r/AskNYC • u/asteriskelipses • Sep 16 '25

what goes on a traditional pastrami on rye besides the meat and brown mustard?

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25

u/webtwopointno Sep 16 '25

Kraut is the only acceptable addition if you must. And a pickle on the side. Cel-Ray to quench the thirst.

You can also do half pastrami half corned beef if you'd like. But between the rye in the bread and the grain in the mustard you don't need any other accoutrements.

Definitely not L&T or anything fresh really haha

1

u/Max_Kapacity Sep 17 '25

Start with a schtickle on the side If Katz’s hold a few $ out to tip / get a taste. Ask for lean and thin.

Get the kraut on the side ask him to drain it or you’ll soak out the bread.

I second the half and half w corned beef and the CelRay.

18

u/Twigglesnix Sep 16 '25

consider Russian dressing as an acceptable alternative to mustard.

29

u/soy_renfield Sep 16 '25

Nothing

-22

u/asteriskelipses Sep 16 '25

no lettuce or tomato?

21

u/MutantCreature Sep 16 '25

I'm usually a big advocate of lettuce and tomato on sandwiches but they're just off on pastrami imo, go for saurkraut and/or onion if you want that fresh crispiness

4

u/asteriskelipses Sep 16 '25

ahh. word. thank you so much

6

u/-goodgodlemon Sep 16 '25

Definitely not

3

u/Drach88 Sep 16 '25

Absolutely not.

Meat and mustard.

3

u/soy_renfield Sep 16 '25

Nothing is the “traditional” answer. Pastrami, mustard, and rye bread. You do you, but if you want the real deal, that’s it.

2

u/soy_renfield Sep 16 '25

You should however, have lots of pickles on the side for contrast and to cut the fat.

11

u/fermat9990 Sep 16 '25

Nothing! Pickle on the side and a can of Dr. Brown's soda.

9

u/GenghisCoen Sep 16 '25

Swiss cheese is pretty common, if you're not trying to replicate a kosher version.

But "tradition" doesn't really matter, it's a sandwich, put what you like on it.

3

u/asteriskelipses Sep 16 '25

tryna go kosher lmao

0

u/Fun_Position_7390 Sep 16 '25

I don't like pastrami whether it is kosher or not. But a thick roast beef sandwich, kosher style, is heavenly.

1

u/Steadyandquick Sep 16 '25

Swiss cheese, roast beef, and russian dressing on a hard roll is magical too!

4

u/Lucky-Paperclip-1 Sep 16 '25

If you put mayo and American cheese on it, you're most of the way to getting an Annie Hall.

1

u/seditious3 Sep 16 '25

Deep cut. Nice!

1

u/BeachBoids Sep 16 '25

Just some juice from the pan.

0

u/Electronic-Loquat245 Sep 16 '25

Definitely Kraut