In the bustling culinary scene of Shanghai, one name stands out for his journey from haute cuisine to the heart of comfort food innovation. Meet Chef Jason Oakley, a veteran of prestigious establishments such as David Laris’ renowned restaurant Laris, the upscale Fifty 8º Grill at the Mandarin Oriental, and the acclaimed Coquille and Scarpetta.
With an illustrious background in fine dining, Chef Oakley embarked on a culinary adventure as a partner in the beloved sports bar, Cages. However, driven by his passion for innovation, Chef Oakley has charted a new course, leaving behind his previous venture to establish Sub Standard. Don't be misled by the name as WeChat groups have been singing his praises forcing family fun to explore this sandwich mecca.
Sub Standard: A sandwich to put Subway to shame
Sub Standard, tucked away on 230 Wanhangdu Road, may seem modest at first glance, but it's a haven for sandwich enthusiasts and soda connoisseurs alike. Chef Oakley, has intentionally created a space where quality is deliberately understated, allowing the flavours to speak for themselves. It is a refreshing celebration of sandwiches with the "sub" being short for submarine which is part of the sandwich family.
Here, families can casually swing by and indulge in the simple pleasure of sandwiches crafted with care and precision. Each bite is a symphony of flavours, showcasing Chef Oakley's expertise and dedication to authenticity. We chose the Italian which had a great blend of prague, ham, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, capicola, banana peppers and was spiritual and at 58 Rmb worth every penny. It was accompanied with a Sicilian square slice which are available in house starting at 18rmb but there is also different variations with the deluxe version costing a reasonable 38 rmb. I feel we have only scratched the surface and I would actually like to try each sandwich - although I was actually rather full and my digestion at the age of forty is now slightly more delicate.
And to accompany your meal, Sub Standard offers a selection of rare sodas: A&W Root beer, Canada Dry Ginger Ale that are seldom seen in Shanghai, adding a unique twist to your dining experience. There is also talk of a beer tap but at the moment the focus is solely on the sandwiches.
As you enter Sub Standard, the aroma of freshly baked bread greets you, enticing you to explore the menu and discover new culinary delights. Whether you're in the mood for a classic sub or a hearty slice of pizza, Sub Standard has something to satisfy every craving. Everything is fresh and the bread is baked twice a day in house.
Smoked bacon and onion pizza, corned beef, steak and cheese, roast beef with the add on cheese for 10RMB
So, whether you're grabbing a quick bite with the kids or treating yourself to a leisurely lunch, Sub Standard invites you to step inside and experience a world where sandwiches and sodas reign supreme. Let Shanghai Papa Jason Oakley guide your taste buds on a journey of laid-back enjoyment, where every bite and sip is a celebration of flavour and freshness and what's more there is an Ultraman on the window inspired by his son - what more does one need?
For delivery, Sub Standard is on Eleme and Meituan.
However, it is cheaper to get it in-store.
📍 230 Wanhangdu Lu 万航渡路230号
📞 13614581959
🕒 Mon-Sat, 10:30am-10pm; closed Sunday
