5 Best Pastrami Brands for Delicious and Juicy Sandwiches

Pastrami is a type of cured meat that originated in Romania and gained popularity in the United States through Jewish delis in New York City. This flavorful delicacy is typically made from beef or turkey that has been brined, partially dried, seasoned with various herbs and spices, then smoked and steamed. The result is a tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, most commonly in sandwiches.

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Boar’s Head

Boar’s Head is a well-known and respected brand in the deli meat industry, and its pastrami is no exception. Their beef pastrami is made from top-quality cuts of meat, seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices, and smoked to perfection.

The result is a tender, juicy, and delectable pastrami with a beautiful balance of smokiness, spice, and savoriness. The texture is smooth and easy to slice, making it perfect for sandwiches or enjoying on its own.

You can find Boar’s Head products at most major grocery stores across the United States, as well as in some specialty delis and markets.

Their pastrami is usually available at the deli counter, where it can be sliced to your desired thickness. You can also find pre-packaged Boar’s Head pastrami in the refrigerated section of many stores, allowing you to easily grab and go with this delicious meat.

Prima Della

Prima Della is another excellent choice for pastrami lovers, offering a mouthwatering and savory flavor that is hard to resist. Their pastrami is made from high-quality beef, seasoned with a unique blend of spices, and smoked over hardwood for an authentic taste.

The meat is tender, moist, and full of flavor, with a slightly peppery bite that adds depth and complexity to every slice. The texture is firm yet easy to slice, making it a versatile choice for sandwiches, salads, and more.

Prima Della pastrami can be found at select grocery stores and delis throughout the United States, including Walmart Supercenters.

At these locations, you can find Prima Della pastrami freshly sliced at the deli counter, allowing you to customize your order according to your preferences. Additionally, some stores may carry pre-packaged Prima Della pastrami in the refrigerated section, making it a convenient option for those on the go.

Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s is known for its unique and high-quality products, and their pastrami lives up to that reputation. Their beef pastrami is seasoned with a blend of spices that includes coriander, black pepper, garlic, and paprika, giving it a bold and robust flavor.

The meat is tender, juicy, and packed with an intense smoky flavor that will leave you craving more. The texture is smooth and sliceable, making it an excellent addition to sandwiches or cheese boards.

As the name suggests, Trader Joe’s pastrami can be found exclusively at Trader Joe’s grocery stores across the United States.

They offer both pre-packaged pastrami in the refrigerated section and freshly sliced pastrami at the deli counter, depending on the store location. So, the next time you’re shopping at Trader Joe’s, be sure to keep an eye out for their delicious pastrami.

Columbus

Columbus is another brand to consider when searching for the perfect pastrami. Their beef pastrami is crafted with care, using a blend of spices that includes black pepper, coriander, and mustard seed. The meat is then smoked over natural hardwoods, resulting in a tender, juicy, and flavorful pastrami that will satisfy your taste buds. The texture is firm yet easy to slice, making it an ideal choice for snacking or adding to a variety of dishes.

Columbus pastrami can be found at various grocery stores and delis throughout the United States, including Safeway, Albertsons, and Vons.

It is typically available at the deli counter, where it can be sliced to your desired thickness. Some stores may also carry pre-packaged Columbus pastrami in the refrigerated section, providing a convenient option for those on the go.

Saag’s Pastrami

Saag’s Pastrami is a brand of pastrami that has been renowned throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for over eight decades. The brand combines time-honored craftsmanship, a contemporary facility, and German, Swiss, and California heritage to create exquisite artisan specialty meats.

Saag’s Pastrami is known for being a healthy option for those looking for a low-fat, low-calorie, and protein-rich pastrami. The brand’s pastrami contains low amounts of fat, fewer calories, and more nourishing proteins than other brands.

Best Pastrami Restaurants Around The Country

Now, sometimes there’s nothing like fresh pastrami in a hand-crafted sandwich. Here are the best brands of restaurants that specialize in pastrami for your next foodie road trip.

Beantown Pastrami Co.

Based in Boston, Beantown Pastrami Co. is dedicated to bringing the authentic taste of New York-style pastrami to the masses. Their pastrami is made from high-quality beef and seasoned with a blend of spices before being smoked for a rich and savory flavor.

Langer’s Delicatessen (Los Angeles, California)

Known for its exceptional pastrami, Langer’s Delicatessen has been serving the Los Angeles community since 1947. Their pastrami is hand-cut and smoked to perfection, offering a tender and flavorful experience.

Katz’s (New York, New York)

A legendary New York deli, Katz’s has been serving up mouthwatering pastrami sandwiches since 1888. Their pastrami is cured and smoked using a secret family recipe, resulting in a unique and unforgettable taste.

Zingerman’s (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

This Ann Arbor institution is known for its high-quality ingredients and delicious pastrami. Zingerman’s pastrami is made from premium beef and seasoned with a blend of spices before being smoked to achieve a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.

Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen (Chicago, Illinois)

A Chicago staple since 1942, Manny’s is famous for its generous portions and delicious pastrami. Their pastrami is carefully seasoned and smoked, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat that keeps customers coming back for more.

Wexler’s (Los Angeles, California)

Wexler’s is a modern deli that offers a fresh take on classic pastrami. Their pastrami is made from high-quality beef and smoked over applewood, giving it a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other brands.

Canter’s Deli (Los Angeles, California)

Established in 1931, Canter’s Deli is an iconic Los Angeles eatery known for its delicious pastrami. Their pastrami is seasoned with a special blend of spices and smoked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat that has been enjoyed by generations of customers.

What is the best type of pastrami?

The best type of pastrami comes from the navel end of the beef brisket, as it is particularly fatty and stands up well to the long cooking process.

Why is Katz deli so expensive?

Katz Deli’s high prices are likely due to the cost of making pastrami, which involves brining, seasoning, drying, and smoking the meat, rather than being solely related to the restaurant’s fame.

What are the two types of pastrami?

The two types of pastrami are made from different cuts of beef: the navel end of the beef brisket, known as the plate cut, and the round and short rib of a cow.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, pastrami is a versatile and flavorful deli meat that can be enjoyed in various ways. The five brands we’ve discussed—Boar’s Head, Prima Della, Trader Joe’s, and Columbus Pastrami—each offer a unique and delectable taste experience that will undoubtedly impress your palate. Whether you prefer the smoky and robust flavors of beef pastrami or the lighter and healthier option of turkey pastrami, there is a brand out there for every pastrami lover. So, go ahead and indulge in the delicious world of pastrami with these five fantastic brands.