and pop place) and they will continue to get my business. They do groupons, living social, and other daily deals every once in a while, so get those if you can. If not, the price is reasonable enough (7-8 bucks for sandwich and side).
(5)
Jeanette K.

This place is sooo good! One of my favorite lunch places in Elmhurst! Patronize, patronize, patronize this place. The location is somewhat cursed as nothing can seem to stay in business in this spot for long. Although Zenwich has been there for a while!
(5)
Mark D.

Love the idea of turning asian food into a sandwich...just don't love the result. Have been here a few times...Tasty meats, veggies, sauces, etc. but gets lost when you cover it up with the taste & texture of the bread.
(3)
Julian M.

Mu Ping makes my taste buds sing. My stomach aches for their crab cakes. The yummy chips have to pass my lips. Woe is me they were out of Banh Mi. An absolute must try for anyone passing by, even if you already ate a meal, just get something to go and eat it later. Everything is prepared fresh to order so average about 4 minutes of wait per dish. The people working here are great. They have a mailing list in case you are interested. The dining area is pretty small, but they offer free Wi-Fi. Only open until 8pm M-F, until 6pm Sat, and closed Sundays. I saw this place out of the corner of my eye while driving down York Rd and did a double-take. I almost pulled a U-turn but traffic didn't allow it. When I got home, I looked it up on Yelp and saw the glowing reviews. It definitely did not disappoint.
(5)
Josclyn W.

Mr and I went to go see the Meis van de roe house addition to the Elmhurst Art Museum and after we just had to try Zenwich. So I read all the reviews, looked at the menu on line and was pumped.... and then dumped. Walked in right at 11 am sharp, I ordered the crab cake sandwich, which was made with imitation crab and was so greasy and really did not have any taste, and I really don't understand what part of a ciabatta is a desired vessel for an Asian inspired sandwich. The garlic mayo stuff was sandwich saving and the fresh baby greens were lost in the grease. Also the chips tasted were cold and maybe even from last night and really tasted like sweet BBQ salt. I got the lemongrass soup and it tasted just like Tom Khai, and it was great the flavor was really good. I hate Styrofoam and the only cups and take out stuff was Styrofoam.... icky. Save your eight bucks!
(2)
Eric H.

Holy cow was this place good. I got mine to go because it was so crowded (obviously a good sign) and everything was great. Spicy Miso Soup = A+, Chicken and Basil Sandwich = A+, Cucumber Salad = A. I will return.
(5)
Michael G.

A few years ago, the restaurant at this location was named A Chef And A Loaf Of Bread. A Chef And A Loaf Of Bread was wildly inconsistent, and, not surprisingly, it closed. I was glad to see another entrepreneur take over the location, and give diners some delicious options. Zenwich is a Great little spot serving flavorful sandwiches, several delicious entrees, and really fresh, crisp vegetables/greens/salads. Their homemade seasoned potato chips are very good too. Their buns will not stun artisan baking fans, but they are toasted and combine well with the flavorful sandwiches. Zenwich offers some vegetarian options too. If Zenwich was 20 miles east of where it is, there would be lines of customers waiting to get in; so get there before it becomes "too popular"...!
(5)
Josh N.

What a find! My girlfriend stumbled upon the groupon deal for this place, and since we live so close, we decided to give it a shot. We walked in and the place smelled delicious. My girlfriend ordered the Mu Ping, and I ordered the Chicken Curry. Both were great. The chips are really good also! The second time we came, I ordered the Chicken Satay. It was even better, I love it. I'll change my review to 5 stars as soon as they have Bahn Mi again, and maybe a little more drink selection. That's not a big deal though, as there is a convenient mart next door. On second thought, I'll make this a 5 star review anyways. That's how good the food is!
(5)
Joe V.

what amazes me most is that anyone could rate this place less than 5 stars! The food is amazing and unique, and everything is so fresh - the bread, the meat, fish/sea-food, veggies .. even the chips are made fresh! My wife loves the crab-cake, and although I normally eat only meat I cannot get enough of their veggie tempura. The owner Nate is incredibly friendly, and am surprised to read comments about the sauce being too heavy, etc. as both Nate and his wife will happily adjust any sandwich to the customer's satisfaction. Easily 5-stars and worth checking out .. just be warned you'll be a regular soon after!
(5)
MJ W.

Chicken teriyaki sandwich was yummy! The chips are made in the store and have a nice sweet and spicy flavoring. I look forward to returning again. Prices are very fair.
(5)
Jonathan M.

love the shrimp sandwich! If only it was Friday everyday to order it!... very nice cashier to help you pick. great place..!
(3)
Brittany G.

I've been to Zenwich twice and both times have been blown away by how delicious their food is. I had the crab cake sandwich the first time, and these reviews don't lie, it was amazing! The second time, I had the Chicken Satay sandwich and again, WOW! The chicken was done perfectly, the spice from the satay and the nuttiness from the peanut sauce were perfect. The cucumber salad is also amazing. It's so unique with jalapenos in it, and I don't like spicy foods, but this was an amazing combo of sweet and just enough zing. When you walk in there is a sign that says something along the lines of "Zenwich isn't a fast food restaurant. We make gourmet sandwiches as ordered. So have a seat, relax and enjoy." This couldn't be more true. The wait is not long (about 5 minutes), but they are not just some fast food restaurant. Zenwich is truly a gem in the neighborhood and I hope they have plans to expand!
(5)
Victoria H.

I've never been so excited about a sandwich reward card in my life! I'll say no more.
(5)
Keith B.

I was impressed. Decently priced fresh food with a twist. U had the Mu Ping sandwich and it was delicious. Fresh made chips were very good, but I did not enjoy the wasabi slaw too much. We also bought a bar of the habenaro toffee which was a nice way to finish up the meal with some sweet heat. I look forward to coming back and trying the other menu items.
(5)
Kevin L.

Great local business serving one-of-a-kind asian sandwiches. The sandwiches served here are truly unique. The ingredients are extra fresh and tasty. Every sandwich is served in a fresh (toasted) Turano roll with fresh vegetables on top. I've liked every sandwich I've tried, but the Mu Ping and Crab Cake are probably my favorite. The soups are also great. There isn't a ton of seating, but I haven't had a problem--just don't go there with a big group. This also isn't the cheapest sandwich shop. I usually get a sandwich and a soup and pay almost exactly $10. I believe that it is worth the price.
(4)
sandeep p.

We went here after reading all the great reviews & we were not disappointed at all. Great food. The owner is a good guy. I am vegetarian, so had plenty of options. It's reasonable as well. I will go again.
(4)
Deanna R.

Finally stopped in last night, call me lazy its slightly out of my way. about 30 minutes before closing, and ordered 2 veggie tortas, bu,t they could only sell me one. Run on them today, probably a good thing? The guy who owned it was super and suggested other items. I decided to just go with the one torta and split it with my daughter. It came with spicy chips, great cucumber salad, a pickle which she scarfed and he threw in some ginger coleslaw , also good. The sandwich was tasty and since we had only a half portion each, we decided in the name of health to cook some crispers and watch food network. We look forward to trying more stuff.
(4)
Brian P.

Zenwich is an outstanding place to grab a delicious and inspired sandwich. It's the kind of sandwich shop that you actually enjoy supporting - not just because of the great food, but also because of the outstanding customer service and friendly atmosphere. It's unpretentious, fairly priced, and overall a great place to grab a great sandwich. If I didn't work downtown Chicago, I'm sure I would be here several times a week for lunch.
(4)
Tobin h.

Phenominal. All was perfect. Food, service, price. I highly recommend this gem of a sandwich shop in Elmhurst. They have a wonderful twist on sandwiches, however, they also have simple sandwiches for the more conservative lunch enthusiast. If you are not into the "twists" and "creations", which is worth going in for, their owner and service is worth going in for just a turkey sandwich. Definitely put this place into your lunch rotation!
(4)
Rena P.

For starters, let me say that this might be in my top 10 favorite company names of all time (particularly the URL, eatmyzenwich.com ). Secondly, Good God, somebody get these folks out of Elmhurst and into the city where it can enjoyed my thousands--and perhaps a bit more seats would be placed. Right now, the place looks...like a well painted hole in the wall. The food, on the other-hand is nothing short of FABULOUS. Truly. Must try. I had the terriyaki chicken sandwich....M m m m ; the **homemade** chips just plain rock; and the cole slaw, well you have my permission to skip it. The guy at the counter...sweet as hell. No joke, what a nice man. Beyond that, you just have to try it out. And get it to go.
(4)
David Y.

This place is awesome! the twist on sandwichs these guys have done are phenominal, i've tried almost every sandwich this place offers, and they've only bee open for 5 days! i tried one and could not stop! my favorite sandwich is the Mu Ping sandwich, i mean how can you go wrong with grilled caramalized pork? and the condiments on the sandwich bring out the flavor of the pork wonderfully. the owners are wonderfully nice also, i believe its a husband and wife running the place, and they were always cheerful and nice i recommend this place to everyone! A MUST TRY!!!!
(5)
Anastacia B.

OMG....where do I start? I had seen that they were opening soon and was curious- what's Zenwich? Few weeks later driving home from the airport starving can't think of what to eat, I decide to pull in...ended up ordering the chicken satay sandwich. Brilliant! First it's freshly made to order,peanut sauce is some of the best I've tasted, chicken tender and flavorful, fresh shredded carrots, cucumber, and jalapenos. This is served with delicious homemade potato chips and a little container of slaw. It was perfection- I was ready to get back in the car and try another one of their concoctions. Since then I have- the crab cake and the caramelized pork. Both absolutely delicious. I plan of trying all of them, from the vegetarian to the beef curry. I also need to try their salads, they sound so good. They also have Asian teas and drinks which are cool to try. My only concern for them is their location, but it's beyond worth seeking out. I could eat there at least twice a week if not more. Yum Yum Yum!!!!
(5)
amy t.

alright, count me in. A couple people at work have been raving about Zenwich since it opened, and we finally had occasion to order it for a group lunch meeting. I'll update with feedback from the masses, but it is great to have something a little different for the group than the standard fare at Jimmy Johns, and the huge variety of non-boring vegetarian options? WONDERFUL! Prices are great, delivery charge wasn't so bad, and they were happy to work with us on our order. As I opened the trays, my mouth started watering - should sandwiches smell this good? Really? And the couple of chips I gobbled were phenomenal!!! I will say from a group order perspective, you HAVE to give them a try. It's something a little different, and you're working with a local, family owned business that really appreciates you as a customer. UPDATE: YUM! I ate a couple of pieces of sandwiches, and ohmygosh - super tasty. I could go for less sprouts on everything, but the bread was awesome, the sauces/mayos/whatever they had on the sandwiches were great.I tried the turkey and the ham, and a bite of the roast beef. Brought some of the leftovers home and my husband ate them later in the evening, and was super excited - "Yeah, anytime you want to bring these sandwiches home? Feel free!" Their chips are delish, and the cookies were, well, standard almond cookies. Nothing to write home about. The chips I WOULD write home about...
(4)
Todd B.

Just amazing. What a diversion from all the blah blah blah sandwich shops in the area. And that's another thing... "sandwich shop" doesn't begin to do Zenwich justice. Good enough to make me think twice about moving out of the area.
(5)
mary z.

Excellent sandwiches! Phoned ahead, great service, and delicious variety of sandwiches! I would recommend this to all my friends! I
(5)
Lyle W.

Spicy Shrimp was amazing this place is amazing and the owner is so very nice wish them all the success and I will be back again and again
(5)
Diane C.

Unique, tasty, fresh sandwiches with the best chips in the world. I almost always get the crab cake sandwich. The sauce really makes it. Pork Katsu is really good too. Good bang for your buck.
(5)
Mark P.

I would quite likely give this place more than only three stars IF I had been there more than just one time. The fact that I am reviewing it after just that one visit leads me towards making another visit sometime very soon. I actually stopped in the place by accident, as I was attempting to visit the sandwich shop that was there previous to the Zenwich opening up. I just happened to be in the neighborhood, and had an urge for a simple sandwich shop. Once I was about to enter, I noticed it was no longer the place it used to be. Still wanting a sandwich for a lite lunch I stepped into what will likely be another location I will make a return trip to. One reason for a planned return trip is the tugging at my soul to try the crab cake specialty. I would have had it on my first visit, but I was really only looking for a turkey sandwich, some coleslaw to accompany it, and some homemade chips. I found that during my visit, but with an interesting twist of some added sprouts within it. Also included was a Dijon mustard, and a garlic sauce of some sort. I was impressed to say the least. This was not the typical turkey sandwich I was looking for, but i was at the same time glad I found this version as well! My visit as mentioned involving a desire for the homemade chips I was accustomed to receiving at the previous shop. I was was happy to find that the new establishment's plans included those as well. My accidental exposure to the Zenwich was one that allowed me to try a new slant on a turkey sandwich (a version that I would not have thought of before entering into the "Zen"), a new homemade chip supplier, and I was also glad to find the coleslaw available as well. My next visit will definitely include my ordering the crab cake special! I can't wait to give that a go, especially after seeing what the place did with turkey!!! To me the Zenwich was "ZENSATIONAL", at least based upon that first experience! I'm not too sure if it can improve on that or not after the first visit, but I'm looking forward to seeing if it can, and very soon! For now, you can go ahead and give it a try yourself, or lean my three star rating slightly closer to four (again, after only one visit, and likely to improve quickly from there).
(3)
James K.

Order the Mu Ping! Tastes great. If you like sandwiches, this place will give you what your stomach needs. Even if you are hankering for some Korean food, they have "Bulgogi" on their menu and they do it right. I was looking for a spot in the burbs that serve vietnamese style sandwiches and I found the spot. If you've never tried one, you're missing out. I can't wait to try the rest of the menu!
(5)
Candice R.

Love Zenwich. One of my favorite places in the area for a quick bite. They are also great because they have vegetarian options. I always get the Tofu Teriyaki and they let me customize. Delicious.
(5)
Lindsey C.

Absolutely delicious. I think the better sandwiches on the menu are the Korean themed ones. You simply cannot go wrong with a meal from this pace. I always try to order the specials. The Korean BBQ or the shrimp are fantastic. Today I tried the pumpkin soup and it did not disappoint. Different than any other squash soup I've ever had...I *think there was coconut milk in it.
(5)
Jenny P.

Zenwich is a little gem located in a blah strip mall. Food here is very delicious and it makes my mouth sing just thinking about it. I appreciate the Asian twist on their sandwiches. All Zenwiches are served on toasted Ciabatta bread, and comes with two sides-homemade chips dusted with sweet/bbq salt and coleslaw. I think they can do without the coleslaw didn't bring anything to the party. All Zenwiches are made to order so it's yummy fresh, I had the Mu Ping-made with pork, such a lovely sandwich nestled with fresh Asian veggies Yum Yum. It was savory with little bit of heat from the jalapeno pepper and followed by hint of sweetness from the daikon relish. Not a simple sandwich it packed a lot of flavor. The only negative thing I have to say about my meal was the bread-it wasn't toasted, it was warm and soft but not toasted. I am also happy to see they offer nice selections for our Non-Meat-Eaters-Bibimbob, Tofu Satay, Veggie Torta, Zen Salad, Ginger Salad, Soba Noodle Salad, and they also do "Soup of the Day" today was Miso and Won Ton soup. I look forward to trying out their Dinner items in the future.
(4)
Dave H.

I'm starting to firmly believe that you can not get a MORE flavorful sandwich for under $10 than one of the delicious delights on the Zenwich menu. The crab cake sandwich is amazing and the home made chips compliment the sandwiches perfectly. Even the cucumber cole slaw is spot-on. I really can not give this place enough praise. The owner will come out and make sure you are happy with the food. I like to rub this place in all my city-folk co-workers because they think great sandwiches are only happening in Chicago...WRONG!
(5)
Torun S.

This place has amazing sandwiches. My favorite is the Crabby Yo!a, but the Mu Ping is pretty great too. The flavors they combine are un-expected and incredibly delicious. I go with the homemade chips every time, and are seasoned perfectly. Definately a place everyone should check out!
(5)
Max J.

I love zenwich! I wish I lived near Elmhurst! I would be a regular! My favorite is the crab sandwich.
(5)
Karyn K.

I had a groupon so I tried out zenwich for dinner the other night. It was a 3 star kind of meal. They were out of the sandwich that my husband wanted to try but he was luckily able to find something else that suited his tastes. He seemed to like it. I had the bibmibob. Pretty good. Not the best I've had by any means but nothing to overly complain about. I ginger dressing that came on the salad was good as well. I had some lemongrass soup which was just kind of blah. Just broth basically. The interior could use a little work. It's small, but that's ok. It just seemed kind of run down for being as new as it is. overall, it was just ok. I doubt I'll go back.
(3)
John A.

Great little restaurant tucked away in a small strip mall. Very friendly service, reasonable prices, clean, and nice variety on the menu. I had the Mu Ping sandwich (caramelized pork, cucumber, onion, cilantro, and jalapeno) it was delicious. Very fresh tasting and a nice change of pace from the ordinary sandwich shops. I will definately be back!!...but not for the cole slaw. Elmhurst needed a place like this!
(4)
Chris D.

I have been going here off and on for quite some time and can't believe I forgot to write a review about how fantastic it is. The food is great and original and they make everything to order so you get the best fresh sandwich and most consistent meal every time. I love the crab cake sandwich but I've tried everything else and it's all good. The only negative is the eating space. You know how they have a small table with a couple of crappy chairs at some Chinese take out places? Places that just are for take out but if you absolutely must eat your meal there then there's a little Formica table with those weird colored chairs...? That's what it's like at Zenwich - everyone is on top of each other and it's very limited seating - I don't mind it but I can see where others would. I've sat next to some people that I would normally never have the chance to sit & interact with - I like that because it adds a certain amount of freakishness & out of the ordinariness to the experience. You can of course take you food to go or not sit next to a freak. I would highly suggest you order your food in advance if you're in a hurry or if it's lunch time during the week though cause it takes time to create your meal. Enjoy!!
(4)
Jennifer R.

Love their pumpkin soup! Their spicy shrimp sandwiches are awesome. The chips are not that great when you order your food to go. Other then that this place rocks my socks!
(4)
Sally W.

I'm not sure what to say...they are totally creative with everything on the menu!! After trying the Crab Cake Sandwich I know why everyone who tried it LOVE it, even for someone who dislike subs type of food. It's a bit hard to get there because I don't know if you can call it a strip mall since the area is pretty small and hard to get in. But it's not a hidden gem for nothing! Do start with the Crab Cake and work your way down with their other creation.
(5)
Miss A.

Holy crap I cannot believe this gem showed up in Elmhurst of all places. It is amazing. The food is as fresh as it gets --which means you will wait awhile but shut up and take it because it is worth it! =) The area is not friendly to ethnic food restaurants as a whole, but I think these guys are gonna make it! Food is Asian/Thai/Japanese inspired with some Mexican and Chinese flair - very unique and unlike anything else you can find in the area. The crab cake sandwich is amazing - fresh and garlicky with greens and the soups are always great. Owners are friendly as can be and work their butts off. When you order something, they make it from scratch. You can see them breading your cutlet etc right then and there. The Katsu is great! And the Bi Bim Bop is also amazing. But the crab cake is what I go back to every time. Prices are super fair for what you are getting. I wish they had a bigger seating area because it can get a little frantic in there at lunch time, with people crammed in the few chairs they have and all of the take-outers standing in the hallway by the bathrooms lol. That said, it is worth it! Last time I was there a first-timer started getting loud about her wait and I swear the whole place turned on her, telling her to knock it off, that it's not a McDonalds! True!
(5)
Kerosan L.

Saw a bit on TV, Chicago's Best and they featured this sandwich shop (sorry if somebody might be offended by me calling it a sandwich shop!). It's near us and what got me was, Crab Cake sandwich...hhmm, interesting. Went there with the hubby and the only thing that didn't work was parking...we tried parking in front of the convenient store but we got a 'warning' from the dude who was standing in front of the convenient store, waving his pointer finger side to side...meaning, you can't park here (just my interpretation). We found parking in the residential area, was worried for a bit, thinking that the residential owner might call the tow truck and have our ride towed somewhere to eternity... Anyways, the line was fast moving, no confusing menus and we already had an idea what we wanted. Crab cake is awesome. The hubby got the chicken satay which was surprising in its own way. Will definitely come back soon... Wish list: better parking maybe? Otherwise, i love it!
(5)
Sandy T.

I got a Living Social for Zenwich and I was so glad I did. I would eat here more often if it were closer to me. Loved their cucumber salad. It tasted so refreshing. We ordered the Mu Ping and the Korean BBQ sandwich. I loved the Mu Ping. It was like a slight twist of the Vietnamese banh mi. YUM. I definitely want to go back and try their crab cake sandwich when I get the chance.
(5)
M M.

Zenwich is one of those rare places that's truly unique. See, people throw around words like "kinda unique, or really unique, or most unique" but there aren't degrees of uniqueness. You're either unique or you're not. Zenwich is unique. And now I've written the word "unique" so many times it doesn't look like a word anymore. Name me another sandwich shop where you can get an entree from nearly every major cuisine style in Asia slapped between two pieces of ciabatta and served with fresh-made, bizarrely but delicious seasoned potato chips. You probably can't. But it's not only unique, it's really quite good. My wife got a chicken satay sandwich, that I sampled and it was great. I went a little more traditional and got ham and cheese (I missed that there was a Korean barbeque sandwich on the specials board) but they weren't content with just a ham and cheese sandwich. They added some lovely dijon and garlic mayo that gave it a special flavor. The chips were easily one of the best parts. They were clearly made right there and were seasoned with some that was once again uni... not like anything else. The people who run the place were also really nice. They make everything for your sandwich right there and take care to make sure everything is just right. I always appreciate that sort of thing. So if you want a sandwich but are also interested in trying something out of the ordinary, I can't think of a better place. So get to it quickly. This place is new and we don't want to see it fade away so go there. Now.
(4)
Chris H.

A consistently great and creative sandwich shop. Why go to a chain when you get an owner/chef who really cares about what they sell?
(5)
Alice B.

Zenwich is a favorite lunch spot for my husband and me. It is not that it is in a nothing-in-particular strip mall or that it is a small place with a few tables and bar stools done in non-assuming dÃ©cor that makes it appealing. It is its owner, Nate's, welcoming banter, his memory of our past visits, and his unusually delicious food choices for reasonable prices that grab us in and keep us coming back. My favorite Zenwich specialty is the Chicken Teriyaki, which is grilled chicken served on a toasted ciabatta with lettuce, sautÃ©ed mushrooms and onions with honey mustard and, for me, minus the wasabi mayo (not a big fan of spicy food). The manner in which Nate conducts his business is what also makes this a pleasant dining experience. He is very attentive to detail. In addition to his friendly greeting as you move to the counter to order the food, he always says to me, "Chicken teriyaki today with no wasabi?" I never deviate from my favorite dish there. In fact, I think it would surprise him if I ever strayed from my regular order. That shows he remembers me and he is willing to customize the food to your individual palette. My husband has had many of the Zenwich specialties. Nate always asks my husband, "Spicy, right?" and he will upgrade the level of spiciness for him. My husband has enjoyed the Korean BBQ Beef, homemade Crab Cake (with baby greens in a garlic basil sauce), Mu Ping (grilled caramelized pork, carrot and daikon relish, cucumber, red onion, jalapeno and cilantro with homemade mayo) sandwiches. All of which have been very good. Each sandwich comes with homemade seasoned chips, dill pickle and a side of homemade ginger coleslaw. We have also liked the cucumber salad, egg drop soup, and a tofu soup. The original and unexpected flavorful combinations of everyday foods are truly examples of thinking outside the box and I want to spread the word about this hidden gem.
(4)
Andrea S.

I heart Zenwich! It is a small place mainly for carryout and doesn't have a lot of atmosphere but the food is fantastic!! I haven't had anything I didn't like yet. The Crab Cake Sandwich is awesome. Perfectly crisp without being greasy. The Chicken Satay is full of peanutty goodness with a slight sweetness and a little crunch from cucumber. The Mu Ping is delicious and the chips are scrumptious! I always order an extra bag to take home to my hubby. I am working my way through their menu one item at a time and loving every bite.
(5)
James L.

Caramelized pork, homemade chips, crabcake, chicken satay... all tops! It's a tad bit pricey but well worth it. The location could be better and they should consider expanding at some point because the food is unique and absolutely succulent. Asian sandwiches may not be the first thing I go to for lunch, but for fans of pork, crab, tofu, pickled carrot and daikon, etc., give this joint a try. I am glad I did!
(4)
Stephanie F.

Zenwich is so unique and tasty! My husband and I both work in the area and have been here a few times. He always get the buffalo chix sandwich...loves it. Ive tried the pork sandwich, beef curry and crab cake sandwich....all of them a delight. The owners are very kind and accomodating. True, there's not a ton of space and the place isnt too decorated, but who cares? The food alone is worth it. Tasty chips too. Give this place a try!
(5)
Jason B.

These guys catered a lunch event at my work a few weeks back and it was delicious so I decided to stop in on my own for lunch. The shop is in a crummy strip mall with a tutoring center, dance studio, pizza place, etc... which isn't the most inviting spot. There was plenty of parking, since a lot of the other businesses don't seem highly trafficed, especially during the day. The place was busy (which was a good start) but my sandwich was still served to me promptly. Less than 10 minutes from when I ordered until it made it out to me. I had the crab cake which was FANTASTIC and the seasoned chips were very good as well. I had the Wasabi Roast Beef during our work lunch which was also very good. For less than $10 including a drink, which is what I would expect to spend at the Panera Bread a couple blocks away or at something similar, Zenwich really delivered. The flavor is excellent and everything balances itself out in the sandwich so that you don't have one particular flavor overpowering everything else. Definately a step above what you'll get a chain place or even a diner-type place in the same price range. It looked like I wasn't the only person dining in the restaurant for the first time as a lot of people had that disoriented look that people get when they don't know the menu or what comes with what, while we were waiting in line. With some of the non-traditional stuff on the menu some more basic descriptions of the sandwiches might be in order so that new diners aren't intimidated into getting something ordinary instead of one of their more creative options. Also, Zenwich could do a bit of a better job on letting people know what items come with sides vs. what ones don't. All in all, great spot for an inexpensive lunch and the quality is off the charts.
(5)
Anna C.

This place is where you should go for lunch if you are tired of the same old sandwich. Everything on the menu has an Asian flare, cooked in a new and exciting way. I have tried the chicken teriyaki, crab cake, chicken basil (a special not on the regular menu), and the pork katsu. Every sandwich was delicious, but my favorite is the chicken teriyaki. I always get the ginger slaw as my side...crisp and refreshing. They have a soup of the day too. The food is prepared relatively fast if you remember they are making your sandwich fresh and to order. The only reason that I did not give this place a 5 star rating is because this place is small and located in a strip mall on York Road. I have dined here when all of the seats were taken. You must order, pay, and they will bring out your food to the table. Don't forget to clean up your mess for the next patron. Maybe they will move to a larger location since business is doing so well. The prices are reasonable, and it is an exciting alternative to the regular run of the mill sandwich.
(4)
Food For thought C.

4 Star - Damn Good If you are in Elmhurst area, this spot is a must if you need a bite. Like some of the other reviews I read i am by no means a sandwich eater. But this place could possibly make me a believer. I went with the Korean BBQ sandwich (hmmm hmmm good). This sandwich had stong taste and I felt like the fixins were very fresh. Not just sitting around to be sat out again for the next day (IE most sandwich shops.) The plaza this place is in,is an eye sore but they are doing big things here. Keep up the good work.
(4)
Ed D.

Quite possibly the best sandwich joint in the entire Chicagoland area. The mu ping is incredible and homemade chips are stellar. Simply great.
(5)
Eumi C.

I love Zenwich. I live in Skokie and work in Chicago, but I will make that trip just so i can curb my craving. I love the cucumber salad that is on many of the sandwiches, as well as the Mu Ping sandwich. I love this sandwich. I love their fresh chips and the secret seasoning that goes along with it. Sometimes, it does take a little bit of time for the sandwich, but its made fresh, right when I order it, and piping hot when it comes out. I'd rather a delicious, fresh sandwich any day over red lamp food. Franchise out to Skokie!!
(5)
Jeff K.

I went because i bought a groupon and im glad i tried it. Is Very tasty, unique food. I wish this place was closer to my home in the city. Great concept! I had the chicken satay and was awesome. We also had the crab cake sandwich & Korean BBQ sandwich & all 3 of us liked what we had. We would absolutely go back! The only problem is they only have 5-7 tables so hopefully they expand quickly! I will definitely be returning
(4)
Candy J.

Had the garlicky turkey sandwich with ginger slaw and it was great. Really nice flavor and very fresh.
(4)
David K.

upon doing a search for best sandwiches in Dupage county, I found Zenwich. I finally was able to go there, and had the Crab sandwich, and it was delicious, accompanied by a refreshing cucumber salad. I did not eat many of my chips, so the owner, or whoever was there at the time said, 'next time ask for more cucumber salad' which i will happily do. The crab sandwich was a little spicy, and rich, on good bread. It was great. i look forward to trying ALL of their sandwiches. this is the kind of place that deserves support of those who love tasty food. Urge your friends to try it instead of going, again, forever, to Subway/JimmyJohns/Quizno/Potbelly......this place has flavor!
(5)
Greg S.

Had the crab cake sandwich, solid, and I think underpriced. This place is worthy of all the praise it's getting.
(4)
Jen L.

Cute small sandwich shop... Highly recommend the crabcake sandwich... Will def be stopping by more often...
(5)
Alicia M.

This place has some really delicious Asian sandwiches! It's a bit on the pricier side for a typical Banh Mi but it's slightly more Americanized so you are probably paying a bit more for creativity, more options, and complexity of ingredients. The sandwich I had was awesome-chicken satay-great peanut sauce with a slight kick, yummy fresh crunchy pickled veggies and lots of cilantro. My hubs tried the pork sandwich and he said it was delicious (I would have tried his but he likes things much spicier than me so I'm always a little afraid). Tiny little place but it was packed when we went in around lunch time. We still didn't have to wait long for our food and everyone in the place was really friendly (happy because they were eating such yummy food?). The only negative I have is that they didn't have any sandwiches with pate (a more traditional Banh Mi ingredient) and they served the sandwiches on a kind of focaccia bread and I definitely prefer the traditional french baguette.
(4)
Beata V.

This place is great. The crab cake zenwich was amazing. Finally someone that delivers to Villa Park.
(5)
Shannon P.

Just did a quick to-go order of the crab cake sandwich and it lived up to every review I saw on Yelp before ordering. Delicious! Very impressed, wonderful flavors! Also enjoyed the cucumber salad and edamame.
(5)
steve p.

I really liked this place. The food comes up relatively quick, and the sandwiches are amazing. I had the Mu ping, a buddy had the turkey and we swapped half of each. The turkey would have been really good had I not just ate half a mu ping. After the explosion of mu ping flavor I just enjoyed, the turkey came up a bit short. I think my wife would have really enjoyed the turkey though. The chips were also very good, I liked the seasoning they put on them. The bottled tea was interesting, not sure if I'd get it again but it was worth a try. The orange color kinda threw me off and I kept expecting it to taste like carrot juice which it didn't. It was sweet and creamy. Can't wait to go back and try some of the other sandwiches. The seating was a bit limited, nothing else bad to say about it.
(4)
Jacob S.

This place is awesome. Friendly service, reasonable prices, and a delicious Korean twist on the old sandwich. We had the crab cake sandwich, mu ping sandwich, ginger salad, tom kha gai soup, and mochi ice cream. The crab cakes were perfectly seasoned and served with home made mayonnaise, the mu ping is caramelized pork goodness, and everything else was tasty too. We will definitely be going back.
(5)
Dave C.

Tired of plain-old deli or subway sandwich? Groupon offer lured me in first time and am glad I went. Zenwich offers creative, zesty, well portioned sandwiches that is a good alternative to business-as-usual.
(4)
Aaron D.

Delicious and unique sandwiches and salads for a price that makes it hard to not eat there every day! I order ahead for lunch to save time. The Crab Cake is fantastic, as is the Wasabi Roast Beef, and the Peanut Salad. The Beef Curry is great, and it warms up well if you save some for later. Really, really good food!
(5)
JR D.

Great, unique sandwiches! It's a bit pricey but well worth it for its one of a kind flavors.
(4)
nick p.

Love this place! A great neighborhood sandwich shop. I enjoy conversation with the friendly owners too.
(5)
Daniel S.

My pork katsu sandwich was great, with a nice, authentic Asian taste. I also loved the chips and coleslaw that come on the side. The one downside, as others have mentioned, is the wait. I guess you just have to deal with that when a place is small and growing in popularity. p.s. the map on this page is wrong! Zenwich is actually about a mile north on York, past North Ave and just before 290.
(4)
J M.

Another good find from Yelp. We were in the area, sorta (Yelp map location was way off) and looking for a quick but tasty lunch. After figuring out that the location on the map was incorrect, we headed north to the correct address and found Zenwich. I would have driven by this place a million times if I hadn't been looking for it. So glad we stopped in. The guy taking orders was very friendly and helpful. We ordered Crab Cake sandwich and the Mu Ping pork sandwich, his two best sellers. Both were very good although I think the Mu Ping won out. I'm from the Eastern Shore and very picky about crab. This was just "ok" crab but the sauce and bread paired w/ it worked very well. Overall, very glad we stopped in.
(4)
Ken N.

What a great little place with awesome food !!!! I had the daily special which was delicious and the wife had the crabby cake sandwich. We ended up eating half of each others because they were that good. It is great to see a small business put in the work to be a great place. Even the young girl behind the counter took the time to explain the menu. Something you don't see in some large restaurants. I wish them the best of luck in business but I don't think they will need it, they seem to get it. If you plan on dinning in be prepared to rub elbows, it is a cozy (small) little dining area. We will be back !!!
(4)
Nancy N.

Wow! It doesn't get any better than this. My first month after trying this place and I have been there five times. And I live 30 minutes away. I crave this food constantly. So fresh, hot, flavorful! Have tried the Pork Katsu, Chicken Satay, Chicken Curry twice, and the Mu Ping. Can't decide on what I like the best. The sides are also fantastic. The cucumber salad, ginger slaw and homemade seasoned chips are all winners. Want to try it all eventually. Just wish it were closer to home. But then again, I'd probably eat there every other day. The owners are super nice and attentive as well as the young ladies who cashier. Food comes pretty fast after ordering, too. Am recommending this place to everyone I know. A "must try" if you haven't eaten here. And if you have eaten here, I don't need to convince you.
(5)
Vicky K.

Cool idea! I love that everything is high quality and you can see them make it. Homemade chips were awesome! If you're in the mood to try something different, go!
(4)
Amanda K.

One Word... Delicious! I was adventurous and tried the Mu Ping and loved it. The ingredients were so fresh and I loved the ginger coleslaw that came with the sandwich. Not only was the food really good but the owner was so nice and welcoming. He greeted me when I came in, came up and asked how the food was and said good bye when I left. That might not seem like a big deal to some people but it sure did make me feel very appreciated. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Cathy M.

Zenwich is a casual sandwich shop with fresh, delicious, flavorful food. I ordered the Bibimbo sandwich which was amazing. My hubby and I usually share everything but I was actually really upset when he sliced such a large piece of half of my meal. I could eat this sandwich every day, I just loved it. His order was the Mu Ping which was also good, but I loved all the spinach and other fresh veggies in mine. If I worked in an office I would definitely cater this in. They deliver which is a nice touch. It's great to see such unique flavors in this North Elmhurst spot. It is definitely worth going out of your way to check it out. Skip all the chains and go, go, go to Zenwich!
(4)
Steve W.

Just had a great sandwich at Zenwich! The Mu Ping was great. Cole slaw was very good with a gingery kick. Owner was super nice Will visit again soon!
(5)
Todd B.

Beyond the ordinary sub - the introduction of better vegetable, meat and spices - all add up to a different way to work a meal - try their soups - nice staff as well
(4)
Jon F.

This place is amazing. Their take on sandwiches is inspiring. I have tried every one if them and had a great experience every time. If you like buffalo chicken you have to experience their version of it. Cheesy goodness. I would go here just for the sandwiches but then they also make homemade potato chips with some yummy spices/sugar that blow my mind. Buy a bag to go for a couple dollars (they should charge more). I'm worried because with the location and weather lately I don't think they have been busy enough. If they close I would be very sad. Stop reading this review and go buy a sanwich.
(5)
Greg T.

Whenever we feel like going out to eat, Zenwich is always at the top of our list. The variety of Asian-inspired sandwiches and dinner plates make this a very unique and intriguing place. Although we have tried many of the sandwiches and liked them all, the Katsu sandwiches (breaded pork or chicken cutlets) are our favorites - especially with the homemade chips and cole slaw... We have been going here since very early in it's existence, and the quality and taste have never failed to be excellent. It is one of the few places where the food is just as good as it looks in the pictures. Friendly service - the owner is eager to explain the different sandwiches, and he greets the 'regulars' warmly. Bonus - when we went tonight, they had a 'frequent diner' card - that shows how much they value the customers. We are very lucky to live nearby, but it is well worth the drive to Elmhurst - you'll get addicted!
(5)
katie s.

II just had our office party last night and I ordered two platters of Zen sandwiches. The specialty sandwiches were a hit!! The crab cake, Bulgogi, and Mu Ping were my favorites. These are the best, unique, great tasting sandwiches. I wish I had ordered more because everyone wanted a taste of the different types. The platter cuts each sandwich into three pieces. I also ordered some non-specialty sandwiches. The BLT on white bread was fantastic.
(5)
Marc M.

I've been driving by this place ever since it opened, but hadn't ever stopped until last weekend. Now the family is hooked. Kids enjoyed the turkey sandwich more than a typical deli sandwich. I enjoyed the chicken satay and the vegetarian wife loved the tofu satay. I bought a number of Groupons that popped up this week, but we would have come back anyway. I'm sitting in the place now, waiting to try the mu ping, after reading a few reviews. Zenwich is a great choice if you're looking for a delicious option that is a little out of the ordinary.
(5)
Michelle T.

Since moving to the burbs from the city, we were worried that we were destined to chain restaurants and unoriginal take-out options. Zenwich proved us wrong. SO amazing. I had the Chicken Katsu, and my hubby had the Chicken Basil sandwich and Egg Drop Soup. Perfection! So flavorful and tasty! Those chips were to die for as well. The best EVER. The guy behind the counter was so friendly, too. I hope this place succeeds, because it's off the beaten track. We will become regulars, and I hope the other Yelp reviewers do too!
(5)
Marc H.

great place and very friendly employees... highly recommended
(5)
Misty M.

This place looks really unassuming, but don't be fooled. The food is fresh, fun, different and delish! Give them a try...you will love it! Be sure to try the Muping...its my favorite. BUT I have tried many of the daily specials and have never had anything I don't like!
(5)
Jay B.

One of my favorite sandwich shops! Unique asian-inspired sandwiches are the specialty here. I have tried almost everything on the menu, but my top 2 faves are Mu Ping and Crabcake (real stuff here!, not imitation as one reviewer suggested). I also love the arugula with asian pear salad. Sandwiches are made to order, so expect a bit of a wait. Friendly service. Limited seating, so not a good place if you have a big group. Prices are reasonable for the quality of food you are getting. Highly recommended.
(4)
Brian N.

I've been here many, many times now. Everything I've had is good enough to order again, and I also have my favorites, which means that sometimes I'm torn between favorite and trying something new. My faves are the Pork Katsu and the Mu Ping. The beef curry sandwich is also quite good, as is the crab cake and the satay. You see where I'm going with this? All of their sandwiches are tasty. I'm not a big slaw fan, but theirs are better than average, and the chips go well with the sandwiches. Owners and staff are friendly. The only thing I would change is I would love the option of brown rice with the dinner entrees - more healthy obviously but I also just don't care much for white rice. Check this place out when you can; I doubt you'll be disappointed.
(5)
Ada R.

so fresh and yummy...if you love Thai and want it on a totally different way, this is the place. You cannot go wrong with any Zenwich . Try them all!
(4)
Bill F.

Food is excellent. Friendly staff. I went in just before 1PM, had to wait for over 20 minutes to get my Mu Ping order which is the only negative I can say, but it's not like they were dragging their feet, they were working hard to get the customers orders filled. Prices are average to a little high, but justified because of the better than average quality of the ingredients. I will definately return.
(4)
Tony C.

Great Lunch Spot!! Sandwiches are spot on, tried the crab cake and the Teriyaki Chicken. Both were killer. Put this place in your rotation.
(5)
Mia S.

For starters... WOW!! This place is amazing. My brother has been talking about this place since it opened and goes in there at least once a week. I tried it for the first time today and was more than just pleased. From the moment you walk into the door, you are greeted with friendly faces. I had the crab cake sandwich, which was sooo good! It came with a garlic basil sauce that was simply delicious! My brother had the Pork Katsu, which I tasted and it was just as yummy as mine. We both had the cucumber salad which was so refreshing. It really helped in waking up my taste buds to prepare them for what was ahead. We also each had a cup of the soup. I don't remember the name but it was a homemade chicken soup. This soup was so refreshing. There was fresh chicken, mushrooms, onions with hints of cilantro and ginger. Oh boy, I almost forgot to mention the homemade chips! They were sweet and salty, unlike any other chip I have ever had. I was so satisfied by my meal! I wasn't even able to finish it all, so I am looking forward to those leftovers a little later. Everyday there is a fresh soup of the day along with a sandwich of the day (that is not on the regular everyday menu). It is very cute inside and a great place to get lunch (which they also offer free wi-fi), and they even have dinner portions as well. I was definitely wow-ed by zenwich. This establishment is not your typical sandwich place, which is perfect because we have far too many average sandwich places around the suburbs. I highly recommend this place and look forward to supporting them.
(5)
Ann R.

This place was great! Food was original and fresh and very tasty. The place itself was clean and freshly redecorated, but sort of blah. Kind of made me want to take it to-go. Also did not like it at all that everything came in styrofoam to-go boxes even though we ate there. I hate those kind of containers. I had the Mu Ping which was great and my husband had the crab cake sandwich. He didn't care for it but I thought it was delicious. He thought it had too much mayo, I thought it just right. My son had the Chicken Teriyaki and my daughter had a Chicken Satay and rice. Both kids loved the teriyaki and in fact fought over it as the satay was a bit spicy for her. All 4 of us loved the soup that came with the kids' dinners. If we lived closer I could imagine us being regulars. As it is, I'll try to get in there when I'm in the area but I doubt I'd make the hike from St Charles for it. I highly recommend it - especially for take-out.
(4)
Emily K.

I was working in Elmhurst for a few weeks and ate here with coworkers several times. Between all of us, we probably tried the entire menu. It is all delicious. Even the kids chicken tenders were something special. I wish more places like Zenwich existed. Omnomnom
(5)
Nicole L.

I've been wanting to try this place for awhile and it did not disappoint. I ordered the chicken satay and my husband had the tofu satay. We both enjoyed our sandwich very much - it was fresh and flavorful. I tried a bite of his sandwich and felt that mine had a better flavor overall, however. I don't know if it's because of the difference in how the spices and sauce get absorbed by the chicken vs the tofu or what. He agreed mine tasted better as well. The pickle spear was fresh and the homemade seasoned chips were definitely different than just regular chips. I tasted a hint of cinnamon and sweet potato in them. Since this place is so small and busy we took our meal to nearby Wilder Park and had a little picnic lunch. I highly recommend doing this on a nice day. Visited: August 22, 2015
(4)
Angelica T.

I went here for the first time today and I thought it was pretty good. The interior is very simple and the place is a little small. My mom ordered the crab cake sandwich and I got the spicy garlic shrimp sandwich. They were both really yummy, but the chips didn't taste that good, they didn't have much flavor. Overall, they people were nice and the sandwiches were good and reasonably priced. I'd go there again.
(4)
Karmen P.

My god this was amazing. We were a little concerned when we got there. The area was dead and no one was inside. We debated on leaving but then thought against it since we were so hungry. I think the only bad thing about the place was the area and lack of seating. Only about five small tables were set. I suppose they are more of take out than dinning in. Thank god we stayed. Zenwich is legit the best sandwich I have ever had. And it was a vegetarian sandwich! My fiancÃ© and I shared the Tofu Satay Sandwich. The serving size is huge. Probably enough to fill him up but he had ate an hour prior so he wasn't too hungry. For someone like me, I could only do with half. Their chips are the same fried potato chips with a house seasoning I believe. The peanut sauce in the sandwich made it a homerun. It was fairly priced at a low rate as well. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is in town. Too bad we don't live in Elmhurst, IL to go and visit again. It will be missed dearly.
(4)
Sarah S.

Creative and delicious! Love this place. Of course it is located in a tiny hole of a restaurant in a strip mall. Enter, order at counter, get number, be seated. I got the pork sandwich, which was basically a take on a bahn mi. It was excellent. Husband got the curry beef sandwich. It had great flavor but was very messy. The shrimp seems to be a really popular option, will probably try that next time. Seating is self-serve and very limited. During peak times the tables are all filled, but they seem to turn over quickly. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Brent S.

TL;DR Pricey, hit or miss, when they hit they're phenomenal, worth at least one trip After seeing this place pop up on yelp searches over and over again, we decided it was time to take the plunge. We went on a Sunday and there was ample parking and minimal waiting. We stepped up to the counter and had a few ideas about what we wanted. We ordered a Chicken Satay sandwich and a Garlic Shrimp sandwich. Both came with homemade chips. Prices were $8-$10 per sandwich. Garlic Shrimp: This little pocket of heaven was delicious, very garlicky, very generous amount of perfectly seasoned shrimp 9/10 Chicken Satay: This sandwich fell WAY short of the garlic shrimp offering, the flavors were bland, there was no pop to this bad boy at all. It needed more curry and some sort of cilantro aioli. 4/10 Homemade chips: the chips were nice and crunchy but the seasoning salt was very unevenly distributed, some of the chips were salt licks and others had very little flavor. At the end of the day I probably won't be back to Zenwich, but if I do find myself back there I would try different offerings for sure.
(3)
Alyssa J P.

Zenwich hasn't changed since my last review, but for some reason I just enjoy the sandwiches much more now that I've been there several more times. Lots of vegan options, spices are great, the bread is toasted just the perfect amount, and the cucumber salad is amazeballs. Definitely worth going to if you're in Elmhurst, plus this place has a parking lot, so there are pretty much no excuses not to.
(4)
Angus W.

Oh hell yes! Zenwich = 10 wich I ordered the third most popular item on the menu (didn't know that at the time) I read a review about the Satay Sandwich and and have been jonesing for it ever since... I was sure that it couldn't live up to my expectations. I've been talking about going there and that sandwich for so long that my wife Lisa was just as stoked. Approached with trepidation... Exceeded expectations... That was one of my (and Lisa's) favorite sandwiches of all time. Awesome , The owner came over and talked to us for a while, his newplace in downtown Chicago is doing well.. a really nice guy. So my sandwich came with some spiced potato chips (sure I'd love fries, but the chips were really good) and a regular pickle. Even though it's only the third most popular.. I can't see myself getting anything else I loved it so much. For those that would like to know the even more popular sandwiches.. The Garlic Shrimp and the Crab Cake Sandwiches are the ultimate big sellers.. but I'm feeling pretty good about my third place explosion of flavor. It's a small, casual place.. not super comfortable... iridescent green walls.. but, in my opinion .. just about perfect!
(5)
Krystina N.

Generous with their portions, not so much with their seasoning. My boyfriend and I ordered the Pork katsu and the Korean bbq sandwich along with the calamari strips. Everything looked great, so we were pretty excited for this to be our new go-to place for a quick bite. The calamari, while nice and crispy, was incredibly bland. As was everything else. Both sandwiches were covered in watery sauces that made everything soggy, and none of the meat in either sandwich had the slightest trace of seasoning. A little bit of salt goes a long way.
(1)
Ajay K.

I like the Crab cake sandwiches.
(4)
Timothy H.

I guess I just don't get the hype. Or maybe it's because, living in Chicagoland, we are spoiled with having so many great sandwich shops on top of all the other amazing dining options...that I guess I just wasn't amazed. What was good? The cheesesteak sandwich was very good. They make a coconut milk based salsa for the sandwich that they mix right there when you ask for it. So the sandwich did have a very fresh taste to it, and it was moderately filling. Good stuff. My wife had the chicken teriyaki sandwich which was good. It was mostly cucumber and other vegetables, but it was a good, light, sandwich. What wasn't so good? The fried calamari appetizer. It isn't fresh calamari. Take it or leave it. Also...the price. I'm not a cheapskate when it comes to dining out. I have no problem dropping serious coin on a seriously good meal. Two sandwiches, an appetizer, a bottled water (yes...you have to purchase water here) and a root beer was $30. Again...don't get me wrong...$15/pp isn't a bad price for dinner. That's not the problem. But again...in Chicagoland where we are spoiled with amazing delis that will get you a great sandwich & soft drink for $5...it's just hard to pay triple that and not come away feeling like, "meh". If I'm in the area and hungry I would go back. There is a beef curry sandwich that sounds good. Nice people run this business...and that's a plus. I like giving my business to nice business owners.
(3)
Emily R.

This place is absolutely delicious! Their sandwiches are unique and so good! I can guarantee you have never had anything like the food they have here. Most sandwiches have been done before, but these sandwiches have never been done. It is seriously top notch. My favorite was their spicy garlic shrimp. It wasn't that spicy so don't be deterred if you don't like spicy foods. I'm not a fan of anything too hot and this was the perfect balance of sweet and heat. The other sandwich I tried is nothing to sneeze at. I got the pork katsu and that was seriously delicious. My one complaint was that the place was way to small for the amount of customers they receive, so be careful if you are planning on eating there; avoid the mad lunch rush. However, their sandwiches are well worth the hassle. I would suggest you put it on your bucket list... seriously... next to visiting the Eiffel tower.
(5)
Anne M.

Awesome sandwiches! Everything is great, but if you don't like spicy stuff, stick with the non spicy choices. The food is top quality and you feel satisfied each time. One of my favorite places!
(5)
Alyssa F.

Some coworkers and I recently tried this place because it is close by to where we work. The food is delicious!! It's different but so good. I tried their spicy garlic shrimp sandwich and I haven't tried anything else yet because I always want the same thing. I would highly recommend this little joint to anyone!
(5)
Mike M.

I happened to be in the area and decided to check out Zenwich after seeing its solid reviews. Usually I'm not a big sandwich fan because they typically don't fill me up and I'd rather get something meatier for the price. However, Zenwich did have an interesting menu with an Asian fusion approach to their sandwiches. Just like other suburban gems, Zenwich is in the middle of a random strip mall. The space isn't that big, with maybe 3 or 4 tables and then a small counter space against the wall with around 4 more stools. It seemed like most of the people were taking their orders to go. You order at the counter and they warn you that every sandwich is made to order, so it could take 5-10 minutes to prepare. The guy who rang me up seemed to the be the owner and he was pretty cool. He was giving suggestions about the menu and was just generally making some small talk. He hand delivered all the sandwiches to the tables and I noticed him checking up on everyone to make sure they enjoyed the food. I ended up getting the spicy garlic shrimp zenwich. Seeing the words spicy and garlic next to each other on a menu is usually a sure-fire sign of a solid choice. Although I didn't think it was really that spicy or even had a strong garlic flavor, I still thought it was pretty tasty. The first thing that jumps out at you is the sauce that came in the sandwich. It was kinda like a mild Asian styled ranch sauce, and it was super creamy with just the slightest kick of spice. The shrimp was lightly breaded and fried, and surprisingly there was a decent amount of it in the sandwich. Even though there was a ton of aioli in there, the shrimp flavor still came through. The ciabatta bread was soft in the middle with a crisp crust, while the arugula and cilantro added a nice freshness to the sandwich. Together it kind of had that salad sandwich vibe going on. It also came with homemade chips, which were a nice surprise. Whenever I have a choice between fries and chips, I always go with the fries. These chips though were crispy and had a unique spice seasoning on it (with just the slightest hint of sweetness), which I really liked. Overall, it was a pretty solid sandwich. I was slightly disappointed that it was a little weak in the garlic department, but maybe I'm the oddball that wants garlic so strong your breath stank. The total came out to be around $10, so it's up there in terms of price for a medium sized sandwich, but they do have quality ingredients and original flavors to make it worth it.
(4)
David W.

Now, ive only been here once. But man o man was it worth the visit! I ordered the Pork Katsu and my buddy had the Korean Cheesesteak. We were both indulged in the creativity instantly! Im staying at a hotel nrar by, here to stay for a few days for work and I can't wait to go back. Small little spot, been open for about 6 years. Dont come with the family you wont get a spot to sit. We didnt have to wait for more than 5 munutes for our food to come out. I didnt quite get a chance to peep the apps, was "hangry" upon entry. (Hangry- hungry and angry) but I dont recommend the chips that come with the order. A bit on the soft side. All in all BOOM loved it. Recommend it.
(5)
A F.

So good. Soo soooo good. Lettuce wrap sandwiches are like giant delicious spring rolls. My dreams have come true!
(5)
Jacqueline B.

I have literally been dreaming of my lunch from Zenwich for a week now since the last time I was there. Ohh how I must go back... I had heard of Zenwich before, but really did not understand the hype until I walked in there for lunch - the line was out the door! Now, it's not a very big place to begin with (a lot of people seemed to be placing orders to go), but luckily my group snagged a seat in the midst of the hustle and bustle. Their menu includes a load of delicious options so choosing one was definitely hard. But hey, more reason to go back and dive into the rest of the menu, am I right? I ended up going with the ROI (Chicken Teriyaki) sandwich (or shall I say ZENwich) and it was AMAZE-balls. The delicious-ness between those two pieces of bread included grilled chicken, lettuce, grilled onion and mushroom with wasabi infused teriyaki sauce and honey mustard. Need I say more? They have a few different sides to choose from to accompany your sandwich. I went with the cucumber salad which was excellent - fresh and delicious to say the least. I of course also welcomed a pickle spear on the side (for good measure of course). If you're looking for a whole new foodie adventure, these asian inspired sandwiches are the way to go!
(5)
Nicole W.

I've been thinking about my Zenwich for four days now. It is just SO good. So fresh. So simple, yet a perfect, filling lunch set between soft yet crunchy bread. First of all, if you haven't figured it out from other reviews, this place is teeny tiny. Yet don't be dissuaded if you can't grab a seat at one of the five tables. Just snag your sandwich and get the hell out. Second, I don't think you can go wrong with whatever you order. I personally went with the Chicken Satay Zenwich with my side of choice being the cucumber salad. To say it was delicious is putting it mildly. Twas just the right mix of flavorful chicken, shredded carrots, tons o' veggies and thin (housemade) peanut sauce. You can grab a bottled beverage while you wait for your surely awesome Zenwich. Nom-namaste for everyone (h/t to Danny W).
(5)
Howard L.

Great tasting sandwiches (at least the Mu Ping pork cutlet sandwich) and really great tasting homemade potato chips here. We were in area and dropped in for an afternoon snack. The Mu Ping sandwich and the chips went for $7.75. The place is no frills, small (maybe 20 seats) and slightly pricey, but you are getting great quality and freshness here. The homemade chips were really addictive and had a very tasty homemade seasoning (sugar and cinnamon were amongst the flavorings I tasted). The aioli sauce on the sandwich was surprisingly a little runny but didn't really detract from anything. I found about all the homemade stuff from chatting a little with Nate, the friendly Thai owner who started this business 5.5 years ago with his wife. They just recently opened their second store in the city on Van Buren. If you're looking for good Asian fusion sandwiches, I would highly recommend. ps - In a totally random coincidence, Yelp just put out this list of Top Places to Eat in the US for 2015: officialblog.yelp.com/20â€¦ and Zenwich is one of only two IL businesses on the list! This was courtesy of some Yelp algorithm.
(5)
Shamoon K.

I was going to give this a 4 but just the sheer passion for the food and service from the owner makes this a five. You can really tell that he takes pride in his food, and is very hands on in all aspects of the restaurant. Very friendly. We got the spicy shrimp sandwich and the korean beef sandwich. Both were $9. The korean beef was a little lackluster. Not bad at all, don't get me wrong, but imagine some beef stir fry between some bread, and you've got your korean beef sandwich. The spicy shrimp sandwich was spectacular however. Have you ever had the bang bang shrimp at Bonefish? It kind of reminds me of that but better. You get some nice big shrimp and this zingy aioli that just sets it over the top. An absolute must have. All sandwiches come with a pickle spear and house made chips, which are fantastic. They put some sugar and spice on them, a very good touch. Don't sleep on this place! Its great!
(5)
Julia K.

Best sandwiches in Elmhurst, hands down! I dream about the spicy shrimp and probably eat it once a week!
(5)
Caitlyn F.

Yum! I had the crab cake sandwich. It was a little spicy, so I liked it !! The wait for food was a little long, but staff was very polite and apologetic for the wait.
(4)
Erick H.

Not your normal sandwich shop. They make fresh, wonderful goodness in a bun. Even though I think they left the Wasabi off my sandwich (which was a Wasabi Beef), the sandwich was amazing. Not a whole lot of room to sit down and enjoy your sandwich, and you miss it if you are traveling south on York Rd, but the food was wonderful and quick.
(5)
Padma A.

2 city girls on a crazy snow day drive 6 miles from work to get to this hole in the wall place, the food better be good! we waited a good 20 mins before our food was served and we devoured the Zenwiches!! My friend ordered the chicken satay from the gluten free menu and I had the spicey shrimp along with jasmine tea. The restrooms are clean, seating area although small is well maintained and open kitchen. The owner Nate was super friendly and made sure the orders were attended to in a timely manner. Will certainly go back maybe in Chicago.
(4)
Don R.

Absolutely love this place! Came here today for the third time. Had the Spicy Garlic Shrimp sandwich. Once again, it was AMAZING! The baby spinach tastes fresh, the sauce on the sandwich has a great flavor and the shrimp is perfectly breaded. My mother came here with me today. She enjoyed the Spicy Garlic Shrimp as well. Will DEFINITELY be back here!
(5)
Mike M.

I like this place a lot. It's not far from O'hare, so it's a great place to stop after picking up an out-of-towner for a quick bite. I recently had the Curry Beef sandwich and it was outstanding. I also had a can of Thai tea and a seaweed salad. The salad was okay -- a bit overpriced, but good. There really is no decor at this place and seating is difficult depending on the time of day.
(4)
Mike K.

I was dropping off the car at a local dealership and stopped in here for lunch. Ordered the crab cake sandwich which came with homemade chips. Sandwich and chips hit the spot and were delicious. I can't wait until next time I'm in the area to try a few of the other sandwiches on the menu.
(5)
Jamie Y.

I have to be honest. I'm not from Chicago, but I had this idea in my head that the Chicago suburbs were a wasteland of chain restaurants. However, a coworker suggested Zenwich the other week since we don't venture outside of the Itasca/Addison area near our office. I was very excited when I saw the menu and there was a Spicy Chicken Basil sandwich as the special, but then I was torn by the other scrumptious sounding options. I ended up ordering the Spicy Chicken Basil since it was a special. It was definitely very spicy, but that's what I was looking for. The sandwich was a little messy from the curry sauce, so I needed way more napkins than they brought out. My sinuses also cleared out very well. Oops, sorry coworkers. I had the side of seasoned chips which are actually sprinkled with some sugar. Very unexpected since I was looking for something salty, but they weren't bad. My coworkers were extremely happy with the Spicy Garlic Shrimp and Buffalo Chicken. I have since been back and ordered the Korean BBQ Cheese Steak which I highly recommend. It took a little more time to get the sandwich, but it has perfectly cooked caramelized onions. I felt like my sandwich was definitely bigger than the Spicy Chicken I got, so I ended up taking half home with me. I subbed the chips for the cucumber salad which reminds me of my mom's cucumber salad but much spicier. It's nice and refreshing on a summer day, but be prepared to sweat from the heat a little (or maybe I'm too sensitive to the level of spiciness). Overall, I'm excited about the inventive sandwich combos and hope that my office gets catering from them in the future!
(4)
Judith B.

I'm updating my review because even after 3 years I still love Zenwizh. Friendly service, delicious sandwiches. My new craze is to have them all wrapped in rice paper. Eventually I'll go low carb and do the lettuce wrap. Right now I'm into the Joesplosion sans JalepeÃ±os and a Thai Tea. NO they are not FAST! they are NOT FAST FOOD. so if you're on a time crunch for lunch, pre-order and eat on time. These are gourmet sandwiches worth the wait... and the price. I hear they're opening a 2nd location in the Loop. CONGRATS! When you put love into your cooking, people taste the love.
(5)
Donna H.

Incredible Asian inspired sandwiches. You have to try it. It's super small and tucked away in a strip mall. Find it and fall in love.
(5)
Eileen H.

Zenwich is great, although some of their sandwiches were misses for me. I've tried a number of them but my all time favorite is the Spicy Garlic Shrimp. It's super flavorful and hits the spot every time. Their chips have a nice kick and their Lavender Toffee is a must try! I love how this place puts a spin on typical menu items. Definitely check out this place if you're in the area! Some of their sandwiches are better depending on your personal preference, so give this place a 2nd chance if you weren't amazed the first time!
(4)
Misty S.

Distant from O'Hare airport: Approximately 20 minutes by car I was looking for a place near O'hare to eat and couldn't resist checking this place after reading all the great reviews. The restaurant is located in a small strip mall next to a convenient store. The inside is small with enough seating for about 20 people. When the weather is cold, it's a bit chilly inside. I guess you can say, it's a "cool" place to eat. The boards on the wall showed weekly specials and soup of the day. There are also pictures of the sandwiches on the other side of the wall. There's a sign that says the shop is a gourmet sandwich shop and the food is made to order. I've been here a few times and tried the following: CRABBY YOLA - $8 - "Japanese style panko crusted homemade crab cake and baby greens topped with homemade creamy garlic basil aioli." This was pretty delicious. The crab cakes had great texture (slightly crunchy on the outside) and flavors. The sandwiches some with a pickle and a choice of a side. ROI - $8 - "Grilled chicken, lettuce, grilled onion and mushroom with wasabi infused teriyaki sauce and honey mustard." I tried a bite of this and it was good. Rarely am I in the mood for a chicken sandwich, so this is not something I would order. Famous Remu - $8 - "Grilled caramelized pork, shredded carrot and daiko, cucumber, red." This one reminded me a lot of the Vietnamese sandwich (banh mi). It was fresh and delicious. SEASONED CHIPS - Kinda BBQish and some other flavors. Pretty addicting. PORK SESAME MISO SOUP - $2.50 - Pretty good, has characteristics similar to beef stew with a miso twist. VEGETABLE TEMPURA - I'm not sure what kind of vegetables were deep fried, but it was good. The sauce was on the sweet side, which I normally don't like, but it went very well with the vegetables. CALAMARI STRIPS - $4 - This was good with the dipping sauce that came with it. Crispy on the outside and not so chewy on the inside. The service was fast and friendly!
(5)
J O.

Had the spicy shrimp sandwich and it did not disappoint! Loved it! The place is small inside and not the most appealing place you'll ever see in your life but I was there to just order and go so I didn't really care. My order came fairly quickly, so I was in and out of there in 10 minutes. It was only later that I came to realize I could've ordered the sandwich as a wrap instead, so I will have to try that next time. I may hit up the downtown location since I work only a couple of blocks away from it.
(4)
Dan P.

Wow. Thanks to fellow yelpers, I just had a mouthgasm in public. This joint rocks. I had the Korean cheese steak and my associate had the Mu Ping sandwich. We both loved them! Their chips are really good, and they very much resemble a chip flavor my wife and I used to get from Kettle Chips called "Chesapeake bay and beer" which were discontinued to our dismay. I only wish I lived closer to this place. PLEASE open one in the south burbs!
(5)
Jonathan C.

I have read good things about this place, but never made the trip. But on Friday night, my wife was hanging out with some friends in the western suburbs. So on Saturday around lunchtime I was planning to meet up with them for lunch. I suggested somewhere in Elmhurst as it was close enough between our houses. The first place we looked into was closed so I suggested Zenwich. When we got there I was surprised it was a little store front in a strip mall. But I wasn't going to judge that. So we enter the restaurant and look at the menu. It was really hard to come to a decision/conclusion on what we would order. After spending a few minutes it seemed like my wife and I were going to split two sandwiches. We did the Korean cheese steak and some braised pork sandwich. The Korean cheese steak was amazing. There really is no easy way to describe it (it tastes like bulgogi and a cheese steak at the same time). Just get it
(5)
Shereene M.

LOVE this place! Whenever I am in the area, I will be here without a doubt. This time I got the pork sandwich. Last time it was the spicy shrimp. The chips are delicious. This place literally blows me away. It's tiny and super busy during lunch but I was able to score a seat after I ordered.
(5)
Chris P B.

I like this place, I think those sandwiches deserve recognition but.... after coming here for a while I've found my experience yesterday somehow worth sharing. Place was empty, we order and sit down, food is delivered by mumbling teen who is married to her phone, texting and walking around like a zombie, she barely speaks up when she drops the food and is not anyhow interesting in human contact. Sandwich for the first time was bland, the meat (I've had the pork) tasted like it wasn't seasoned at all. I've had to use the bathroom just to find pond of urine around the toilet, overall I didn't care for the food and somehow I've realized walking out that the sandwiches are really pricey and service+cleanliness of the joint leave much to desire. Step it up Zenwich.
(3)
Char P.

No words to describe how delicious these sandwiches are. Uncle Remus is my favorite as well as the crabcake sandwich - You MUST try this place!!
(5)
Danny W.

Once upon a time someone farted in a yoga class I was taking. Naturally...I was asked to leave for laughing uncontrollably, but c'mon...can you really blame me that? I haven't done downward dog since said incident, but I'll certainly be saying nomnomnomaste to Zenwich if I'm ever in Elmhurst again. They're basically banh mi sandwiches on a baguette with awesome options including crab cake, Korean BBQ, caramelized pork, and a whole bunch of other stuff that sounds super delicious. Pair one of these puppies with an amazing cucumber salad or one of their other sides and you truly will be on a cloud for your entire lunch hour.
(5)
Jackie H.

I have only been there once and I ordered the crab cake sandwich. It was very good. My husband works near there and goes all the time and I am always so jealous when I hear about it! I would definitely recommend it!
(4)
Srita C.

A really fun and different take on sandwiches! The place is small and sometimes it might be tough to find a table but the wait would definitely be worth it or you could take a to-go. We found this place while looking for something vegetarian when in the area. We were lucky to find a parking spot right in front of the door. The minute I saw the menu I knew what I was going to order!!! Katsuuu! They have tofu katsu! Yay! I've been dying to eat a vegetarian version of the famous cutlet I've been seeing in so many pictures and anime and finally I got to try it! :) Here is what we ordered: Agedashi Tofu - 5. Piping hot, fresh, soft on the inside yet crunchy! I've had agedashi tofu four times so far and this was the best! Their sauce was superbly delicious! Tofu Katsu - 5. No words to describe my delight munching it! I loved every bite I was taking. The watercress and the sauce combination was simply superb!! I didn't share a single bite! Crab Cake - 5. I've rarely eaten crab and this is one of the best tasting ever! Spicy Garlic Shrimp - 5 by my fiancÃ©. It was the best part of meal for him. Also their chips were tasty and crispy and looked like they were made in house. We took the leftover chips and ate them later. Still crispy, still tasty. Service - 5. Nothing much to comment about. Friendly and fast service. Price - Absolutely reasonable for the portion and quality. $$ (if you're ordering an appetizer and a sandwich) else $ Overall the place is worth the visit and we'll end up going there again.
(5)
Livvy O.

I ordered the chicken satay sandwich because it's my fav when I'm getting Thai. It was okay, they give you a big piece of chicken, they don't skimp on the meat so that's good. I just didn't like that they put so much carrots, I took most of it out. The lady who took my order was really nice, she said the first three sandwiches are their top seller's but the one I ordered was not on the top three so I'll give them another try. The number one which was shrimp with cilantro sounded really good, but wasn't in the mood for fish. I will be back to try that one. The homemade chips they give you are really good, they are a sweet/salty/spicy mix. Sooo good, wish they gave you a little bit more. I also got a side of the egg drop soup which was better than most places. Wasn't so thick and I liked the chives. It took me forever to try this place because every time I went to try it, it was closed. I guess I always go at the wrong time.
(3)
Mallory H.

New, yummy and fun Asian with a twist! So yummy my husband who is a Niger and fries guy, LOOOVED it! Try the spicy garlic shrimp and the bbq yum!
(5)
Kevin G.

I love their crab cake sandwich. Everything else i've gotten there has been great. But the crab cake is a cut above.
(5)
Marilynn P.

So delicious. I ordered the crabby yola - which was delicious. and sampled the shrimp speciality sandwich of the day. Oh em gee. SO good! It's a really tiny space, but we went at a time that wasnt too busy and we were able to get a seat. I also like the option of having a lettuce sandwich (if you are trying to limit carbs/bread). I mean, i probably won't ever actually give up bread. But i like having the option. haha. The service was friendly! And if you go between 5-7 during the week, it's half off sandwiches! Cant wait to be back.
(5)
JarHarms P.

I have had a good deal of their menu items. The pork katsu is still my favorite and I tend to stick to that. However the Spicy Garlic Shrimp is also very good, I am glad it eventually became a regular menu item. There are other "gems" on the menu as well. The seasoned chips are good and I like both of the slaws. Although wasabi slaw is my usual pick. *It was changed recently that chips are the standard sandwich side and subbing a slaw costs extra. Not a big deal though. I tend to come here often because the food is great and the employees are friendly. Most of the time I forget to check-in or someone else is picking up the order for me. Honestly I would eat lunch here every weekday if I could. I frequently recommend Zenwich to friends. What more could you ask for? I do have a few things worth mentioning. 1)I would find it useful to hear about the sandwich specials on the website or someplace other than the in-store marker board. If you're not in-store to see the marker board then you miss out on what sandwich and what day of the week to order it. 2)The store is tight quarters and gets plenty busy at lunch rush. I highly suggest avoiding lunch rush and go either prior or after if you plan to order and eat in-store. Or you could phone your order in ahead to ease a lunch rush pickup....probably won't help with finding a seat though. 3)Not really at Zenwich but the parking lot that other businesses share also gets plenty full at lunch rush. There is always some "creative" parking going on in there. Just be careful.
(5)
Melodie Y.

I am blown away. I'm especially happy because this is something I've been longing for. I just go to school in Illinois and being from California, this is the kind of food I'm looking for (talking about food in the suburbs). It's simple, with a twist, (under $10!!!), and done right; Asian flavors with Italian bread. They don't overfill the sandwich so it's eaten without things falling out, and your hands stay clean. WIth that being said, they don't skimp on the meat either! I got the Spicy Garlic Shrimp and there was shrimp in EVERY BITE! Really guys, how often does that happen? The shrimp wasn't overdone and chewy. It was crisp and fresh. The sauce was a good amount of spicy for me. It almost reminded me of Honey Walnut Shrimp except spicy and without walnuts. Trust me, that ain't a bad thing. The price seems fine to me. A little less than $10 for a sandwich. You're paying for quality and delicious-awesomeness. It's something different and they do it right, so I don't mind the current prices. I think I might start complaining a bit if I start paying more and quality goes down. Let's hope that doesn't happen. Overall, delicious! Must try and once you do try this place, you'll want to come back.
(5)
John W.

Sammiches are fresh and unique. Cozy little place that gets lots of traffic. Parking can be a challenge sometimes, but maybe that's because I drive a suburban. Back to the food...house made sauces and fresh ingredients is what keeps us coming back. This place is a little Asian fusion like... With Korean style sandwiches along side traditionally American buffalo chicken. Prices are a bit high but the food is quality so you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Shawn M.

Not much from the outside but that perception changes after you try the food. This was our first time here, and we'll definitely be back. We ordered 4 sandwiches for 2 or us expecting to find some we like and some we don't. We were wrong, we loved them all. They do proportions within the sandwich extremely well, which make the each flavor stand out very well. The sandwiches we tried come on 2 different bread types, both are fresh and wonderful. This makes the sandwich and sets this place apart. 1. Pork Katsu - great. Simple looking but wow what flavor. 2. Mu Ping - a little more complicated in flavors and sandwich type, but all are very tasty. 3. Crab cake - not your typical crab cake but an unexpected blend of greens and seafood. 4. Korean cheese steak - a hint of sweet to go along with a traditional cheese steak sandwich. Only 1 suggestion - homemade bread and butter pickles to replace the dill. This would make these perfect. Again we'll be back and next time we're trying the spicy garlic shrimp (recommendation from the owner).
(5)
Danielle S.

No idea why I haven't yet upgraded my review from 4 to 5 stars! Phenomenal spot for the freshest, most inventive, most delicious sandwiches ever. Not just in the Asian-inspired category, but seriously the best sandwiches I can recall ever eating. And I'm lucky enough to live pretty close by. Sometimes I order my two favorites (Spicy Garlic Shrimp & Crab Cake), eat half of each, and save the other two halves for leftovers the following day (they still taste great). Soups are also seriously delicious. Chips are great too! I love everything. Quality and service are always consistent. I love knowing that each sandwich I order will taste as good as the last. This has held true for each of my orders since they opened back in 2009, which I think is one of Zenwich's great assets. The flavors are consistent and dependable, so whenever I have a craving for one of my go-to sandwiches, I end up being 100% satisfied. Take this thing as far as you can/want to, Nate & Katie. I have no doubt Zenwich would be successful in all urban/suburban areas in the entire country.
(5)
Lisa B.

After having read the reviews, I decided to go out with my family and give this restaurant a try. I arrived at the location, the area gave off a sad-vibe. I shrugged it off telling myself not to judge because I knew another restaurant that was also in a "lonely" location that had amazing food. I entered...the restaurant was small and barely have room for a family of 4 or more to sit comfortably. The sandwiches were good! I recommend this place as a nice lunch or a small get together but not as a nice setting for dinner with the family.
(4)
David M.

In a suburban landscape of blase' sandwich shops (Subway, Panera, Jimmy Johns, etc.) rests a true gem - Zenwich. The sandwiches are fresh, creative, unique, and above everything else, delicious. The Crabby Yo!a Crab Cake and the Tony Q Korean BBQ Beef sandwiches are my favorites, but I haven't had a bad one out of any that I have tried, and I've tried most of the menu. As others have stated, the coleslaw sides aren't anything to rave about. However, the seasoned chips are good, as long as you can get them crispy (mine on occasion have been soggy/stale). The sandwiches are huge and can be easily shared between two people.
(5)
Kyle H.

Stopped by Zenwich before heading to Bigby's for the big going away party for Burbs CM, Candice G. Doing a quick search of Nearby Restaurants on Yelp, it was easy to see that Zenwich would be a great choice based on so many good reviews. Zenwich is in a little strip mall, blink and you might miss it. They have a small but clean dining area, with a relaxed/modern feel. The big hanging menus are easy to read for us AARP members, but choosing was so difficult! I got the Famous Remus (Mu Ping) with "Grilled caramelized pork, shredded carrot and daikon, cucumber, red onion., jalapeno and cilantro with homemade tangy sweet aioli." Each sandwich comes with choice of a side and I chose the spiced potato chips, which were good. The sandwich was basically a pork banh mi, and was fresh and delicious! The girl at the counter was super helpful and friendly, and I bought a few of their homemade toffees, which they contract someone to make. Zenwich is a great choice for lunch or dinner, probably not good for group dining, and I wouldn't hesitate to stop here again.
(5)
Katie Y.

To quote yelp's rating system "woohoo! As good as it gets!" Seriously though people, the sandwiches taste like what their pictures make you want to think they taste like. I personally LOVE the spicy garlic shrimp and the crabi-yola. I demand you not order the chicken satay, although still delicious... not as full as flavour as the other two zenwiches.. hah
(5)
Joan V.

Came from new York and cannot wait for my next trip back because I want to try everything on their menu. Spicy shrimp, crab cake and calamari were delicious. The owner was so friendly and came by to talk to us about the food. Definitely recommend this place for their unique flavors and sandwich creations!
(5)
Karissa M.

The food is spectacular! I ordered the Tofu Ping sandwich, which blew my freaking mind, and the Veggie Tempura appetizer, which had a terrific flavor profile. I wish I knew about it before, I'm going to come back here every chance I get when we come down in this area. Highly recommend!
(5)
Trish S.

Easily one of the best places in the suburbs to get a quick bite to eat. We stopped in to Zenwich and was greeted by the owner and another employee. They gave us recommendations and even offered to make certain things a little different to accommodate dietary restrictions, awesome! We got the Zen Salad and the Veggie Tempura Sandwich, both were absolutely amazing and flavorful. In the last 3 weeks we have been back probably 4-5 times. We just can't stay away! They make everything fresh to order and their homemade chips are out of this world. Highly highly recommend this place to anyone and everyone! It's also an awesome place for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone with gluten intolerance!
(5)
Jeff C.

Zenwich is great, though the location doesn't do it justice. Consequently, most of my neighbors (in Elmhurst) have not even heard of the place. I suppose it's not for everyone, the sandwiches actually have flavor. You're not going to find an Italian, or American, sub here. For lunch I had the Korean BBQ. It was good, but I thought it could have used a bit more Korean BBQ sauce. Also, the wasabi slaw could have been a little hotter and next time I will ask for a little more wasabi on the side. My friend had the crab cake sandwich and he loved it. For some more heat, the manager said to come back on Friday for the spicy shrimp, or if you're lucky they make a spicy chicken sandwich (dang it I wish I could remember the name) that is only on special ... not on the menu. He said that that's the hottest sandwich they make. Seating is very limited!! Either take out, get there by 11:30am, or after 1pm. Highly recommended. As of this writing there are ninety-six restaurants in Elmhurst. I plan on eating at, and reviewing, every one. Follow me on Yelp!
(5)
Jennifer P.

Ever since my +1 suggested it, I was STOKED to try Zenwich! First glance at the menu - and the lovely Candice's review - confirmed the presence of many veggie options! Score! The location is in a strip mall and has a smallish interior. It seems most folks took take out orders, but a few - like us - stayed and enjoyed our dinner. The owner was very nice - he not only explained the menu to us, but showed us sizes that helped us decide what to order/what we could share. He also chatted with my +1 at the end of the night and, even though we accidentally stayed a little past closing - was chatty and welcoming. We ordered the calamari strips to share. I really enjoyed the crust and how large they were (I'd only had calamari slices before). The sauce was delicious! After much deliberation (and some apprehension about just HOW spicy the tofu might be..), I ordered the Crabby Yola (crab cake) sandwich. It had a nice blend of flavors, especially with the baby greens and basil sauce. Knowing it wouldn't keep well without getting soggy the next day, I forced my +1 to finish the rest of it with me! :) My +1 got the ROI (Chicken Teriyaki). The flavors were good, but I think the chicken was a tad on the dry side. The ginger slaw was OK (a bit runnier than I like), but I really enjoyed the home made chips - they had a great spice! The owner gave me a stamp card for my next visits. I'll have to come back and try the Wasabi Coleslaw and also see when they have a special on Spicy Tofu, since I'm feeling brave! :)
(5)
Natalie M.

I'm not a huge huge fan of sandwiches. Or if I do get one I have to crave one. This place changed my mind! I got the Crabby Yo!a sandwich which has Japanese panko crust crab cake topped with watercress and homemade garlic basil aioli ($8). It comes with a pickle and some seasoned chips. This was so great and yummy! The flavors combined were delicious. The crab cake was delicious and had a great texture. The aioli is what really completed it. Also, the staff were SUPER friendly! Loved this cute place. Would go here again!
(5)
Geovany S.

This place is a must try! They have awesome sandwiches and service. The Spicy Garlic Shrimp Zenwhich is probably the best choice if its your first time. I've also had the Korean Cheese Steak, and that was awesome too! The sandwiches are pretty big and they have really good side orders if you want more food to choose from.
(5)
Cynna K.

(I've been there 2 times so far) here's the download in summary-style online ordering = 5 stars - cool fast simple - but still you may need to wait to pick up. When this place is busy there is a wait. They have a sign on the counter indicating it's not a fast food place ... fair warning. Order ahead though if you can customer service = 5 stars - they are polite, friendly, quick cleanliness = 5 stars - good as it gets environment = 2 stars - space is too small green mindset = yes. Environmentally friendly containers to go prices = 3 stars - large portions and because of the unique sandwiches and flavors it's a bit upscale in price. food = 3/4 stars The food is good and on first taste it was great. First trip - got the chicken satay sandwich. OMG really wonderful flavors left me wanting more. Their homemade chips left something to be desired. They were rather humid - what's the word... not stale but, like wilted because they seemed damp. Sorry don't have the correct word to describe them. Second trip - got the shrimp sandwich. It was not such a flavor explosion and made me wonder if they put the same sauce on all the sandwiches? They chips pretty much the same experience - they were edible but I'd pass them up for a slaw salad or something healthier and tastier. And pickles? I never eat them and wish places would not serve them.
(3)
PJ C.

So good. All the raves are true. I'm not quite down with the shoebox-tight seating inside (they have maybe 12 seats, max) but the food is amazing. Try everything on the menu.
(5)
Maria R.

Amazing fresh food. Made as you order. I'm in love with the crab cake sandwich. Must try. Worth every penny.
(5)
Matthew N.

Great sandwich but small and they make a point to mention how long it will take, and you can wait 15 for a cold sandwich and I think they should focus on speed for the lunch crowd
(4)
Ali M.

I got horribly sick after eating here! Not sure if the chicken on my sandwich was undercooked or what! Kind of a dirty store front!
(2)
Jen H.

Super real food with a punch of favor you don't usually see in sandwich shops! Besides sandwiches they have lots of other options Asian related...plus the most amazing chips! It's a must stop! Something for everyone.
(5)
Anthony C.

Totally unique Asian fusion sandwiches and salads. Drive pass the chains and stop here for a casual lunch or snack. I had the spicy garlic shrimp sandwich(8.95) which was excellent and the soup was clearly homemade with a fresh flavor and appeared to not have a lot of salt. Glad I found this place and I do intend to return.
(5)
Rama K.

Great place for a sandwich! Awesome stuff! Probably the best sandwich I had ever had . Love the signature sandwiches and the chips yummy
(5)
Dorothy P.

If the word "zesty" sends shivers down your back and gets your palms sweating (not in a good way), then you might want to skip Zenwich. However, if you love living life to the fullest and exciting your taste buds at every nibble, then why the heck haven't you tried Zenwich?! I'll admit it's taken me a shamefully long time to give them a try; I drive by every work day and think "oh man, I should eat there." But for some reason, my car just doesn't stop. Well my life changed when I was last put in charge of dinner fare. Zenwich, as the name hints, is an Asian fusion type sandwich shoppe. They do homemade everything, right down to their ultra thin, uber crispy flavorful chips. Every bite of pretty much everything that we ordered was a punch of flavor right in the kisser. We opted for the peanut salad, Crabby Yo!a sandwich, Dantastic sandwich, and Famous Remus sandwich. Each sandwich came with a side & we opted for some chips, ginger coleslaw, and cucumber salad. I was told that it would take about 10 minutes to create my masterpieces, but it actually took about half that (I barely got a chance to check in and post a photo). The salad dressing had a nice peanut base with a good amount of spice coming from hot peppers and ginger(?). The salad itself was pretty basic: mixed greens, skinny carrot shoestrings, and cucumber. The sauce definitely made the salad. Each of the sandwiches were super flavorful as well, but none was set your mouth ablaze. The Crabby Yo!a contained a deep fried crabby patty that was sandwiched between a sliced open ciabatta bun and topped off with garlic aoli. The flavor combination was perfect. The Dantastic was a buffalo chicken sandwich with mozzarella and ranch. Again, the sandwich was sassy but not overly spicy, and the ranch dressing gave a nice yang balance to the buffalo sauce's yin. The Famous Remus was the closest thing to a classic Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich, with pork, lots of veggies, and jalapeno slices. It was a celebration in my mouth from start to finish. The sides were equally flavorful and delicious. The chips had a spicy, salty sweet thing going on, a perfect compliment to pretty much all the sandwiches that we ordered. Once I popped the first one in my mouth, I was hooked. The ginger coleslaw is your typical cabbage creamy 'slaw with fresh grated ginger in the mix. If I had to pick a least favorite, it would be this. I wish there were other spices to go with the ginger, even a little fresh pepper and a squeeze of lime...something. The cucumber salad was the most delicate dish in our spread, and I'd have to say it was one of my favorites. The flavor was light, and the sauce on it was sort of sweet. It was the perfect respite from all the spicy flavorful goodness of everything else. Even writing this review is making my mouth water. Seriously, what are you waiting for?!
(5)
A P.

The food here is excellent! I always have a hard time choosing between the Spicy Garlic Shrimp and the Crab cake sandwiches. Everything in the basket is above average... from the bread to the sauce on the sandwich to the house made chips. The owners are really nice and always go around to make sure everything is satisfactory, and unlike Larry David, they're down for a stop and chat especially if you go when it's not busy.
(5)
Grant P.

Zenwich seems to be the popular kid in Elmhurst. It keeps showing up at the top of lists, you read articles in magazines and newspapers about it, and EVERYONE knows it. Well I didn't. Zenwich and I got off to a bad start. Someone go me a sandwich from there when they first opened and I didn't like it, so I never went back. Somehow, a combination of Courtney C's praise for the place, along with their current BOGO promotion got me to head over and try the place for myself. I read the reviews and decided to place my order over the phone so it would be ready when I arrived. Too many people must complain about the wait because they even have signs inside that kind of semi-apologize for it. Whatevs. My stuff was ready when I walked in. The gentleman behind the counter was as welcoming as could be. He was thrilled I was trying them out for the first time, very nice and told me about their popular items. His friendliness itself was five-star. Onto the food. I got a Pork Katsu and my wife did the Chicken Satay. Both were full of flavor, fresh and hearty. But there was something about the sweet and sourness of the sandwiches that I didn't care for. This is on me, I think I'm just not a fan of the food type. The presentation and execution was just fine. That's about the only thing I can say. I didn't really enjoy the food, but if I didn't like spinach I wouldn't give Popeye's Restaurant (if he had one) a bad review just because I don't care for the type of food served there. I just wouldn't. So I encourage you to try Zenwich and make up your own mind about the food, flavors. But as far as the service and friendliness, they're both stellar.
(4)
Niko B.

To keep review short and to the point - fresh sandwiches with Asian twist. Definitely something worth trying - you can save it for those days when you just can't decide what to get for lunch. I disagree with other reviews saying how it's lot food for your money - it's really not as you can see from the pictures. On the other hand you probably won't leave hungry either. Good value, yes (~$9 with taxes for a sandwich). Great value, definitely not. Couple of advices for first-timers: 1. Call ahead to cut down on your waiting time 2. On top of standard white, they have wheat bread, and they also do lettuce wrap (if you want to cut down on carbs)
(4)
Hsia F.

Love this place - but yes it could use some more room. Went here with a coworker for lunch during a training. The location is easy enough to find for my coworker atleast - right off York Road. I got the Spicy Garlic Shrimp Sandwich and my coworker got the Crabby Yola Sandwich.....we split halves with one another.....hey you can't beat it! The food was fresh and delicious, we even got a seat while waiting. The folks behind the counter are so very nice and well versed in the menu. Its a no fuss, great place to grab a "gourmet" sandwich, just don't expect to have a seat inside and you'll do great.
(4)
Ranjana D.

Awesome vegetarian food. The place small n has 6-8 ppl seating. Love the curry wrap.
(5)
K. R.

Zenwich is the bee's knees. It really is. Whether you're a meat fan, a vegetarian, or vegan, you'll find something on this incredibly fresh, yummy, and inspired menu to tickle your fancy. Everything on the menu is different, creative, and healthy - it's a great departure from most restaurants and a neat change of pace. The food here is quite unlike anywhere else, and in a good way! From salads, to sandwiches, to soups, to sides, anything you order will be crisp, fresh, well-prepared, neatly presented, and tasty. They have specials and soups that change daily, too. The staff is friendly and always welcoming. I haven't been disappointed here yet. Don't let the small strip mall space misguide you - this is a sit-down restaurant, not a fast food joint. You can, of course, order carry-out. Zenwich has quickly become a staple of the Elmhurst area. Keep up the good work, Zenwich, and I'll keep stopping by!
(5)
Eric H.

Some of the most unique and delicious food I've ever had. The owners and everyone who works here are extremely nice and will recognize and get to know you. The only bad part is having to select only one from the many selections because everything is so good! My solution: bring a friend and trade sandwich halves. The soups are great, the salads are amazing (and extremely cheap! $4.50 for a delicious and filling peanut or ginger salad (as of this review)), the toffees are delectable, and the sandwiches unlike anything you'll get anywhere else. I am lucky enough to work down the block, so I try and come at least once a week and look forward to it every time.
(5)
Joann N.

Been here several times, all the sandwiches are made to order and super fresh! Best sandwiches are the crab cake and spicy garlic shrimp. Once you've tried those it's hard to go back to the other sandwiches... Zen salad is really good too they have the best homemade dressing. It's a little on the pricey side but well worth it because of the quality of food you're getting.
(5)
H S.

This is an ideal carry-out place. Quick service, tiny but mod space while you wait, and the food quality has never disappointed. I always mean to try something new, but after I got the Crab Cake (formerly known as Crabby Yola) I can't really imagine wanting anything else. And yes, the homemade habanero toffee is worth it if you're daring enough. There's mochi ice cream if you're looking for some quality sweetness on a hot summer day.
(5)
Tony D.

Had a delicious Korean Beef sandwich on some really great bread today. My partners liked their Crab Cake sandwiches. Fast service. Only gripe would be the tight accommodations. Will try another of the excellent sounding selections next time.
(4)
Nicole D.

Day-um! Why don't they have this place in SoCal? I had the garlic shrimp sandwich and it was out of this world delicious. My companion had the pork cutlet; she lived hers too. I would have tasted hers, but honestly, my sandwich was so freakin' good I didn't want to share. I dug the sweet and spicy chips. They weren't greasy at all. I'd come back anytime.
(5)
T L.

Awesome place. Had the Hien sandwich...so good.
(5)
Sennett L.

wow! Everything I had here was amazing! My friends said this place had a really good shrimp sandwich but when we got there, i really wasn't expecting much. Perhaps, the strip mall location, perhaps the small restaurant size, perhaps, who knows? I ended up splitting the shrimp sandwich and the crab cake sandwich with a friend. Got chips on one and cucumber salad on the other. Shrimp sandwich was sooooo good. I don't even remember what was specifically in it but the combination of all the contents plus the ciabatta bread was amazing! Crab cake sandwich was really good as well. This had some sort of aioli sauce or something that was awesome. Homemade chips were really crunchy and good. Cucumber salad was ok, nothing special. Our friends know the owner/manager/worker? so he brought us over a side of fries with some orange creamy sauce (i think the same sauce as the crab cake sandwich). Something about these fries, they were amazing... but too bad for you, they aren't on the menu. hehe everyone here was super friendly, food was fresh, VERY tasty, bread was awesome, and everything was pretty cheap.
(5)
Pinar M.

Although I really loved my sandwich here- I had the vegetarian- since it is a very small place with not enough tables even for a small number of guests, I gave it 4 stars because I like dining in. The sandwich was too greasy and chips had sugar on them- very unusual, doesn't taste that good.
(4)
Mahmoud S.

Go ahead and get anything on the menu, it's all good! Been here a few times and the beautiful people at Zenwich nail it every time! But today was different, today I discovered the glorious Korean cheese steak sandwich. Wow. Wow. WOW. This was the single greatest sandwich that's ever been passed down to us earthlings. The spectacularly delicious thinly sliced Korean marinated steak with the perfectly sautÃ©ed onions, peppers, and shrooms topped with smokey Gouda! Holy moly goodness, thank you Zenwich! Every single bite was priceless and I was heart broken when it was gone. I will be back tomorrow for another. I know it's the March special but pah-leaseeeeeeeee put this gift from the Gods on your menu permanently! You must! Thank you Zenwich, you guys are great!
(5)
Lucy R.

I can't tell you how much I love this place. The sauces and mix of flavors are incredible. I appreciate that they have choices for vegetarians that are imaginative and delicious and the lettuce wrap is perfect for people who can't tolerate gluten or just want a lighter meal. There are only a few tables and parking can sometimes be tight but as soon as i had my first meal at Zenwich, I was already thinking about when I could return. Wish they would open a branch in Oak Park!
(5)
Mike C.

Its a small place but the sandwiches are so freaking good that you don't even care! The people are nice and positive. This is a must try!
(5)
Ryan B.

I've had the "Joesplosion" two times there and love it. I've also never been a fan of potato chips, but the spicy ones they serve are delicious. Bonus? The owner was there talking with a for a while and a really great guy. You'll pay a little more for your fast food here but completely worth it.
(4)
Glenda C.

It's a small dive of a restaurant with about 6 tables. Super casual seating...you order your sandwich and they drop it off at your table. Sandwiches average about $8 and worth every penny! Yummy combinations mixed with fresh vegetables. The location probably would do better in the heart of downtown Elmhurst, but I don't think it will stop lovers of place from going there because the sandwiches are well worth it. Heck, I'll drive out of my way to go back and try everything on their menu! Customer service also 5 stars....such a nice guy guiding us through the menu. My new favorite food is a zenwich!
(5)
Sonya L.

I cannot say enough about the food here. Like others, I got the crabcake sandwich...and I was a little skeptical.....because lets face it....its a sandwich. How creative can you get putting random ingredients between two slices of bread. Boy was I wrong. I wanted to write a song about this sandwich as I ate it. I pretty much did because I couldn't stop saying "mmmm....mmmmm". The crabcake was the most flavorful crab cake hands down I have ever had. Then there is this insanely yummy creamy sauce (which I LOVE creamy sauces). Then there was the bread that was the perfect thickness, crustiness, and softness. There is nothing about the sandwich that I could do to improve the experience. I also could not believe the awesome prices. That delicious sandwich AND a side for $8. That is craziness. It does not hurt my pocketbook at all. I also got a can of Thai Ice Tea that was very yummy. And here is a final tip.....if you are in the mood to be outside for dinner, don't let the indoor only seating stop you. We got the food to go and went to Wilder Park to enjoy the outdoors. My only disappointment is that Zenwich is not closer to my home. :(
(5)
Kevin R.

Stopped in because of yelp reviews. All of you are now on my Christmas card list. This place is a culinary orgasm. Tony Q sandwich is amazing! Wasabi coleslaw was perfect!!
(5)
Jerry V.

The server was actually the owner, a nice guy with a story of making it from scratch, the zenwich lived up to the spicy but delicious reputation of this place. I need to find a good reason to go back!
(4)
Matt L.

A hidden gem! Amazing sandwiches...this is the type of place that I would make a detour through Elmhurst to get to.
(5)
Jon F.

So nice I had to try it twice! I was going to write my first review as a very heavy 3 star with a promise to come back, but I wound up at a solid and heavy 4 since I visited again before I could write a review. I got a pretty comprehensive go at Zenwich in these 2 visits and I can say one thing for sure... I'll be back! Zenwich is a combination of quality ingredients and good recipes in what I'd like to think is an asian-asian fusion. You get sandwiches atypical to American fare in a very fast manner (for non-fast food). Service was tableside on our visits, but I imagine that might be a little different if you were to visit when it was really busy. We had no troubles getting a table on a Monday at 5pm in the winter, but from the size and the other comments I can guess weekends and summer days may lend themselves to a dine-out experience. For our first visit the SO and I tried a nice round-up. We had: Veggie Tempura Teriyaki - Kind of serves like a dumpling which was semi-unexpected, but the flavor had us making quick work of the whole plate. Miso soup - Pretty standard miso soup. Did not seem as salty as usual, which I appreciated. Crabby Yoa (crab Cake) sandwich - Very good. A nice, large patty of crab cake that is in no way fishy and very fresh tasting. The garlic basil aioli is a perfect complement to the simple flavors on this relatively big sandwich. I hear there is a spicy mayo option, and I think it'd be a fantastic accompaniment. Roi (chicken Teriyaki) - Good. I was really hoping for a little more honey mustard flavor. I had 1/4 honey, 1/4 honey mustard, 1/4 mustard, and 1/4 nothing. Sometimes a different flavor in every bite is the spice of life, but I was really hoping for a solid honey mustard flavor throughout. Considering the sandwich was good without swimming in sauce I'll give it some extra credit, and my high hopes should not lead to other's let down. If something could be done to un-mute the flavor just a bit this could be a real hit (I think that solution could be a better spread/ratio of the mustard). Seasoned Chips (Side) - Very tasty but look just like some chips. A kind of spicy BBQ flavor sets them apart. Espresso bean & chocolate toffee - Great! I cringed a little bit at $3.25 for the toffee (it's not that bad of a price, I'm just cheap), but we received a solid piece that was covered in tasty espresso beans and chocolate. It was a substantial in girth and delicious bit of dessert. On the second visit we entertained: Calamari - Very good! If you are looking for little squid legs you won't be getting them. On the plus side if those creep you out you can finally get some good squid! The calamari is served in 4 x 6 x ~1/2" thick squid steak strips a panko/tempura coating and a very tasty sesame sauce (maybe some peanut sauce in there as well). Egg drop soup - Tasty, but a bit plain. I'll take that in the positive way that it tastes like a simple elegant egg, broth, and noodles and NOT 1/2 cup of salt water with egg powder in it. Famous Remus (mu Ping) - Great! It plays kind of like a Bahn Mi with the jalapeno and cilantro, but changes things up a bit with the flavor. The taste is great and the sandwich just works. Joesplosion (chicken Satay) - Good. Just a solid sandwich here that is exactly what you'd expect. This one may not wow your world, but it's a solid sandwich that will leave you with a happy belly and mouth. Ginger coleslaw (side) - a fantastic twist on a creamy classic. I never would have thought to add ginger to coleslaw, but it really is a perfect compliment. On both visits we left with a full belly and 2 halves of a sandwich in tow for a late night snack. I've gotta come back for a few things. One of these Fridays I need to stop in for the Spicy Garlic Shrimp sandwich special - a souped-up version of the crab cake that the owner says is sure to please. I'm also a hot & sour addict, so if it is as good as everything else here I'll be making the long trip back for that when I can time it right. Realistically the amount of GOOD food that you get for a very reasonable price makes Zenwich a standout. When you add in the good ingredients, friendly atmosphere, and well-thought recipe book it puts it over the top. I'm a fraction of a hair away from a 5-star in looking for a little more "pop" to some of the flavors, but that may just be my candy coated tooth enamel talking. No matter though, nothing should keep you away from the doors of the powerful Zenwich!
(4)
Christopher P.

Their weekly Philly cheesesteak special is awesome! The marinade is really good and kept in nice and moist. Nice touch with the Gouda! It brought it all together
(5)
Maureen W.

Excellent change of pace, super fresh, high quality sandwiches, I'd try anything and its likely fantastic.
(5)
Alex R.

Zenwich is one of the best sandwich shops in the suburbs, hands down. The sandwiches are flavorful and freshly prepared. You get a hearty portion and each sandwich comes with your choice of sides. I suggest getting the seasoned chips, which have nice crunch on them. Try to come on a Friday or Saturday, which is when Zenwich offers the Spicy Garlic Shrimp Sandwich. Delicious breaded fried shrimp, garlic, arugula, cilantro, and tasty spicy mayo are all packed inside this otherwordly sandwich. You're getting hungry, no? Another outstanding sandwich is the Crabby Yo!a (crabcake sandwich), which is on Zenwich's regular menu. There's nothing regular about that the Crabby Yo!a, though! It's damn good. The Tony Q (Korean BBQ) sandwich is also worth getting. The service is outstanding. We're always warmly greeted and they're always pleasant. You get the feeling that Zenwich really cares about its customers. Do be mindful though of the hours of operation. Zenwich closes early on Saturdays, 6 PM, and it's closed on Sunday.
(5)
Janni V.

This place is TEENY TINY. Get there early if you plan to eat your food there, and don't bring a large group. I'd say two max, although the table next to me had three who managed to grab that larger table and sit together. That being said, the sandwich I had was the Joesplosion -- a chicken satay sandwich on ciabatta with peanut sauce and very thinly sliced cucumber, red onion, and carrot. SO GOOD. I hate when bread is disappointing. Ciabatta means "slipper," and is so named because it's supposed to be light and airy on the inside, yet crispy and supportive on the outside -- a bit like a lady's slipper. This bread was a pretty good representation of ciabatta, and held up beautifully against the ingredients. The only thing I'd suggest is making the peanut sauce a bit thicker, so it doesn't run out with all the wonderful juices from the very moist veggies and chicken on the sandwich. Other than that? OMNOMNOM. Zenwich's take on traditional Thai cucumber salad (which I had as a side) was also really good. In addition to cucumber, red onion, and carrot, they throw a few jalapeno slices in for good measure. In that nicely zippy vinaigrette, it's the perfect match for satay. There's a reason cucumber salad always goes with chicken satay, and that's it. I also grabbed a homemade espresso toffee to take home and eat later. Over a week later, we're still nibbling on that square in my house. It's good, but rich, and a little bite once in awhile is good enough for me. Very nice! Will definitely be back. Hope to try their soups sometime when it's not so hot out! :)
(4)
Robert G.

Funny name, serious sandwich. We dropped in here for lunch because 1.) we saw it on Yelp, and 2.) we've been at a place recently where we can't decide between sandwiches and Asian food. Consider the dilemma solved. I tried some udon noodle soup and a crab cake sandwich. My wife had the breaded fried shrimp sandwich. We both got spiced chips with it. The soup was fantastic... mushrooms, pan-fried tofu... it's excellent. Super hot, too. I can't say enough about the crab cake sandwich. Why didn't anyone else think of this before? So much flavor in the crab cakes, perfectly creamy texture with a crunch in it... this was heaven in a hoagie. It's at the top of the menu for a reason. My wife's shrimp sandwich was fresh and had largely bright flavors. A lot of cilantro, which to me is a good thing. The chips went well with both sandwiches; they seem to be freshly made, and the fact that they're sweet, salty and spicy makes them perfect for the sandwiches Zenwich is trying to go for. We will be back!
(5)
Joanna V.

This place is magical. Just go. I don't know what to tell you besides just try it.
(5)
Joe G.

The last thing any suburb or city needs is another below average sandwich joint. This place is not that. Been wanting to try this for a while as it is close to work and read nothing but great reviews. Got the Famous Remus and side of calamari strips. Both were incredible. Flavors were excellent, really fresh ingredients and just a perfect balance for a unique sandwich. Owner/staff were really friendly. They were busy as I went right at lunch time but not too busy to ask how my meal was and say good-bye as I was leaving. Can't wait to make my way around this menu and try some of the other sandwiches. Great job Zenwich!
(5)
Phil S.

Every time I eat here I feel like there is an orchestra of various Asian instruments playing in my mouth. (Obligatory "that's what she said?" Don't be so passÃ©.) Today we tried the Chicken Basil sandwich and it was as if I could almost hear a Thai lute being plucked with a faint hint of cymbals in the background. It is times like this when I feel sorrow and pity for those of you who have mistakenly made the choice to avoid meat. Spicy with the pungent kick of basil, this limited edition concoction is worth cheating on your ridiculous dietary restrictions if even for one bite. In an attempt to try something we haven't in the past, we opted for the Beef Curry sandwich as our second choice. If you've ever had a pot roast sandwich then the stingy texture of the tender beef and thick sauce will be familiar in sight and texture but the deep comforting flavors of Japanese style curry pungently greet your nose before your lips get a chance to wrap around this Asian style comfort food. This sandwich had me hearing the low steady rumble of a Japanese taiko's bass while I munched away. Of course we had to clean our palates between bites with the crispy refreshing bite of the wasabi coleslaw. The haunting and clean notes of a Japanese bamboo flute will come to mind with every fresh crunch. Be sure to stir frequently to evenly coat your slaw with all that wonderful sinus clearing sauce at the bottom of the bowl. On a slightly negative note, we thought the calamari appetizer was a bit disappointing. Fantastic idea with the large chunks of calamari breaded with crispy panko but it was nearly impossible to cut apart with our teeth and the fragile breading slipped right off in the process. Maybe bites instead of strips? If you haven't tried this unique flavor explosion sandwich emporium then do so immediately. You have no idea what you're missing.
(5)
Dianne S.

Get the crab cake sandwich. It'll make you the opposite of crabby. All sandwiches here are served on a soft ciabatta rolls...mmm...one of my favorite forms of carbs! Sandwiches also come with a side...I highly recommend the cucumber salad-just like the kind you get from a Thai restaurant but about 5 times the size! My Crabby Yo!a sandwich ($7.75) was a Panko crusted homemade crab cake topped baby greens and homemade creamy garlic sauce. Finger-licking good. Soups here change daily and follow the Asian theme of the restaurant. Kimchi soup? Creamy Tom Yum soup? Cool Cool. They also sell homemade toffee variations including sea salt lavendar. Fancy pants.
(5)
Dan N.

Now this is EXACTLY what people mean when they tell you that sometimes a good "hole in the wall" has the best food in town. Just off the beaten path in Elmhurst, Zenwich is absolutely amazing. I had the crab cake sandwich and calamari. Both were fantastic--the sauce for the calamari was insanely good (I might have drank it straight). But the crab cake sandwich was out of this world great. I'm not sure it was even one of the better crab cakes I've eaten, but the combination of flavors on the sandwich was perfect. I hope my travels bring me back to Elmhurst to partake again! Note: not much space at all to dine-in, probably better off to take out.
(5)
Liz R.

I met a friend at Zenwich for a casual dinner. I loved the selection of interesting sandwiches, especially that they had several vegetarian ones to choose from. The food was tasty, the service fast, and the prices reasonable.
(4)
Dave D.

My husband and I stopped in here about a month ago because I was looking for a place to go for lunch on our day off that we hadn't been to a zillion times. Zenwich seemed right up our alley - Asian flavors with a fun twist. When we got to the restaurant around 1:00ish, it was PACKED. Part of the reason is the restaurant is super tiny. They have maybe 8 tables in here, but it's so compact and squished together, you can't help but get claustrophobic. Seeing how busy they were, we decided we'd just take the food and eat in the car. The service at the counter was kind of underwhelming too - it almost seemed as if the woman taking our order didn't really care if we ate there or not. So I wasn't expecting much when we got our food. Luckily, a table opened up as we got our food, so we got to sit down and eat inside. We ordered one of the tofu ping sandwiches and the Korean BBQ beef sandwich. Both were pretty tasty. I also had a cucumber salad with mine which I liked a lot and my husband had some tasty chips. Overall, pretty good food. So I'd say the food is a 4 star, the restaurant setup and service was maybe a 2 star. I'll reconcile that at 3. I think we'll be back, I would probably just take the food to go and I'd like coming here a lot more. Even if the service was better, the restaurant is just too tiny to be comfortable. My only other concern was that I got probably the worst migraine I've had in 5 years the day after I ate here. My big migraine trigger is MSG, so I wonder if any of our food had MSG in it (if I had to guess, I'd say the Korean BBQ sauce). So if you're sensitive to MSG, maybe beware. I tried to contact the restaurant but didn't receive a response, so maybe they'll see this and I can find out if there are any MSG items I should stay away from. UPDATE: I heard from Nate at Zenwich - they do not use MSG in the food (just a little naturally occurs in soy sauce), so that's a good sign I can come back and eat here! And Nate was really nice about the service. It's really nice to see an owner take pride in their restaurant and apologize if something isn't up to par. I'll bump my review to 4 stars. :)
(4)
Dave S.

Zenwich is by far the best sandwich place around. The crab cake sandwich is amazing, so is the Korean cheesesteak, shrimp sandwich, mu ping and chicken satay. Cucumber salad side is one of my favorites, and the chips. Recently had the calamari, which was excellent. All around one of the best!!!!
(5)
Norah R.

Okay its been a couple months.. But I couldn't help but review this place! Okay lets just get right into this before drool hits the key bored. My boyfriend got a Tony Q (I hope that is correct) it is BBQ beef sandwich that is AMAZING! The sauce that came with it was some kind of red peppers and mix, which made the sandwich even better! As for me, I wanted to try something that could be a complete hit or miss--Tofu Curry. And let me tell you, Zenwich does tofu right! It was sooo good that I wanted to almost lick the plate when I was done. The only reason I don't give this place 5 stars is the size. I can't take how small it is, so I rather eat in my car. Which when its nicer I don't mind.
(4)
Jeff S.

Have eaten here a few times and I love the Tonkatsu sandwich. The pork is meaty without a lot of the fat common in katsu and the sauce is really good; has just the right tang to it. Their Wasabi slaw is not too hot at all and is a nice alternate for the generic bag of potato chips. The menu has been the same in the past few years from what I can tell, but with daily specials, so they are sticking to their core sandwiches. Not much to add that hasn't already been said, other than when you find yourself bored of sandwiches their offerings are a welcome change from the ubiquitous subs found elsewhere. There is very limited seating though so we've usually tried to get there a little early or later than the lunch crowd.
(4)
Kenny N.

Found this gem thanks to yelp! Been here once- cant wait to come back! but when am I going to be in Elmhurst again? I might just have to make a reason- there are too many sandwiches to try! My wife & I shared crabcake & spicy garlic shrimp sandwiches - the bread is oh so soft! Love the flavors! If you are in Elmhurst or passing by on 290 or 294 - check it out!
(5)
Rich W.

Been here twice now. My standards are high and they meet the mark. Really glad we found this place and the owner is really cool.
(5)
David A.

Places like this are the reason why Yelp exists! I drove past this hole in the wall hundreds of time and never noticed it! What a fantastic place for lunch to break-up the day! I had the Korean BBQ sandwich. A bit spicy but really good! Chips are fantastic too. The only gripe about the place is that it's a bit small so hopefully you don't mind people sitting in close proximity with you.
(4)
Rik P.

Like other yelper say, Zenwich is awesome!! It is an unique style sandwich restaurant...I say Asian style or Californian style? (but I have never seen this kind of sandwich restaurant in Asian countries though) The food quality include of bread and side is always VERY GOOD!!! My favorite meals are, "Spicy Garlic Shrimp(Friday special) " and "Crabby sandwich". Always fresh taste. You should order on the phone to avoid long waiting.
(5)
Phill C.

So I always end up buying a bunch of Groupons and other online deals, then end up using them right before they expire. Well thanks to my handy Google Calendar, I never forget... after a few missed deals. Zenwich was next up and I'm glad I gave this place a try. I picked a winner of a sandwich, the Mu Ping. The place is small, with minimal seating, so I was sitting there staring at a picture of the Crab Cake (aka Crabby Yo!a) and was wishing I got that instead. But once I bit into my Mu Ping, I was happy. So they do asian fusion, which works pretty well for this Thai sandwich. You got a soft toasty ciabatta roll, two slabs of caramelized pork, a pickly daikon & carrot slaw, cucumbers, red onions, jalapenos, and sweet & sour mayo. Add lots of cilantro and you have one tasty sandwich. All their sandwiches come with a side and I highly recommend the homemade seasoned chips. The chips are crisp and generously dusted in a sweet and slightly spicy seasoning. If they sold them by the bag, I'd definitely buy some. I'll definitely be back to try their other sandwiches.
(4)
Gina S.

If an Asian takeout restaurant and a sub sandwich shop hooked up, this would be their love child. Asian food in sub form. The vibe is super casual with tacky lime green colored walls, handwritten wall menus and a few tables. The takeout business is bigger than the eat-in business. I went with ROI's fav, a teriyaki chicken sandwich, and wasabi coleslaw on the side. The sub was a juicy mess, dripping with a lack luster, mild teriyaki sauce that overpowered any other thing this sub could have had going on. I was not impressed with the mono tone flavor. The wasabi coleslaw had more of the kick I was looking for; crunchy, creamy and a wasabi kick, super yum. The hubby went with the Dantastic, Buffalo chicken, and a side of seasoned fries. Dantastic was fantastic, lots of flavors going on. The chips were also a notch up from any bagged brand I've tried, freshly fried and sensationally seasoned makes a world of difference. Totally food envy on my hubby's order. I love the creativity and flavors, it's quick but a little pricey.
(4)
Chris D.

Absolutely love this place. Very friendly people and wonderful different food. They are really changing what an everyday sandwich should be. Usually pretty busy, and there is a reason. Their sides are different twists on everyday sides. Their specials are always surprising and fresh. Love that they use the Belly loyalty program as well. Stop in for something other than a ham sandwich, you will be glad you did.
(5)
Sarah S.

I went here for lunch with a friend yesterday and Zenwich is a great little fusion sandwich spot. It's a small location with not many tables. Staff is very friendly and food is good. Their chips are amazing! They are seasoned really well and can be the side for any of the sandwiches. I'm glad I went with the chips as they are real winners! They have good seasoning on them which some may find spicy (my poor weak taste buds!). I got the buffalo chicken sandwich which was very good. The chicken in the sandwich was moist and tasty, all in all good flavor but I wasn't blown away. I always thought the prices were a bit high as I paid $10 for a drink, sandwich and chips. Next time (and there will be a next time!), I'm going to venture out in the world of Zenwiches and be a bit more daring!
(3)
Peter B.

Everything I've ever had here is amazing! Gotta try the chips, whatever they're seasoning them with hits the spot. Sandwiches are different enough to keep it interesting and the flavor combinations rock. Gotta try it!
(5)
Keith H.

Great food! Freshly prepared and great service, too! Did I mention how good the food is?
(5)
Jae M.

First Time at this place. Got the Crab Cake sandwich w/the Thai Tea. BOMB!!!
(5)
Sarah T.

Yum-my! It's just as great as Yelp wants you to believe. The veggie tempura is a brick of veggie shreds coated, fried, and tossed in soy sauce syrup. Both the crab cake and Korean BBQ sammies were delicious. Definitely spicy, but delicious. They were both on focaccia bread which is distressing for the Vietnamese in me. The only thing is that it makes me crave Orlando banh mi immediately.
(4)
Trever W.

I used to go here weekly because i worked in the area. That should tell you enough right there. Parking can be a pain because it is located in a small strip mall. It was always crowded and a line, but then again i only went at lunch time. They use fresh ingrediants. Their food is simple, less is more, i want to say. Their crab cake sandwich and spicy garlic shrimp are the only 2 things i ever ate. The crab cake sandwich is delicious. The crab cake itself wasn't to small or to big and fit the bun just right. I wish they would make the sandwich larger. The spicey mayo on spicy garlic shrimp sandwich is delicious. The cucumber salad has a little bit of a kick as well. Their home-made chips are good but to thin and light for me. I reccomend going, you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Staci C.

I love Zenwich! Every sandwich I've had here is delicious and very unique!
(5)
Courtney C.

I dedicate review #200 to you, Zenwich.. I like sandwiches just as much as or even slightly more than most people, but reading the reviews for Zenwich, I thought just about all of you were out of your damn minds. (Sorry...) Only after warning myself I would most likely be disappointed, was I ready to order a sandwich. I went with the crab cake sandwich although I was a little worried. Sometimes a crab cake can be very heavy and weigh you down -- definitely not what you want to feel during the middle of a work day. However, I figured it got a lot of props on Yelp, so I went for it. Oh my stars, was that a tasty sandwich. It was very light and delicate, but not OVERLY delicate where it's not filling you up. No, it was just the perfect amount of food. I liked the greens that they put on the sandwich and felt like the sandwich had a great balance and did a good job of combining all the different flavors. It's also worth mentioning that the bread was one of the best parts of the whole thing. I also went with the homemade chips and they were addicting. I wanted to go right back and get a few more bags. They had a very unique taste and were slightly spicy but didn't make my mouth burn. I'm happy to say that all these 5 star reviews are in fact accurate. I can't wait to try the whole menu!
(5)
Melissa H.

Love the crab cake sandwich! Simply amazing!
(5)
Jeanette G.

This place was great! Easy place for lunch in the Elmhurst area. There are a few tables and chairs but not good for big groups. The food was excellent - fresh and made to order. I had then spicy shrimp sandwich and they do not skimp on the shrimp! Every bite had delicious shrimp in it! The cucumber salad was also a nice touch. Definitely coming here again and recommend to others!
(5)
Marc H.

This place is not fancy but it has maybe my favorite sandwich ever. The spicy garlic shrimp is amazing. The sandwiches come with homemade chips that have a little kick and are very good. The owner is wonderful, friendly and makes great food.
(5)
Mary H.

Absolutely amazing! highly recommend crab sandwich and pork! I wish to have more places like Zenwich!
(5)
Danny G.

It can be a difficult task to find places to eat in the burbs that you could envision yourself eating every single meal of the day. I count myself blessed that I can live so close to such a marvelous sandwich establishment. Zenwich is a perfect balance of familiarity and uniqueness that make everything on the menu intriguing. My favorite sandwiches so far have been the Korean Cheese Steak (a little harder on the guy) and the Crabby Yola (Crab cake sandwich = money).
(5)
Abi G.

Crap cake is the best.... this is Definitely a take out restaurant... You won't be disappointed. The location is wonderful right off of the express way in a nice area. The staff is friendly I mean who doesn't love good customer service! !!
(5)
Davin L.

With Mrs. Boon K.'s move to the suburbs, it was the perfect time to visit and cross another sandwich place off my list. Upon entering Zenwich, you are greeting with a small but clean and well-lit dining space. The girl at the counter made several recommendations. We went with the Beef Curry, Mu Ping, Tony Q, and Crabby Yo!a. In terms of ranking, The Mu Ping was tops. The pork was tender and juicy, with toppings that were refreshing and crisp. Beef curry was close behind, tied with Crabby Yo!a. The Tony Q was disappointing but only because my hardcore Corean palate found the red pepper paste marinade not spicy enough. The bread was excellent for each sandwich, and the chips and cucumber salad were all delicious. And kudos for any eatery that has bottled cherry soda. Can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menu.
(5)
Vicky G.

Delicious, Asian inspired sandwich shop! Zenwich is a great addition to the Elmhurst community. I will continue to work my way down the menu.
(5)
Ginger D.

I want to go back and try everything on the menu.my daughter had the shrimp I had the pork sandwich. ...we are still talking about how delicious and different they were.if you like an Asian twist you have come to the right place.priced right and oh so fresh..I'm hooked.. Please open more stores in more locations..perhaps ...Bloomingdale. Yummy
(5)
Basia C.

Awesome sandwiches. Must try the famous Remus and spicy shrimp. Out of this world. They even have thai tea In a can.
(5)
Chester M.

Delicious sandwiches. Lots of flavor. Asian American flavors combined. We experienced the spicy garlic shrimp (breaded shrimp, greens, spicy mayo) and the Philly cheesesteak (with a teriyaki sauce), as well as the calamari sticks. All outstanding. Everything is homemade, hot, and very fresh. The sauces are especially good. Wish we could've tried more and will be back again. Service was friendly and passionate.
(5)
S S.

Yummy. Got a famous remus sandwich, was delicious. Fresh bright flavored greens, jalpapeno and pork make a great pair. Even the chips were good and I dont care for chips but it matched the sandwich well. Egg drop soup also yummy. Definitely will be back to try more.
(4)
Katie F.

Decent sandwiches. They're pretty creative. I loved their Tom Yum Kai soup when they first opened and every time I've gone back they haven't had it. I was a little disappointed at that.
(3)
Erin E.

These sandwiches remind me of every good sandwich ever. You know how a really good sandwich, whatever it is, somehow does this thing in your mouth that says it's in with the in-crowd? It says, "Yeah, I know all the folks over at Big 'N' Little's; Al Pastor and I go way back, and Samurai and I play golf on Mondays. Hot Doug's Hot Dog? Yeah, no, he and I definitely dated for a while." I got the Reamus - Mu Pong. It was so good. I can't remember the name of the second one I got, but it was also stellar (I have serious memory issues). The place is unassuming--just looks like a small, poorly furnished strip mall operation. It's not that. Those are the best homemade chips I've ever had.
(5)
Brenda S.

I recently discovered Zenwich and have eaten there every couple weeks since! My fiancÃ© isn't a huge fan because he doesn't like this type of food - but lucky for me, he can get the buffalo chicken sandwich and not complain too much. My favorite is the crab cake sandwich. A few days ago I tried the garlic shrimp sandwich and it would've been awesome if they hadn't drowned it in cilantro. Seriously, I don't think I've ever seen so much cilantro in one place as there was in my sandwich. I pulled out as much as I could without sacrificing all the yummy sauce. I hope that this was an accident, and that they don't always serve it that way. Warning about the chips - they are doused in a sugary and spicy mix. I like it, but my fiancÃ© hates it. The front-of-house guy is very nice. I'm assuming that he is the owner, because he is always there. My 3 star review is because I was going to say it is a 4, but my fiancÃ© just gave me a look and said '2' lol. Took the average.
(3)
Natasha P.

Interesting little place with some very different sandwiches. My husband and I decided to try it after we dropped my parents off at the airport. They make Asian fusion sandwiches and they make them well. The owner was behind the counter and serving us and he was very nice. He chatted with us quite a bit and was very obliging. After hearing a lot about the cucumber salad from other reviewers, we decided to try it. I loved it! It was sweet and tangy and perfectly blended, my husband didn't care for it too much. They had all these assorted funky looking drinks too. I had a Cream Soda. We ordered the Spicy Garlic Shrimp Sandwich and a Bryanism, a pork katsu sandwich. Both of them were very nice, the BBQ sauce in the pork katsu was tasty and the garlic in the shrimp sandwich was sharp but not overpowering. This is a great little place (it really is little, with just 3-4 tables to sit at). The next time we're in the Chicago area I hope we can make a trip there.
(4)
Alexander A.

This place is really great. Being an Asian Fusion place, your first or second time may not be a good experience. But honestly, there's a sandwich for everyone. My first visit I got the Tony Q (Korean BBQ Beef.) I figured I love kbbq, this sandwich could be great. I wasn't a fan of it so much. The beef tasted great, I just think the bread didn't help me out so much. The next I went I got the Crabby Yo!a. (The crab cake sandwich.) The crab cake was breaded amazingly, with a nice crunch. It was topped off with a very delicious, drippy creamy garlic basil aioli. I don't know what aioli is, but I'm a huge fan. The next few times I got the crab cake again, and finally tried the beef curry for a change. It had dice-sized cubes of potato, which were actually dry and tasted only like potato (no seasoning) so that was a deal breaker. The next sandwich was the Tofu Ping. I didn't think any other sandwich on the menu would be better than the Crab Cake, but this was it. Fried tofu with some crunchy veggies, and a sauce similar to the crab cake's but with a few less layers of flavor. The tofu ping I think would appeal to anyone who likes a fresh tasting sandwich, as opposed to a savory flavor. I have recently tried the Veggie Tempura Teriyaki: A sandwich with shredded vegetables fried in tempura batter, served with baby greens and teriyaki sauce. I didn't think I'd find something better than the tofu ping, but the Veggie Tempura Teriyaki did it. I'm not entirely certain what veggies are fried, but the dominant one I taste is sweet potato. I'm not a fan of sweet potato, but something about it being fried and dressed with teriyaki made it work. Next time I go, I'll ask if it's possibly to get it mainly with sweet potato, and to hold the baby greens as they had a slight bitter taste. And lastly, I have tried the tofu teriyaki. Overall it was great. Next time I get it, I'd get it without the lettuce, extra onions, and a little more of that amazing wasabi infused teriyaki sauce that leaves a little heat in the back of your mouth. --- Each sandwich can be wrapped in lettuce, or a lettuce and paper wrap. The paper wrap may be good with the veggie tempura teriyaki to add the extra freshness, however, I have yet to try this. --- Each sandwich comes with a side: Seasoned chips, cucumber salad, ginger coleslaw, and wasabi coleslaw. I'm not a fan of ginger, so I've never gotten that coleslaw. The seasoned chips were delicious, homemade, and has a barbecue seasoning. The cucumber salad was refreshing, crunchy, and a nice little palate cleanser I would say. The wasabi coleslaw wasn't spicy, if that's what you were thinking. It's basically a typical coleslaw with maybe a table spoon of wasabi mixed in there very well. It still gives you that sinus clearing experience that wasabi normally does, and it personally is my side of choice over the chips. I have also tried the calamari strips. They are 3, large strips that resemble chicken tenders. The breading is nice, the calamari itself is very tender, and the sauce it comes with was sweet, but I didn't care for so much. For $4, I could see myself getting two order of calamari strips for a meal. They only have bottled/can drinks, including Snapple, as well as a free water cooler. They have cans of Thai Iced tea, which was surprisingly delicious. I'm used to having it freshly brewed at other places, and this tasted nearly identical. Maybe those freshly brewed iced came from a can? Who knows. The only problem is the can is $3 and the size of a mountain dew Kickstart. --- A few additional remarks: They have a frequent customer card, where after buying 9 sandwiches the 10th one is free. They support Belly, a food oriented rewards program. I almost have enough points for a free meal, I believe. When you walk in there's a specials board to your left, it changes all the time. I haven't ordered anything off of there yet, but I'm sure it's good too. Specials include the soup of the day. The space is small, but if the weather is nice I like to eat off the trunk of my car. Also, because there's a lot of asian food cooking, it does tend to get a bit stuffy and sticky in the place, so most of the time I end up carrying out or eating outside. It's just a personal preference, nothing to be concerned about. --- Like I said at the beginning, your first or second time may not be a good experience. You just have to try something new every time and you'll find something.
(5)
Judy L.

Zenwich is consistently good...time after time. In the words of Cyndi Lauper, "If you're lost you can look and you will find me -Time after time." That's sums it up for Zenwich. Good sandwiches and seasoned chips time after time. It's Asian Fusion comfort food. They also use the Belly card here now!
(5)
Greg P.

Zenwich is great, I eat here probably 2 times a week for lunch. Awesome Asian style sandwiches, my favorite is the chicken teriyaki, with an extra side of the teriyaki sauce, which I believe is made there, and is excellent. As far as Elmhurst goes, not much can beat this spot! A twist on the average sandwich experience.
(5)
Ada N.

Got the crab cake and Korean cheese steak. Both bomb.com I needed some spice so I added Sriracha. Delicious!
(5)
Runnel E.

The sandwiches are by far a break from the ordinary. Delicate textures, intense flavors, and outstanding service completes the experience! Everything is good, the Owners are on site and the feel of dining in is very homeley. The reviews on their wall speaks volumes about the experience your taste buds are about to be exposed to. My favorites and recommendations are the crab cake sandwich and shrimp sandwich. Couple that with the home made bbq potato chips and the thai iced tea and you're in munchie bliss :)
(5)
Nate C.

Small location and nothing spectacular about the place but great food. My favorites are the Spicy garlic shrimp and the Crabby Yola (crab cake) zenwiches....all sandwiches come with a pickle spear and seasoned chips. They finally opened a 2nd location in downtown Chicago which is great since this is a drive for me.
(4)
Mike S.

The spicy garlic shrimp and mu ping are my favorite a must try if your in the area you won't be disappointed just remember it's not fast food so be patient
(5)
Genoveva S.

So I came across by this place by accident when i started my new job in Northlake. I was looking for a sandwich after work that wasn't Subway or Jimmy Johns. Boy was I surprised! I had the Mu Ping sandwich, cucumber salad, and the ice cream! Delicious doesn't even begin to describe it! I have also had the fried calamari accompanied by a house sauce which is very well-paired. The Crabby Patty is also very good. My kids love it. My co-workers love it too!
(5)
Kavi P.

I had been to this place before and had probably ordered the wrong thing because this second time around I loved it. The guy at the register was super nice and friendly. The shrimp zenwich was awesome and reminded me of one of my favorite appetizers from bonefish grill. I'd def come back here for a sandwich that's unique and out of the box.
(4)
Victoria W.

Love the options here--*five* different vegetarian sandwiches, each one sounding yummier than the last. It took me forever to decide, as what I really wanted was a tasting of all five, but I finally ordered the teriyaki tofu. The flavor was fantastic. The honey mustard was divine. It did get a bit too spicy/horseradishy in certain areas, but that's probably just me. I was a bit disappointed about one thing--it seemed like they skimped on the tofu. The tofu patty, though magnificently fried up, barely covered 2/3s of the bun area, and was sliced thin. For a $7 sandwich (compared to $4.50 bahn mis I've had), it seemed weak. But it certainly won't stop me from returning to try the four remaining veggie sandwiches. The cucumber salad was quite good except that it had its own spiciness, so when my mouth was burning halfway through the meal I was stealing Wolf R.'s seasoned chips and wishing I'd ordered those instead. The service was very friendly and helpful. The restaurant is small but there was ample seating available when we arrived at about 12:30p on a Thursday. The edge of the booth seating seems razor sharp if you happen to be wearing an outfit that doesn't cover your entire thigh. Do you think they could sand that down, or...?
(4)
Heather R.

This is a great little restaurant, it is quaint and personal and the food is wonderful! The sauces are fantastic and always a little different. I know some people have complained that the sauces are too much etc etc BUT when you go to order just let them know to go light on the wasabi or not to add to much sauce. As everything is made to order they can and will easily adjust what they make to fit your taste. They also can make most sandwiches a wrap or a lettuce wrap, so if you have any wheat/gluten allergies there is still something here you will love!
(5)
Piyush P.

Go for: fusion sandwiches, great sides, soups and specials. If you live or work in the area and got tired of eating subways & potbellies, Zenwich is am escape. It's sandwich nirvana.
(4)
Kedar D.

A restaurant like this would have been unimaginable in the Chicago suburbs as recently as three or four years ago, and I applaud Zenwich for bucking Chicago proper and heading into new terrain. As an unusual sandwich shop serving Asian standards put to buns and rolls, I also appreciate that they serve unusual food. A few sandwiches on the menu can be made vegan (the staff is knowledgeable about what's what) and so I ordered a "tofu satay" sandwich ($8) which came with a side of home-made kettle chips. The sandwich was fairly tasty, but a tad on the sweet side (satay is tricky to do well). I also wish they'd had a vegan wholewheat bread option, as their white flour bread was both un-tasty and unhealthy. The kettle chips sounded good in theory, but they were way too soft and almost chewy. I don't know if they'd gotten soft after sitting out too long, or if they just needed to be fried longer, but a chewy, soft potato chip is not appealing in any way. All in all, Zenwich is an interesting concept sandwich shop in the west suburbs; if it had more vegan options (how about something with seitan or tempeh?) and wholewheat bread (or even spelt or teff or any wholegrain) I'd be back often.
(3)
Jennifer W.

I am so happy this place is so close to my house! I love the grilled pork sandwich but the garlic shrimp sandwich is one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. Lightly dusted, medium sized shrimp, quickly fried and served on fresh bread with an aioli. I had it with a side of cucumber salad. They also have good soups. Zenwich knows what they are doing and they are nice too!
(5)
Adam H.

Oh my. The response we got from friend and fellow Yelper, Victoria H. when we checked into Zenwich was "Its about time!" and it truly was. We did try to visit here earlier this year but we just missed it by about 15 minutes so we were bummed. However the stars aligned and we found ourselves with a premium opportunity to experience Zenwich, so we pounced on it and were completely satisfied. As recommended by Victoria H, my Mother, and my Aunt, we were sure to try the crab cake sandwich and ordered a Mu Ping sanwich to get a little variety into our lives. Both were incredible; I may move to Elmhurst purely to eat these sandwiches. We also opted to sample their homemade spiced chips which were delicate and delicious: a winning combination. Everyone was very friendly, and had great suggestions for newbies. With so much to choose from it was nice to not be intimidated by the staff which can happen in smaller restaurants. Essentially, this place is awesome, and I would certainly give them a 6th or 7th star if they delivered to Arlington Heights, but for now I'll give them their well deserved 5 and deliver myself to Zenwich to get my fix. Thanks Vicky!
(5)
Aimee M.

Upgrade to 5 stars! They deliver! I called to confirm whether or not they could deliver to the next town over and the woman who answered the phone checked with their manager and lo and behold, they said they could do it--Yeah!!! PERFECT! And the meal was perfect. Despite delivery, the soup was HOT, sandwich in great condition (not soggy) and everything was in place, no errors in my order. AND, they were able to add my beverage--Thai Iced Tea. I cannot praise them any higher--little do they know that I had some major cravings for Zenwich during the last month of my pregnancy and was in no condition to do any driving. Zenwich delivery to the rescue! My favorite is still the Pork Katsu--nice crispy coated pork, crunchy slaw, topped with a tangy sauce on soft/chewy ciabatta bread. My second favorite would have to be the Bulgogi sandwich--tender marinated beef YUM! I love how each sammie gets a small side order of salad (cucumber for me!). The flavors of these Asian-inspired sandwiches really stand out and Zenwich has easily become a favorite.
(5)
Dominique T.

Very very yummy!! We went there for the 1st time today and had the spicy garlic shrimp zenwiches (the weekend special). They were so flavorful! If you are looking for a different spin on a sandwich, this is your place. Only knock: small place; very limited seating.
(5)
Nick A.

I don't know what it is, but every time I come here, it gets better. Let me break down Zenwich into two parts, as well as some optional third and fourth parts. 1.) The Sandwich, Unless anaphylactic shock occurs when you are in the presence of crab, you are getting the crab cake. I'm making it easy for you, just order it. If you don't like crab cakes, that is perfectly fine, you are still ordering the crab cake. If for some reason you don't want to take give into my headstrong advice, go for the Mu Ping. 2.) The Chips This is the side you are getting. I'm not trying to control you, but you can't get chips like this anywhere else. All the other sides are a dime a dozen, but the homemade chips are a special experience. The thin sliced chips are sweet and spicy and have a great crunch. Optional 3.) Cucumber Salad It's pretty great. Sweet, refreshing and spicy. Hearty pieces of cucumber with thin onions and chucks of fresh jalapenos make this a good compliment to your crab cake sandwich and chips Optional 4.) Dining In Not necessary, but it's nice to have everything hot and fresh. The seating is limited but its a nice little place. The dude that is always there, probably the owner is super nice. The green walls are cool. Use your resources and look at the user posted photos on this site to see what the inside looks like for yourself. Or better yet, visit Zenwich right now! Also they also have Chicago Magazine which my girlfriend likes to read and I like to look at the photography.
(5)
Victoria H.

I love me some Zenwich! Bored of your everyday sandwich? Twist it up with a lil Asian influenced sandwich, or should I say a Zenwich? I usually go with the crabcake or spicy garlic shrimp (on weekends), but I've tried others and they are all good. You can't go wrong with what you order here. Tons of flavor & the staff is super friendly. Also, to top it off, there's flavored homemade toffee (lavender, ginger, espresso, wasabi, etc.) to purchase! Zenwich is zenlicious! :)
(5)
Joel T.

I split the muping and crab cake sandwich. They were amazing. I was there because I sawan episode of Chicago's Best. It did not disappoint. The sandwiches were unctuous and simply amazing.
(5)
C G.

LOVE their crab cake sandwich. It is a true work of art. My coworkers and I reserve this as a special occasion and sometimes we dance when we know we're getting ZenWich. SO GOOOOOOD.
(5)
Davy L.

I LOVE this place so much. The owner is very friendly and I am very impressed with the research behind the menu of this restaurant. The ingredients are picked well and the style is refreshing. Me and my coworker are trying everything on the menu. I have tried Chicken Satay, Pork Katsu, Korean BBQ, and Crab Cake sandwiches so far and they are all great. My favorite so far is the crab cake i think but its hard to say.
(5)
John F.

First time trying Zen. Had the chicken katsu, Korean bbq, spicy garlic shrimp and crab with spicy mayo. All were excellent with the shrimp and crab sandwiches being the best. Great find in Elmhurst.
(5)
Kevin H.

Love the quality! Great small business staff always present your food with a smile. Crab cake sandwich w cucumber salad is my fav
(5)
Jelena Z.

Please don't think I'm a b*tch for not being at zen with the 'wich. To be fair, I ordered not with my tastes in mind, but with portability being the first and foremost factor. Why? I needed to make my sandwich hostage to an anxiously awaiting Saab with hopes of beating rush hour traffic. As others mention, the menu certainly boasts a flair for the dramatic. Far East proteins and veggies (think pork, crab, tofu, pickled carrot and daikon) meet American's need for slather-worthy accoutrements (homemade peanut sauce, wasabi-infused teriyaki and Japanese curry gravy to name a few). Where does this all happen? On a layover between Japan and the US of A in Italy: The insides of the sandwich sit squarely on a toasted Ciabatta roll of all things. Okay Zenwich, I haven't seen this much creativity since I heard of Gaztro-Wagon's dirty Indian-New England lovechild (that would be a lobster roll on naan bread). After careful consideration, I decided on a cold sandwich. The Wasabi Roast Beef, stacked with beef, lettuce, red onion, tomato, giardiniera with wasabi sauce and Japanese mayo traveled well and pleased the palate. It may sound strange, but the excessive amount of roast beef (I actually removed some meat) and the "big" bread detracted from the subtle Asian flavors. While I wasn't as impressed as I hoped, I think that the Mu Ping with its grilled caramelized pork, pickled veggies, cucumber, red onion, jalapeno and cilantro with homemade sweet mayonnaise will be more... me! This Confucianism saying sums it up quite nicely: Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Truth!
(3)
Mayank P.

Unique, delicious, scrumptious, delectable! Try it! Won't regret it. Good vegetarian options. Sandwich Asian-fusion, odd combo, but the name says it all. Limited eating space, but take out is fast enough.
(5)
atrack b.

Discovered this place on Tuesday and have been eating here everyday since. My plan is to eat every sandwich on the list then start over. So far, so good.
(5)
Joyce S.

Zenwich is a fabulous little find. Everything is fresh and artfully put together. Crab sandwich is a winner; also loved the tofu teriyaki. Must try house-made potato chips. Urge your friends to seek this place out. It's so much better (and cleaner and friendlier) the usual sub or burger experience. Joyce
(4)
Jason R.

I had 4 Zenwiches in one day. My favorite is the Mike Deluxe, will come back with punch card for the weekend shrimp sandwich. The bread is amazingly thin, but dense, with a slight crisp. I need that bread recipe.
(5)
Tom K.

My wife introduced me to this place, and it is AMAZING! Their sandwiches are so fresh and delicious!! I ended up getting the chicken curry sandwich, korean bbq sandwich, and my wife got the mu ping. All, GREAT!! So much flavor and good portions! The very best part? the chips. They make their own chips, and have this special spice mix. So crunchy, this and awesome. AWESOME.
(5)
S M.

This resturaunt has the best asian-twisted sandwiches and soups that are a little bit americanized! They offer reasonable prices and a variety of a menu for people to choose from. Gluten-free and vegan are offered on the menu which is great for those who are not meat lovers! The owners are super nice people and always looking to strike up a conversation whenever to make their customers feel welcome and wanting to come back! The Mu-Ping Sandwich and spicy-garlic shrimp sandiwch offered on Fridays and Saturdays is an absolute delight to eat!
(5)
Irena R.

I found this place on Yelp and after driving by a few times, finally stopped by to try their sandwich. I had Crabcakes sandwich with ginger coleslaw....and it was delicious!! Very original and tasty like the other reviewers said. If you want to eat sandwiches made out of same old ingredients, go somewhere else! If you are open to trying new taste, come here!!
(5)
C K.

We decided to give Zenwich a try after reading all the great reviews and I must say, this place is amazing! We have a new favorite place =) We ordered the Crabcake sandwich with cucumber salad and the Chicken katsu with chips. We also had the original toffee and they delivered in 15 minutes even though she said 30-45 (on a Friday night!). Perfect blends of sweet and spicy with amazing bread... The food is just, fresh. I can't even describe it! Just unbelievable goodness. Nom nom nom!
(5)
Christoph S.

It's upbeat, colorful, tiny, young, my Moo Ping was great, I came with high expectations and they delivered. I've had Moo Ping before but it was skewered. Putting this on a sandwich (with awesome bread and I am a bread snob.. can't help it) was a great idea and oh so tasty. A wonderful find. I'll just have to come back. Support the little business, there is so much more wonderfulness to discover, away from crappy, tasteless corporate chains.
(5)
Bill F.

Whenever people come to visit us in Elmhurst Zenwich is the first place we suggest when looking for somewhere to eat.
(5)
David M.

What a pleasant experience. 1st timer and staff was friendly and quite helpful. Went with crab cake sandwich and understand why it's their best seller! Absolutely fantastic. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Allison L.

Went to Zenwich today for the first time, heard about them on Hungry Hound along time ago. First I called to make sure they were still in business. My son took me for lunch, I couldn't decided what to have so another customer suggested the crab cake sandwich it was great!!! we also had tempura veggies, their home made toffee with lavender was wonderful. I cannot wait to go back and try more things. I wish they had a sampler on the menu. definitely try this place!!!
(5)
Jeff W.

I wandered onto this spot a long time ago, right when they opened. I still had the menu so today my company ordered for lunch. I'm so glad I came across this place as it will be my new lunch time staple. The customer service is great, very helpful and nice. Coming from a family in the restaurant business, this is often overlooked and I appreciated this. The line at Noon was long but they had ample staff on hand to handle the lunch time rush. Order carry out because as mentioned, everything is made fresh to order so may take some time. This isn't Subway. The sandwiches are unreal. Best sandwiches I've had in a long time, rivaling some high end (and much more expensive) places in the city. I have a strong affinity for crab cakes... I always order them when I get the chance. So naturally I got the Crab Cake Sandwich (Japanese style panko crusted homemade crab cakes and baby greens with homemade garlic basil sauce). This was unbelievably good. The soft ciabetta roll was awesome paired with the crab. As far as crab goes, I have no idea how much real crab is actually in the sandwich. This was more cakey than lumpy... regardless, it was delicious. The fresh greens on top was also a nice pairing. 2 of my coworkers said the Spicy Garlic Shrimp Sandwich was a little too spicy, which surprised me because one of them LOVES spicy food. I didn't personally taste the sandwich, although I have heard numerous good reviews and none said it was too spicy. I will be getting this soon. You will be mine, oh you will be mine. Another coworker of mine said he did not like the Wasabi Roast Beef... but then he said he didn't like Wasabi??? This boggles my mind and invalidated his review. That's like going to a concert and saying the band sucked because you don't like music. All in all, this place is awesome and I hope they open up more locations. Sandwiches can be a little expensive ($10 for sandwich, chips, drink) but these are specialty sandwiches that are both filling and fresh... you would be spending that at McDonalds/Wendy's for crap.
(5)
Jennifer C.

I totally love this place. I love how they give you a free choice of side with your sandwich and l adore all the fresh, yummy flavors. When I am in the area I always have to stop in here for a sandwich, get the Mu Ping you will not regret it. I have always had the chips as my side and they are quite yummy. The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is because the last time I was there I wanted to try one of the coleslaws and they were out of both and usually the pork in my sandwich is slightly overcooked. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Doreen A.

Spicey shrimp on weekends = yummmmmmmm! Crabcake sandwich not far behind sides are delish too! Tiny but great!
(5)
Amy L.

I love sandwiches and this place is awesome. Delicious food and great customer service. Don't let the exterior fool you - it may not look like much (in a plaza with a Chinese takeout restaurant, Kumon, etc.), but the food is amazing - quite a gem away from downtown Elmhurst. Unfortunately, they're not open on Sundays. Everytime I've wanted to go, it's been on a Sunday so I'm always disappointed. FInally made it there on a Saturday! Yay! I had the crabcake sandwich - deliciously crispy and full of crab-tastic flavor. Not overly salty and crabless like other places. My friend loved the pork curry sandwich, too. Sandwiches come with a spear pickle and a side of your choice: ginger coleslaw, wasabi coleslaw, or seasoned chips. There's another option but I don't remember what it is. They've got different specials everyday of the week. Try 'em all!
(5)
Erik H.

With the name and the cool concept I came expecting a sleek, modern Asian-fusion restaurant in the city and instead found a tiny, neon green barely-call-it-a-restaurant in a forgotten suburban strip mall. Which is awesome. I got the Mu Ping sandwich with homemade chips while my fiancee ordered the Crab Cake sandwich with homemade ginger slaw. As I picked up my sandwich a luscious sauce dripped everywhere, covering the chips and the pickle and my hands and my dignity, spattering everything with its creamy, tangy flavor. The sandwich itself was phenomenal, with the chewiness of the wonderfully sweet caramelized pork complemented by the fresh, crunchy radishes and carrots and the bold flavors of the onions & peppers shining through. If I had to nitpick I would say that the pork was just a little bit TOO chewy, and the cilantro a tad excessive, but that hardly detracts from the five stars. The chips were fantastic as well, just crunchy enough and all nicely salted and not too greasy while the pickle was insightful, a truly American deli staple that paired perfectly with the Asian flavors. The ginger slaw was not as exciting as everything else, but it has its moments and is well made. I would suggest you clear your mind of all your assumptions of a sandwich and give Zenwich a try.
(5)
Rose D.

What a unique little sandwich shop! I love sandwiches and I love Asian food so Zenwich is a food marriage made in heaven. I tried the Chicken Satay sandwich and hubby had the Pork Katsu sandwich. OMG- amazing. I didlike the Katsu a bit more than mine but both were yummy. And get the house made chips- double crunch yum, indeed. Both our sammy's also came with an Asian slaw & a pickle; a nice touch. The friendly owner was behind the counter and took the time to explain the menu and/or concept to new folks. We were there at lunch time on a Saturday and they were doing quite a brisk amount of business. The place is small, just a few tables, so you might want to consider getting your order to go if you come at a peak time. I'm only sad they aren't in our neighborhood so we can't frequent Zenwich more often.
(5)
Noomi J.

I've tried the Crabcake with chips ($7.50) and Mu Ping with the wasabi coleslaw ($7.75). Total was $16.62 with tax. Enjoyed the Crabcake and seasoned chips. Mu Ping was pretty good (be prepared with napkins though: watery sauce leakage). Wasabi coleslaw was meh. The ciabatta was okay. I didn't have an OMG-SO-GOOD reaction though.
(3)
Kim H.

I can't get enough of this place! We live down the street so I often call in an order and pick up my sandwich on the way home from work. Know that this is not a fast food place! It will take about 10 minutes to prepare your order (this is a good thing). I love the Pork Katsu sandwich (and get it 9/10 times) but also enjoy the Crab Cake and Mu Ping sandwiches. I can never decide between the side of chips or Ginger Slaw so I often get both. Location is small so I don't eat there much. I would love to see them move into a bigger location so more people can eat there instead of getting take out.
(5)
Cristina T.

I am angry. So angry. How did I not know that Zenwich was located less than 15 minutes from my house? How did I live for so long without the pillowy ciabatta bread and combination of Asian flavors? Thank God I found Zenwich today. Located in a strip mall off York St., Zenwich is a hidden gem in the Western 'Burbs. It is tiny with only a few tables, but its bright green walls tell you that there is a lot of flavor going on here. After reading some reviews, I ordered the Mu Ping pork sandwich and the Crabby Yo!o along with the Zen salad. The Mu Ping was an awesome combination of flavors. The jalapenos worked very well with the sweet mayo. I thought the pork could have been a little more tender, but it was awesome. The crab cake sandwich was my favorite. I loved that the crab was breaded in panko. It was moist and flavorful with a creamy garlic sauce. Both sandwiches were served on a delicious ciabatta. I was wondering if its home-made also?The zen salad was simple but the soy/balsamic dressing was unique. I also loved the asian pears on top. Now that I know what I have been missing out on for so long, I need to quickly make up for lost time and visit Zenwich at least once a week. Its a "must try" for anyone out in the Western 'Burbs.
(5)
Royce B.

Crab cake sandwich...nuff said!
(5)
Jay N.

The sandwiches and sides are very good. I liked the variety of meats as well as the complementary veggies and dressings for the sandwiches. I had the pork katsu curry sandwich, which is one of my favorite food combinations. There was a good crunch from the panko and mild curry sauce added a nice flavor. The ciabatta bread helped soak up the extra sauce so it didn't spill over. I chose the wasabi slaw which added a nice kick. My sister ordered the chicken satay which was very reminiscent of a Thai appetizer. My main issue with the place is the place. For sitdown meals, it's a little tight and not exactly comfortable. Although there is a wait for the sandwiches, I would rather take it to go and eat elsewhere.
(4)
Kyle L.

Go here now, if you haven't!
(5)
Kam L.

If you want a sandwich and are sick of the standard subway/potbelly fare that you can make at home yourself then this is the place for you. They take asian techniques and make the sandwich fresh for you when you order. My favorite to get is the Mu Ping. I think it has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy between the caramelized pork with cilantro and jalapeno. Between my wife and I we've tried almost the entire menu and haven't found anything that we weren't completely satisfied and happy over. Also you should check their facebook page for the soup of the day. The soup is fantastic and if I lived closer I would easily buy just the soup every week.
(5)
April W.

Yelped for a good place that was kid friendly to go to in the Elmhurst area and Zenwich popped up. I remembered that I have read several notable accolades about this place and asked my Mom if we could go. I am glad she said yes! Very small inside which was slightly difficult to navigate with a toddler in tow, but we made it work. I had studied the menu so I knew ahead of time that I wanted the Tony Q and the Soba Noodles for the 2 year old eating with me (and for me to share). The Tony Q is a marinated round steak shaved thin served with lettuce, tomato and onion. Topped with a Korean Red Pepper sauce that was a cross between bbq and Siracha Sauce. Less sweet than bbq, less kick than Siracha. Who knew that Round Steak could be so tender and delicious. The meat actually reminded me of the meat of a really good Philly Cheese Steak, but with an Asian twist. In fact this sandwich was like a Philly minus the cheese and add the Asian kick.If I didn't know any better, for you Philly people in the know, I could SWEAR the roll this sammy was served on was Amoroso Bread. Same delicious texture, perfect for a sandwich but not overpowering the filling with being too flavorful or too thick. As all of us sandwich lovers know, getting the right proportions of a sandwich is the key to a great one. This one hit all the marks. Perfect amount of bread, meat, sauce, condiments. It was perfection. The soba noodles also were perfection. Cooked perfectly, the dressing was not overpowering and the green was just enough green to accompany the noodles. The little one was not in the mood for noodles, so we ordered her some chicken tenders that were also beautiful chunks of real chicken served with a great hoisin type bbq dipping sauce. As we were leaving the man next to us had some delicious looking fried things on his table. My mom asked him if they were adult chicken tenders and he explained that they were the fried calamari sticks. He said his wife had ordered them the other night and he couldn't stop thinking about them so he came in for lunch. He offered us to try them but we decided to save them for next time. Oh I also loved the wasabi slaw I had on the side. I am also looking forward to trying the Mike Deluxe I brought home for the boyfriend. Shaved roast beef and wasabi sauce. Served on the same great bread. Can't wait to go back. You may miss it driving by, its nestled in a strip mall with nothing much exciting happening EXCEPT for Zenwich. Don't pass it by! You will regret it!
(5)
Sharon H.

Honest only giving four stars because a little bit expensive for me ( paid about 10 $ for the meal) but it was DELICIOUS! and good stuff. creative sandwiches ( just try them!) and nice nice people there. although I felt like a lot of vegans go here and I always feel weird eating around vegans because although i respect and appreciate their choice to not eat meat I always feel guilty eating meat around vegans. I feel like I am being condemned... Maybe I just had a bad experience with it one time :) Anyways I did order MEAT sadwich but they have great options for vegetarians and vegans. And the sandwiches are full of flavors :) Cucumber salad is great :) Try it and be healthy instead of getting chips as a side..... vegetables are good for you :) anyways Good place. Yummy food
(4)
C W.

Vegetarian Review: The Tofu Ping is my favorite sandwich so far. If you haven't tried the cucumber salad, you need to. It's UNBELIEVABLY good.
(5)
Derrick T.

Hidden away in a small strip mall, Zenwich is like a shiny gem in the rough... And without the help of Yelper's, I'm fairly confident this gym would have stayed buried far away from my eyes (or my stomach). A mid sized menu of Asian influenced sandwiches, I decided my first trip should be focused on what many members have raved about: The Mu Ping (grilled caramelized pork). Sweet, soft, and tasty, well balanced with the sweet mayo and a small kick of spice from the jalapeno... it was quite a tasty sandwich! Very friendly service, with the only drawback being just how small the place is making it tough to get a seat during prime hours of the lunch crowd during the week. Verdict: If you're in the neighborhood, make your way over for a reasonable cost well made sandwich! Worth going back to for me while I still work in the burbs.... once we move to the city, I don't know that the distance is worth it as much.
(4)
mei s.

I've been wanting to try to place for a long time. For some reason, I had imagined that it would be in downtown Elmhurst. But it was in a strip mall type place. The parking was plentiful but the seating inside was not. We came on a Saturday afternoon so it wasn't too bad, but I imagine if you come at a peak time, you're getting it to go. We ordered the special of the day the korean beef sandwich, a Crab Cake sandwich (Homemade crab cake and baby greens topped with homemade creamy garlic sauce), Chicken Satay Sandwich (Curry marinated grilled chicken, shredded carrot, cucumber, red onion and jalapeno with homemade peanut sauce), a Mu Ping Sandwich (Grilled caramelized pork, carrot and daikon relish, cucumber, red onion, jalapeno and cilantro with homemade mayonnaise) and a peanut salad. My personal favorite was the crab cake and i'm not even one of those people who LOVE crab cakes!! But this was so unbelievably tasty, if all crab cakes were like this one, I would be a crab cake fanatic. The Mu Ping was also a crowd pleaser. The place reminded my husband of a non-asian influenced cosi. I guess that's not a bad comparison. Only this is not a chain and the service is much more personal and friendly. This is a place I hope to frequent often.
(5)
Cher M.

I really wanted to like Zenwich. I read all these great Yelp reviews prior to visiting and I'm always a fan of independently-owned businesses, so I went to get my lunch with a hopeful stomach and an optimistic mindset. I was -sadly- disappointed. What really killed me was the wait. 20 minutes for a sandwich. I don't have 20 minutes to wait for food on my lunch break. "It was probably busy" you're thinking, right? It wasn't busy. I was the only customer there for the first 15 minutes. I'm the type to forgive and forget slow service if the food is amazing...but it wasn't. I was so sad. I really wanted this to be my new "it" place for lunch. I ordered a Chicken Katsu sandwich, expecting a fresh-tasting vegetable-laden creation. Instead, it was a heavy and greasy (but somehow dry) piece of chicken, bread that had seen far too much "decorative flour" and the veggies tasted almost sour. The chips were way over-seasoned and the best part of the meal with the pickle, which I'm certain came from a jar. I was more bummed than anything else, because I really wanted to like you, Zenwich!! I really, really did! Not only will Zenwich not be my new lunch place, but I doubt I'll ever eat there again.
(2)
Renita M.

There's a place to get bibimbop, chicken curry satay sandwiches and banh mi in Elmhurst. And it's a little bitty sandwich shop in a strip mall. Small place. Cute. Friendly people working. And what great sandwiches! We were lookin' for a quick meal before a movie and Zenwich fit the bill. They have "normal" deli sandwiches, Asian-inspired specialty sandwiches (ooh, and a veggie torta), plus a few dinner boxes, salads, a soup of the day, and specials. I got a chicken satay while the husband got a ham and cheese. The regular sammies are served with chips; the specialty ones come with chips and a little side of coleslaw. First, the sandwiches: Great chewy ciabatta. Drippy wonderful peanut sauce. tender chicken, plenty of veggies, great flavor. Husband enjoyed his sandwich and his bite of mine. The chips: Wow, these are good chips. Homemade and with a unique spice blend that's a little sweet, a little spicy, and I just couldn't place it. Addictive. And I'm not normally a coleslaw eater, but I tried the little cup, and it was good -- mostly just lightly seasoned cabbage, easy on the mayo, crunchy and tasty. In short: A GREAT place for a tasty lunch or quick, light dinner. I have every intention of returning... it's a fight with Fresco's down the street for favorite Elmhurst sandwich place. :)
(4)
Faraaz U.

I had the crab cake sandwich as it was recommended to me by the waitress. It was good, however I felt it had too much breading. If I ever go back, I would ask them to remove some of the breading from that sour-dough bun.
(3)
Kevin M.

This is by far the best sandwiches I've ever had. Their custom special sauces are the best. Crabcake sandwich and shrimp sandwiches are to die for. The owners are great people with great service. I would recommend this place to anyone. Definite 5 star!
(5)
Dennis L.

Zenwich is truly unique. Situated in a small strip mall in Elmhurst, Zenwich kicks out some delicious soup, salad, and sandwich options. The restaurant seating area is small, but it only takes a few minutes to realize that they do quite a carryout business. I chose to dine-in for my visit to enjoy a quick lunch. I started out with a cup of Chicken w/Rice Soup. This was no ordinary diner or canned chicken w/ rice soup. It was truly unique and Asian inspired. The ground chicken was delicious and the broth was light and tasty. As the recommendation of the staff, I ordered the Mu Ping sandwich. It was outstanding and the freshness of the toppings was evident. The sandwich is served with a small cup of cole slaw (very light and crisp) and crisp, perfectly salted, homemade potato chips. The staff was very friendly, and the food came out quick. I highly recommend Zenwich for a quick dine-in lunch or carryout.
(4)
Rockzau R.

It's all about the MU PING. No questions asked. Just go here, eat here and enjoy. Plus the chips are the best chips I've ever had. Cilantro and jalapenos in my sandwich...hell yes, it's like this sandwich was built for my beautiful mexican taste buds. Caramelized pork where have you been all my life. Food porn at it's finest and I don't mind if I indulge in it over and over again. You better do it to it and tell them Rocky sent you. I give it 5 zau's. On a side note, Brittany Payton from Chicago's Best was here, she's a hottie. Plus she's Walter Payton's daughter so she has that going for her.
(5)
Diz C.

It took me forever to try this place out. Me & the girl drove by many times, thought about trying it, yet never dropped in. Even after seeing them in CLTV.. Then FINALLY we ventured over. We have been regretting that long delay ever since!! Zenwich is NOT your typical sandwich shop. Their sandwiches borrow from korean, thai, japanese cuisine. (& prob a few others) all served on soft,warm ciabatta bread. Standouts for me are the crabcake, the chicken satay, & my favorite (usually avail. on Sats only):Spicy garlic shrimp. The shrimp are HUGE, & super fresh. Staff here & owners are always really friendly. Seating is a bit cramped- but i would imagine only a problem during busy weekday lunch rushes, as on wkds, we have never had a problem finding a seat. Prices are fair- especially considering the quality & freshness, as well as originality. a hidden suburban gem that shouldnt be hidden.
(5)
Amanda W.

Great place! I had the chicken teriyaki sandwich more than once and its awesome!! Get the chips or cucumber salad to make it a filling meal.
(5)
William B.

I've had a few different sandwiches here. all have been outstanding. Its always a tough choice which sandwich to get. The Pork katsu is always a safe standby. And the wasabi slaw is a dont miss. The only drawback is it seems to take 15+ minutes to get an order, even when they aren't busy, but you can order online in advance.
(5)
Gagan G.

I can't believe that I am actually reviewing a sandwich place! I came across this little gem of a restaurant when I had to go to Elmhurst for some work and was driving around looking for a place to eat. The first thing that I noticed when I walked in was the huge variety of sandwiches on the menu. Zenwich defines itself as Asian Fusion and I realized exactly what that meant when I looked at the very unique menu. After spending a few minutes agonizing over the menu, I ended up ordering the Tofu Curry sandwich with a side of Wasabi coleslaw (yes you heard right...Wasabi coleslaw!). I am not kidding when I say that this has got to be one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten! I am not a fan of sandwich places and my preference for vegetarian meals tends to severely limit my options. Zenwich has loads of vegetarian options. The one drawback with restaurants in the burbs is that I live in downtown Chicago so it takes a lot for me to put in the effort to drive all the way out to the burbs just to eat. Based on my experience here, I am definitely heading back to Zenwich!
(5)
Douglas E.

Might be my favorite place in Elmhurst for a sandwich. The crab cKe is great, the pork katsu is extremely delicious and the side are fresh. A must stop in Elmhurst for lunch!
(4)
Mika C.

Been going here since they opened have enjoyed every meal. Wasn't eating there for awhile since I don't usually eat bread for lunch, but really glad to see they added lettuce wraps and even rice paper now (where else can you find that?)! The Tony Q was even more delicious than I remember and you can always tell they use quality ingredients. Now that they are carb friendly I'll be coming back more often!
(5)
Steven T.

I eat here about 2 or 3 times a week and all I got to say that this place knocks my socks off!! There's no place like this at all. Asian inspired sandwiches are the way to go. I always order the Crab Cake on Ciabatta bread. It is honestly the best sandwich ever. It has some greens on it and some really good garlic sauce on it. It goes perfectly with the homeade seasoned potatoe chips but sometimes I like to order the french fries. The fries aren't something they really advertise but it's on the menu if you're craving crispy fries. If you're looking for something that isn't crab, then go for the Mu Ping or the Bulgogi sandwich. The Mu Ping has got the awesome grilled caramelized pork and the Bulgogi has go tthe marinated grilled steak! Soooo goood! Like I said, I eat here a few times a week so I apologize if I'm just throwing too many sandwich recommendations to you. And again, there is no other place like this in the area. They are located in this small strip that looks old, but once you see Zenwich and go inside, the friendly colored walls will greet you along with the down to earth straight up staff. I'm getting hungry writing this review, I'm gonna go there right now.
(5)
Miranda B.

I finally made it here! Starved after a 4 hour flight from CA, I needed a 3pm snack, and the Mu Ping sandwich was calling my name. It was a winner - juicy dressing with a hint of sweetness contrasting with carmelized pork and a crunch of shredded carrot and daikon. My plan to eat only half (with an upcoming dinner with friends only 4 hours away) vanished, along with the sandwich. Place was almost empty at that time, with a few 20-somethings expounding on how Woodrow Wilson was an isolationist Republican (actually he was a Democrat and an internationalist, but they knew everything about everything, so why interrupt with the truth?) and some takeout business now and then. They need to get free wifi, and the parking lot has some nasty holes, but the food is fresh and innovative. There are at least 4 more sandwiches I now have a yen to try.
(4)
Beth C.

Love this place! I cannot get enough of their crab cake sandwich and their chips! The owners are friendly and remember you when you come in and food is phenomenal (try the crab cake!). The eat-in portion of the restaurant is pretty small and the tables are close together so you get to be friends with your fellow patrons. Definitely worth the drive to Elmhurst.
(5)
Filippo C.

Stumbled upon this place as I was going to stop in pantry next door for snacks & a drink. First impression I was amazed at unique sandwich options. I ordered a spicy shrimp sandwich with cucumber salad as side. I was amazed how divine sandwich tasted!!! My 6 year old got a ham & cheese sandwich with homemade potato chips as side. I was impressed they cut crust for her and chips were really good too. This is not fast food so expect to wait 10-15 min depending on what you order and how many orders are ahead of you.
(5)
Mike M.

My favorite local sandwich shop. This little hidden gem does not serve the typical deli sandwiches. Zenwich is made up of a friendly staff, fresh ingredients and amazing sandwiches. I don't have a favorite sandwich due to that I am torn between four of them. You can't go wrong with any of the sandwiches from the Crab Cake, Chicken Satay or Mu Ping to the daily/weekend Specials (Bulgogi or Spicy Garlic Shrimp). And don't forget to try the homemade Toffees. Simply Delicious!
(5)
Joshua F.

Zenwich is a very cool and unique sandwich shop a few blocks north of downtown Elmhurst. The sandwiches at Zenwich are Asian inspired and there really is no other place like it in the suburbs. I have had a spicy shrimp sandwich as well as their take on a classic bahn mi. Both sandwiches were excellent as well as the ginger and carrot soup. There is a different soup every day of the week. Everything at Zenwich is made to order and they definitely use fresh ingredients in everything they make. If you live within a 20 mile radius of Zenwich you really owe it to yourself to stop in and try it out. I don't think it will disappoint.
(4)
Tina H.

Zenwich is the best sandwich place I've ever been to. The menu is really creative and everything is SO good. Plus they always have new specials to try. We talked to the owner for a while and he told us about how they tried more than 200 sandwich recipes before deciding on the menu and you can tell how much research went in. Try the crabcake!
(5)
Laine K.

My new go-to lunch spot. The crab cake sandwich is heaven on bread! I also have enjoyed some of the weekly specials: beef bulgoki has a nice zip and tom yum soup is delicious but very spicy for me. I highly recommend the homemade chips for your side. Also, I love the fact that they have a little ice water cooler. Just a really nice touch for someone like me who doesn't care for soda and hate lukewarm water. Always keep takeout as an option as the actual seating area is rather small and it fills fast. Love the lime green walls!
(5)
candy c.

I have wanted to eat here for a while. I like their interesting sandwiches and salads. I enjoyed the Yola sandwich and spinach Zenwich salad. The salad was fairly simple but I enjoyed the zing of the aioli on the crab sandwich. While I didn't think it lived up to all of the hype, I would definitely order from them again.
(3)
Nat M.

Mmm ... Mu ping
(5)
Sean C.

There are few places as unique and bold as Zenwich outside of the city. The food is awesome. I usually go with the buffalo chicken. Its got a great combo of spice and sweetness. The Crab cake sandwich is fluffy and full of flavor, and if you come on Friday or Saturday they have a special Garlic Shrimp combo that blows the rest away. My favorite menu item here is the chips , they are sweet and salty and I could easily pack down 2-3 pounds of em. I highly recommend a local flavor that is like nothing in the area. Will always keep coming back once a week.
(5)
Don B.

Bryanism (Pork Katsu) is awesome. The pork is breaded and cooked perfectly. The greens and mustard are a perfect compliment. I tried the cucumber salad for my side and was less impressed with that, but it was still refreshing. I've decided that I will continue visiting Zenwich and work my way through each sandwich. Good job!
(4)
Adam K.

Tried Zenwich due to location and the overwhelmingly positive reviews on yelp. We bought the crab sandwich and the mu ping. Sides were homemade chips and Ginger slaw. Crab sandwich was tasty. Having said that, as a new England transplant I highly recommend that if you ever visit the Chesapeake bay area that you try a backfin crab cake. Size of a slightly squashed baseball. All meat. Zenwich has a great crab sandwich...for the midwest. But that's as negative as I'm getting in this review. Zenwich is an excellent find. The mu ping was a fantastic fusion creation that rawked. The service was quick and friendly. Prices are reasonable. I will eat my way through their entire menu! Looking forward to the carmelized pork...
(5)
Matt H.

The reviews are true! This place is awesome. I kept it basic for my first visit; I ordered the crab cake sandwich and seasoned chips. The chips had a very unique flavor to them and were very crispy. The crab cake sandwich was fantastic, with an excellent combination of ingredients. Dining in is tight so plan on take out. Definitely will be back when I need to escape from the office!
(5)
kevin c.

Shout out to mom & pop shops! Zenwich, when my friends were becoming friends with you on facebook, I had my doubts. Then I googled your location and it turned out you were in Elmhurst, IL (which isn't very close to me at all). But your crabcake sandwich on ciabatta bread with baby greens and a fantastic garlic basil sauce erased all of my doubts. Doubts replaced with Appreciation --- assembled in Sandwich form --- eaten by my Mouth --- right down my Esophagus --- into my Stomach --- and up to my Heart. Most of the specialty sandwiches are Asian-inspired, but I'm a sucker for crabcakes. The next time I'm in Elmhurst, I've gotta try the moo ping (Thai-style) or the pork katsu (Japanese-Style). The potato chips are also pretty good. They're home-made and seasoned with their own sweet bbq spices. Umm ... I'll be right back ... I've gotta go to ... uh ... Elmhurst now.
(5)
Jack B.

First time there and I got the Famous Remus (pork) and Tony Q (Korean BBQ beef) since the sandwiches looked small and I'm a big guy/eater. Both were really good uniquely tasted different from your typical sandwich place. Nothing was too weird if you're worried about trying something new at lunch and not liking it. I ended up eating both sandwiches and am in for a long afternoon at work. But it was well worth it. I'll definitely be going back.
(4)
T N.

These sandwiches are amazingly delicious. Well worth any trip to check them out. The Crabby Yo!a is a thick, rich crab cake that is neater than most upscale restaurants. It is in a hard to find location, just off the main street in Elmhurst, but worth searching for the best sandwiches around. The food is Thai/Viet fusion. The ingredients are FRESH, let me repeat FRESH. You can taste it in the food. The owner has talent and it shows in his food and passion. Make the trip! Hard to find, easy to eat!
(5)
Ashee T.

I happened to be in Elmhurst for work and went on Yelp for a place for lunch... I am SO happy I went to Zenwich!! Honestly, hands down one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. I had one of their most popular, the Mu Ping. It is a glazed pork tenderloin sandwich with carrots, daikon, cucumbers and jalapenos with the most delicious sauce! I am craving another as I write this and I just had it two hours ago. I wish I lived closer so I could go more often and try more of the menu. SO GOOD!!!
(5)
Geli V.

I like sandwiches, but being a vegetarian my options are usually limited at sandwich places. Luckily, Zenwich had me covered with a whole list of veg options. I can't resist tempura, so I got the Veggie Tempura Teriyaki. It was AMAZING. Seriously. The teriyaki sauce was so freaking good. My boyfriend got the Tony Q and thought it was delicious. Also, the seasoned chips and ginger coleslaw were awesome. I can not wait to go back! Oh and one more thing, the people working there were so so so friendly!
(5)
Matt B.

This place makes one heck of a unique/delicious sandwich. If you're looking for something interesting that won't break the bank or force you to get all fancied up I recommend hitting up Zenwich.
(4)
Jessica F.

Zenwich has these delicious crab sandwich with thick crab patty and lots of garlicky greens in the middle. I gotta go there to have my fix even though I live in Lombard. It comes with freshly fried seasoned potato chips that are just so yummy. The price is also very reasonable considering the quality.
(5)
Adoley J.

After hearing nothing but rave reviews about Zenwich I decided to head over today. I got the crab cake and it was as delicious as everyone said it would be. The crab cake was crunchy and fresh. I loved the mayo that they add. It adds so much flavor to the crab without distracting from the meat. Now that I am volunteering in Elmhurst I cannot wait to come back here and try other sandwiches. Trust all the rave reviews and head to Zenwich!
(5)
Dave P.

Love this place. I love when restaurants put a spin on food, and Zenwich does just that. Some people may say a sandwich shop with some asian-inspired ingredients sounds a bit weird, but i'm convinced this place would change their minds. Best sandwich on the menu hands-down is the crab cake sandwich! Panko crusted crab cakes, baby greens topped with garlic sauce? Yum. I think the bread they use is just perfect, toasted ciabatta. Don't pass up the chips either!
(4)
Ross O.

They make the sort of sandwiches you only wish you could make. Think of a really great tasting sandwich in your head. Got it? Ok, that's what they serve here.
(5)
Jessica R.

Five stars for what it is: this is not a fine dining establishment - it is a sandwich shop in a strip mall - but by that standard, zenwich is gourmand-worthy. I had one of the daily specials (chicken basil) which was noted as spicy, and it was thrillingly so. I could only finish half of my sandwich as the portion was very large. I chose the chips as a side because none of side salads appealed to me (I have several food and condiment aversions, so take this as a personal thing rather than a negative critique). The chips had a mild and interesting sweet/salty seasoning that was very tasty. I can generally take chips or leave them, and will sometimes even just ask a place to leave them off, but I will gladly take a side of these next time I visit ... Which will likely be very soon!
(5)
Tina T.

I'm not normally much of a sandwich eater, which probably explains why it has taken so long for me to try Zenwich, even though I live in Elmhurst. With all the raves I've heard, I decided it was high time to stop there. I highly recommend Zenwich - they are an interesting and delicious alternative to the boring sandwich. No blah-ness here - their sandwiches blend unique Asian ingredients, spicy tastes, and bread together. What's cool is that a vegetarian is happily at home here as well as the carnivore. They've got plenty of tofu entrees, a crab cake sandwich for fish eaters, salads, and a daily soup. I had the veggie tempura teriyaki - since I'm not much of a bread person I simply ate the veggies off the bread for a delicious meal. They also have a tofu ping (special) and a mu ping on the menu and these were absolutely delish, with a burst of flavors. Their prices are great. Not much ambience as it's in a strip mall. Great for takeout as well.
(5)
Tara C.

If you haven't been to Zenwich yet, you are missing out. Wait, maybe I don't want to tell you about it because I won't be able to get a seat. Friendly staff, great owners, and unbelievably delicious sandwiches. And don't forget to get cucumber salad (so yummy!). Once we move to Elmhurst, we'll be eating here weekly--although, my husband's uncle eats here probably 3-4 times a week. It's definitely a staple with the Comerci's. We'll be back over and over again!
(5)
Ryan G.

Searched for lunch places near my work and Zenwich was at the top of the list (probably because of all the good reviews); so I decided to give it a shot. As recommended by the masses I ordered a crab-cake sandwich. Fearing that the portion wouldn't be big enough to suit my big self I ordered the soba noodle salad too. The crab cake sandwich was amazing. Flipping delicious. The salad was tasty, but not my bag of potato chips. The homemade chips by the way were also good. Will come back for more.
(4)
Lauren C.

Unique, delicious, fun.... gotta have it! I'm stuck on the wasabi roast beef wrap, I just can't get enough of it! I have mine wrapped in rice paper to make it gluten-free. Really good, it packs a punch! I also recommend the wasabi coleslaw if you really want a kick in the mouth. This is a super casual place, and you most likely will want to do take-out. There's not much seating, and all of the beverages offered are bottled. But it's worth it's deliciousness!
(5)
Drew C.

*How I Tried It * Coupons are always best when they include some restaurants, but a local sandwich shop was even more enticing. One of them featured Zenwich, whose prices and premium-ingredient quality are in line with Panera's. *Sandwiches* So exotic and delicious! (That's the best summary I could develop.) I had a barbeque tofu on my first visit and a spicy shrimp on my second; the first made me believe that tofu really can be a substitute for meat while the second, shrimp-filled sandwich was mind-blowing. I honestly didn't know shrimp could be IN a sandwich, which included a spicy, thousand-island-ish sauce... I'll definitely have it again. *Sides* They reportedly have great home-made chips, but I got the very good coleslaw instead. It's not machine-made and uniform; instead, the pieces vary ever-so-slightly in size for a very genuine cole slaw you would make at home. They have a few flavors too (how cool!), so I got the ginger both times only because it was so tasty. *Soups* To use my entire Groupon, I added soups to both my visits. I can't remember the names at all, but they were as homemade as you can get and pretty good. Salt is on the low side, but that's refreshing since most places saturate their goods with sodium. *Final Thoughts* I go here around 4:00PM since that's the time of day I pass by, so my orders where ready on-time and nobody was in their shop sitting/waiting. I read some reviews that aren't happy with the small size of Zenwich or the wait times. This isn't Subway; plan ahead and order by telephone... Go just for the food and you'll wonder why more of these places don't exist.
(5)
Grace L.

After being here a couple of times (might I mention I can NEVER check in here, there is something area 51 going on with the mapping here), we've been able to try a few of the sammies here. By far the Mu-Ping is the best, most flavorful of them all...so if you need a gateway sammie, that would be it. It's a embodies a great blend of sweet meat and tangy veggies, without being extreme on either end. The chicken satay was also good, but a less ka-pow of the flavors and more just...pow. You will definitely get the peanutty taste and the good ole tangy veggies that make their appearances on each sandwich, but the flavors are a little muted. (If you don't like jalapenos, don't worry, they aren't too spicy.) The most muted sandwich would be the wasabi roast beef, and the flavors are so muted, the sandwich was almost bland with a hit of wasabi. But, if you like the wasabi...hey, go for it. No matter what sandwich we have ordered, the best thing is that each sandwich is made to order, and they taste extremely fresh. We love this place though, being in a strip mall, small and comfy. There are seats for about 10-12 people total. There are vegetarian options, a daily soup, and bottled drink options available. (canned Thai coffee!) Free wi-fi. The owner is very friendly, helpful, and is always there to help with your order. He gave us a bit of toffee that we found to be amazing and said it will be on the menu soon. We are waiting.....
(4)
Hilary C.

This place is great. A surprising find in a strip mall- more like something you'd find in a cool Chicago neighborhood. The caramelized pork sandwich is the BOMB. And they have free wi-fi :)
(5)
Tim P.

Typically when it comes to fusion you get two sub par cultural offerings combining to make something that hopes to be more than the sum of its parts. Zenwich does it right though. All the Asian dishes that are in the sandwiches would stand on their own without the fusion. The curry beef/chicken, bulgogi, crab cakes, satay, and katsu are all legit delicious. The bread they use is Ciabatta, which does its job very well in maintaining the structural integrity of the sandwich. This is a very important and often overlooked aspect of a good sandwich. If you order the curry sandwich, you will be impressed by how well the bread holds up to a dish that is saucy by nature (not cause I hate 'cha!). The bread also has enough give so that if you were to bite into it, it won't squeeze all the ingredients out the back. Also very important. I hate it when I bite into a delicious sandwich/burger only to have my meats and cheeses blow a raspberry out the backside. Through the successful combination of stand alone quality ingredients, and sandwich ergonomics, Zenwich has indeed created an offering that is greater than the sum of its parts. Just remember to order ahead of time, or be prepared to wait a bit. The sandwiches are all made fresh to order so it takes a bit (approx 10min) to cook it all. This is the only knock I can think of against this delightful restaurant. TL;DR Zenwich = Gotenks.
(5)
Rose H.

YUM, yum, yum! This was the best surprise. I was in Elmhurst for an event and just happened to like the name of this place and tried it on a whim. Forget about boring sandwiches, these are uniquely delicious! I had the famous remus sandwich with grilled caramelized pork - I want to drive and get another as I write this right now! My only lament is that I live Milwaukee and can't make it more often. Excellent!
(5)
Oliver S.

My goto place for sandwhiches! Mu Ping and the Korean BBQ beef are my favorites! Their passion shows in their food and service!
(5)
Mike O.

I'm really pleased that we have an option for banh mi-ish sandwiches like this in the Wburbs. The quality of ingredients is very high, and their subtle twist on the classic Vietnamese sandwiches is appreciated. The Mu Ping is my go-to banh mi here--probably because it resembles the traditional sandwiches I'm used to eating. The main problem I see here is the pricing. I can go to Nhu Lan or Ba Le in Chicago and get a superior product for about half of what they charge here. Maybe Elmhurst has higher rents than the north side of the city, but that's a pretty big difference. Of course when you try to buy a Banh Mi in the Loop, you run into the same problem. I think if more people knew about this style of sandwich (or had better access), they would completely reject the lame Subway-style offering. Even at its current pricing level, I'd still take a Zenwich every day of the week over Subway, Quiznos, Jimmy Johns etc. The crispy and tangy daikon and other condiments elevate this style of sandwich to the sublime.
(4)
Boon K.

As Chai k. and Davin L. stated.. I love this place even for dinner. Here are my tops as sadly I have tried several of their sandwich and the toffee is worth it so just get it. It is hard to find toffee that taste great and doesn't stick to your teeth. 1. Spicy garlic shrimp ( not to spicy and well balance favor with crispy shrimp) 2. Mu Ping- That dream combination- salty, sweet, sour, and a little spice kick... totally get your umami taste bud on. 3.Crabby Ho!a- great crabcake with tangy sauce, yummy. 4.Beef Curry- Japanese curry made with perfection 5. Pork katsu-Crispy and tangy Now if you are craving the korean super spicy you have to Tony Q. It will warm you up in minutes with having to a Korean BBQ. Next on my list to try Chicken Satay and the many veggie special... I think that is what really sold me when I go vegetarian for half the year, I will be here even more often.
(5)
Lisa B.

My happy place! Delicious, fresh, healthy .. Love this place for so many reasons - 1) I have "gluten issues" - you can order any sandwich as a lettuce wrap or in rice spring roll wrappers. 2) everything is fresh and so flavorful. 3) the food is consistently good. My faves are The Joesplasian (Chicken satay) sandwich in lettuce wraps and The spicy Shrimp in spring roll. Their cucumber salad is lightly sweet and the cucumbers are crisp. The owners are super friendly and delivery is quick. They do have seating in the restaurant but you don't come to Zenwhich for the ambiance - you come for the great quality food!
(5)
Tatyana S.

If you want to change things up from your ordinary sandwich shop, this is the place! Super yummy! As I have tried almost every sandwich and they are all pretty good, I always go back to the crab cake sandwich, my absolute favorite! I highly recommend it! This place is small and always packed during lunch, so I recommend carry-out..
(4)
Bria D.

Tried this place for the first time today. I was curious to see what all the fuss was about. I really like Korean BBQ so I tried the "Tony Q" sandwich and was very impressed. First off the sandwich is HUGE, and it came with a bag of seasoned chips which I found to be quite tasty. The prices are good considering how much food they give you. I will defiantly be back to try some of the other sandwiches.
(5)
jack r.

So good. The Pork Katsu with ginger slaw baby greens BBQ sauce and mustard was amazing.
(5)
Jessica G.

Eat here. Eat here a lot. Honestly, there is nothing like Zenwich anywhere nearby that I know of. These are not your basic sandwiches by any stretch - they are always new and exciting and delicious and flavor combos that I don't think anybody has the skill or nerve to pull off. I appreciate this. I tried the Bibimbob today and I don't recall the last time I enjoyed veggies on some wheat bread (complete with awesomesauce, and yes it should be one word) as much as this. Spicy and satisfying! The husband tried the special of the day, which was spicy garlic, and having tried a bite, I am seriously considering going back tomorrow to give that one a go (since their website says it is a Friday and Saturday special). Garlicky, spicy, mayo-y goodness that makes my mouth water just thinking about it. I may have even liked it better than my own, and my own sandwich was amazing. So. I also tried the soup special for the day - spicy pumpkin. Lots of ginger and an excellent warmth, without being overly spicy. It's pretty much the perfect cold fall day soup. There's always something new and this one is quite exceptional. As always, the service is outstanding for such a tiny place that makes everything when you order. You may wait a few minutes but you know what? I can't think of anything that is more worth it in the world of food. Not even kidding a little bit. Also, every single person working in Zenwich is always super-friendly and helpful with suggestions. Awesome all the way around. Skip the chain places and make your way to Zenwich. I promise it will make your mouth and tummy happy!
(5)
Tim T.

awesome awesome awesome, I hope to run by this place again.
(5)
Jesus E.

I absolutely recommend the spicy garlic shrimp sandwich...!!! I know this review is short but long reviews are mostly for places with bad service but this place is up there. The prices are great. The atmosphere is simple and the staff if among the friendliest you'll encounter. Again, please try the spicy shrimp it's insanely delicious. The crab cake is awesome but trust me on this one. Not only that, but there's a reason they now sell the spicy shrimp daily as opposed to only Fridays and Saturdays like it was before.
(5)
MR R.

Placed a take out order yesterday the craby yo!a sandwich was amazing flavors are great really looking foward to try something new from this place will visit again
(5)
Craig R.

In a quiet section of Elmhurst, in a small, aged strip mall, operates a Asian fusion sandwich master in a humble, diminutive shop with a deceptively simple menu, perfectly executed, who will enlighten your tastebuds. The ingredients are superbly fresh, the flavors balanced yet forward, blended and proportioned perfectly. The calamari strips are tender, with crispy breading, served with a wonderful dipping sauce. The homemade chips are very thinly sliced and seasoned gently. The sandwich bread is wide, soft and airy to bundle the ingredients. We had the Famous Remus and the Bryanism. The Remus highlight the wonderful, crisp vegetables with the pork and aioli adding savory, tangy scrumptiousness. The Bryanism has a addictive Japanese BBQ sauce which complements the savory pork and earthy greens. Amazing The inside is small, with the majority of space dedicated for made to order preparations - it might sit 15 people. The dining and preparation area clean, bright and welcoming. Service was friendly and patient. I definitely recommend a pilgrimage to Zenwich. I only regret it is not close enough for me to regularly explore their specials.
(5)
Nick V.

It's more than just a sandwich, it's Asian food engineered between two slices of bread with a perfect balance of flavors and portions. There's also some other foods like coleslaw with an Asian twist of wasabi. Reading the other reviews it piqued my interest but after eating it I want to go back for more! Do yourself a favor and check this place out. The owner is super friendly and will steer you in the right direction. Not since my trip to Japan have I had such a well balanced meal in all respects, some serious thought was put into each item on the menu.
(5)
Michael H.

Wow, the food here is fantastic. Got the pork katsu and the Korean BBQ beef sandwich. The sides I got were the wasabi coleslaw and the chips. The katsu sandwich was just as good as the description. The bread tasted fresh and had a good crunch too it. Also really liked the sauce and coleslaw on it. I am definitely getting it again. The Korean BBQ beef was also just as good. The chips were seasoned perfectly and I don't normally like coleslaw, but I gotta rave about the wasabi one here, very tasty, love the slight kick it has. There was a slight wait for the food, but I was told before hand after I ordered that there would be. Well worth it, I can't wait to return and try the rest of the menu out.
(5)
Rach F.

I finally got around to trying this place and let me tell you, I am addicted. The top best sandwiches there are the crab cake and the spicy garlic shrimp! So friggin' good I can't even describe. My all time favorite is the crab cake one, AMAZING! Do yourself a favor and give it a try! The building does it no justice, you have to just experience the flavor! Also, the people that work there are super nice as well :) ZENWICH = YUM!
(5)
Ron S.

If Phil Jackson still lived in Chicago, Zenwich would be his favorite sandwich shop. I had the Beef Curry today and it was splendid. I ordered the wasabi cole slaw and the heat was perfect. Zenwich, still a great sandwich shop that The Zen Master would love!
(4)
Sean L.

Crazy about this place. Their food defines 'fresh'. Innovative sandwiches and their personal attention brings me back again and again... wish them nothing but the best.
(5)
Rachael G.

all the vegan sandwiches are excellent and made to order and you can even get them catered
(5)
Greg L.

I have loved every sandwich I have tried. My favorite is the buffalo chicken. The cucumber salad is good, or you can avoid being too alternative with their house-made chips, which I also like a lot. If you aren't interested in much bread, substitute the roll for a rice-paper wrap. Many of the sandwiches are kind of juicy, but that is what adds all the flavor. I usually call ahead with my order. They prepare a meal in 10-15 minutes. If you buy a bunch of sandwiches you get one free, which is cool.
(5)
Michael K.

Awesome. Been here a couple of times, had the Crabby Yoa and the Bryanism. Both great. Strongly recommend calling ahead.
(5)
Lexie C.

OMG!! The Spicy Basil Chicken Sandwich is to DIE for!! It was soooo delicious and juicy. Very flavorful!! I had to thank the cook! It was my visit and they will now have a loyal customer!! I couldn't believe how tasty it was... being from Louisiana i love spicy food and it had a nice kick to it. It was on special today and I hope they bring it back or put it on the regular menu. Fatty Patty (inner fat girl) wanted to order another one! I had to calm her down... let her down easy... I told her we'll be back sooner than later!!
(5)
Brian S.

I do not know what i can say that has not already been said. This place has all of the things a foodie wants ....and everything to convert someone into a foodie that already is not. I have had everything on the menu, at least twice, had some wonderful soups and some great specials. I drive well out of my way at times, to make it here for lunch on numerous occasions. My only woe, is that I found this place after they removed their version of a Bahn Mi ...which is a sandwich, but is not really a sandwich ...i get it. Keep doing what you do!
(5)
Tom L.

It's about time I start writing a review of this play. Every time I come back to Chicago. I have to come here, it's one of the best sandwiches I have had. The Mu Ping Pork sandwich is my absolute favorite and did I mention they make their own chips. The place is very cute and small, the service is great and to me that doesn't really matter, if you can make good food then that's all that matters. and this place can make some really good food. I recommend everyone in trying this gem. It's worth the drive. Now back to eating...NOM NOM NOM!!!!!!!
(5)
Jay O.

Pros: Great Food (beef curry sandwich was awesome) Great Price (sandwich, chips and drink was only $10) Great Customer Service (very friendly to all customers who came in) Cons: Closes at 8 pm Bottom Line: When I am back in Chicago, I will definitely be back to Zenwich!
(5)
Brad E.

Zenwich. I'm not quite sure how to distill this quirky, yet delicious experience into a concise review, but I will take a wild stab at it. My order, which i shared, consisted of the two weekly specials: spicy shrimp and korean bbq sandwiches. These are not your traditional banh-mis, but Zenwich's twist on them is equally successful and tasty! For starters, the sandwiches are served on an outstanding, 7" ciabatta roll instead of a french baguette, but the swap is welcomed given the quality of the ciabatta. Also gone is the familiar "salad" of julienned carrots, daikon, and cilantro that adorns most banh-mis; however, the manner in which the meat is marinated and flavored quieted my suspicions. Moving on to the sandwiches themselves, the spicy shrimp was definitely the better of the two with all its spicy, saucy goodness. The sandwich itself was served on ciabatta with a bed of breaded shrimp that was topped with a spicy sauce and a hearty helping of arugula. DELICIOUS. The only forced complaint I can make is that it could have used a few more shrimp and a little less sauce as the flavor of the shrimp was often overpowered by the sauce. Solid "A-." The Korean BBQ was good but not great. The beef itself was decent, but it didn't have the full depth of flavor that korean bbq is known for. Moreover, the toppings (lettuce and tomato) are out of place and really do not contribute to the sandwich's flavor profile. Kimchi, diced carrots, or even an asian slaw would have done this sandwich a huge favor. Overall, I feel this one just misses the mark. "C+" I will definitely be returning to Zenwich to experience more of their unique take on the banh-mi. One of the few restaurants to do fusion cuisine well. Great job Zenwich crew!
(4)
Ita F.

Don't let the strip mall location fool you...this is one of the best sandwich shops in the Chicago metro area and an excellent value for their innovative cooking. Some of the sandwiches have a distinctly Asian flare, which is what makes it so yummy. After all, Asian cooking doesn't usually lend itself to sandwiches! There is nothing disappointing on their menu. I've tried most of their sandwich options and have not been disappointed. My favorite remains the crab cake but they are all good. What else? Do not leave without trying their homemade chips or their cucumber pickles which is very southeast asian-y (is that a word?!?) By the way, the Beef Curry was chosen in Chicago Magazine's top 50 Sandwiches issues in 2012.
(5)
Kathleen M.

I am so glad I finally got into Zenwich and got to eat one of their zenmazing sandwiches. You see the first time I was with my husband who was on crutches with a broken foot. At 6'6", he decided Zenwich was too crowded for him, the crutches, the foot and sandwiches so a crestfallen me went elsewhere with hm. This week, made it to the promised land and had the Chicken Teriyaki zenwich, a key lime pop and some ginger slaw. Now that's a fun favor explosion! The wasabi infused sauce just had the mildest of kicks but a major mess potential. I used about 3700 napkins and narrowly missed showering myself in the deliciousness. We got great friendly service plus a chance to sit and relax before we explored more of Elmhurst. What a way to put the zen in our day!
(4)

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Address : 416 N York St,Ste B
Elmhurst, IL, 60126
Phone (630) 359-5234
Website https://eatmyzenwich.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 8:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes

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Zenwich

416 N York St,Ste B, Elmhurst, IL, 60126

Zenwich Menu

Appetizers

Soup

Salads

Signature Zenwiches

Vegetarian Zenwiches

Sides

Healthy Meal suggestions for Zenwich

Appetizers

Soup

Salads

Signature Zenwiches

Vegetarian Zenwiches

Sides

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