With a pita sandwich inspired by Ho Chi Minh, Philadelphia, and Paris, Sam Adra has the chance to become Sweden’s sandwich champion. A title that often brings great attention and attracts visitors from afar.
– "I’m excited to showcase our competition entry, our project, and 'make Kista proud'."
The smell of freshly baked bread and tangy tomatoes greets us as we open the door to Sustainaboule’s colorful container at Kista Innovation Park. In the kitchen, tucked behind the restaurant’s serving window, Hosam "Sam" Adra is practicing his timing. He is one of five finalists in Mack-SM, the competition to crown Sweden’s tastiest, healthiest, and trendiest sandwich.
– "On competition day, we have to make 20 identical sandwiches in just 45 minutes! A jury will judge the sandwiches on taste, appearance, and innovation – which gives me a big advantage. Our restaurant concept, and of course the competition sandwich, is built around rescued vegetables from nearby grocery stores, which is quite unique."
On the stove, a sauce made from fermented lentils is simmering. In the oven, hearty pita bread made with poolish and sourdough is turning golden. On the counter, bowls of hummus, fermented vegetables, homegrown herbs, and fried Burmese tofu are ready – all essential components of Sam’s competition sandwich.
A Treasure Chest of Flavors
A new feature this year is that the competition has a theme: Cities. For Sam, who hails from Melbourne, one of the world’s most multicultural cities, there was a treasure chest of flavors to choose from. It’s not unusual there to serve bolognese with Chinese herbs and spices, a satay burger with peanuts, or a tikka masala pie!
– My ‘Pita Pocket’ is the embodiment of a cosmopolitan sandwich, with influences from Ho Chi Minh, Philadelphia, and Paris! As a bonus, we also tick the sustainability box, which is high on every big city’s agenda. Try finding a sandwich with a lower carbon footprint.
However, there is a challenge in the concept of "using what’s available today." The competition rules state that nothing in the recipe can be changed.
– "The risk is that on competition day, I’ll have to choose between following the rules or sticking to my concept. Right now, I’m confident enough to choose the concept over the rules, but we’ll see..."
Pilgrimage to Kista
Sam has high expectations for what will follow the competition. He’s convinced that the finalist spot in Sweden’s biggest sandwich competition will bring attention to both Sustainaboule and Kista.
– "Since our sandwich and concept are so unique, I know many people will want to try it, whether we win or not."
Plant-Based Christmas Buffet
When asked about the plans for Sustainaboule’s food offerings this fall, Sammy hints at exciting developments.
– "On November 4th, we’ll temporarily move to a winter venue at Blåfjellsgatan 2. It’s a cozy spot with high ceilings and plenty of light. The menu will remain the same but with a winter twist. We’ll do everything we can to create the same fun, family-friendly atmosphere that defines our food and boule theme. The big news is a plant-based Christmas buffet with all the traditional dishes: meatballs, Jansson’s Temptation, herring… And whoever finds the almond in the rice pudding wins a great prize. I hope to see both Kista locals and commuters. Everyone is welcome," Sam concludes.
Mack-SM – How It Works
During the final, the Mack-SM 2024 contestants must create 20 sandwiches in just 45 minutes, based on this year’s theme, "Cities." The final takes place in front of an enthusiastic audience at Stockholmsmässan. Everything except the bread and any protein, like meat, fish, or poultry, must be prepared from scratch on-site. The winner receives 10,000 SEK to be used for industry-related educational purposes.
