New Hobart CBD deli’s sangers are a cut above

If you’re a sandwich lover – and if you’re not, you will be after trying one of these – you should head to this new Hobart eatery, as both the food and service are outstanding, writes Alix Davis

ALIX DAVIS

2 min read

July 6, 2024 - 12:42PM

Happy Larry’s delicious prosciutto sandwich includes two slabs of fluffy focaccia stuffed with paper-thin prosciutto, vibrant rocket, chunky red capsicum sauce and a creamy burrata. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

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Hobart is playing a very good sandwich game at the moment. There is no shortage of Reubens to choose from along with plenty of other creative combinations that pair various iterations of bread with delicious fillings. And now, a new player has entered the arena – welcome, Happy Larry. Tucked off Liverpool St in a pedestrian laneway, this recent addition to the Hobart scene is already garnering rave reviews, if the constant line of sandwich fans waiting to order is anything to go by.

While I love a lunch al desko, on this occasion we grabbed a table (be quick!) and perused the line-up before ordering at the counter. I couldn’t resist a Six Russell Bakes kale pesto pastry ($9.50) that was just as flaky and buttery as I had hoped. The kimchi and cheese version (such a good combo!) will have to wait until next time. Bread for the sandwiches is provided by Six Russell Bakes, Pigeon Whole Bakers and Baked Gluten-free and you couldn’t ask for a better line-up of carby wonder. It’s all delicious in its own right and makes an excellent foundation for these handheld parcels of goodness.

While we’re deciding what to have there’s a constant stream of people coming in for lunch – everyone from office workers to students, firemen and retirees. A good sandwich obviously crosses a wide swath of demographics. I go with the prosciutto sandwich ($18) and am rewarded with two fat slabs of fluffy, slightly oily (as it should be) focaccia stuffed with paper-thin prosciutto, vibrant rocket, a chunky red capsicum sauce and a creamy burrata that almost seems too good to put in a sandwich. Almost. A little tang from finely sliced pickled onions adds the perfect edge to this red, white and green Italian-inspired combo.

Happy Larry’s chicken schnitty sandwich, which is one of the deli’s most popular. Picture: Supplied

My husband opts for the schnitty ($19), which owner Vaz Khetarpal tells us is their most popular item by far, since opening four weeks ago. One bite and we can see why – the panko-crusted chicken fillet is crunchy on the outside, moist and tender on the inside and comes with a generous helping of Asian slaw, slightly spicy harissa mayo and cheese on more of that wonderful focaccia.

It’s a blending of cultures, but it works brilliantly and I’m sure it will continue to be a customer favourite.

One of Happy Larry’s tasty kale and pesto pastries. Picture: Supplied

Happy Larry’s prosciutto sandwich. Picture: Supplied

Khetarpal and his business partner had been wanting to open a sandwich deli for a while and when this location became available, they jumped at it. In addition to tables inside, there’s also outdoor seating with heaters providing some protection against the chill and no shortage of customers willing to brave a winter’s day for a good sandwich. Almost everything except the bread is made in-house, including the popular matcha-strawberry drink ($7.50) and a decadent crookie (that’s a cookie-croissant combination).

Happy Larry chef Andrea Diaz and head chef Roshan Shrestha. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

We could hardly visit a sandwich deli without trying the Reuben ($21) – a regular fixture of delis around the globe. Densely crumbed sourdough from Pigeon Whole Bakers is paired with a generous portion of pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, mild Swiss cheese and the traditional Russian dressing (a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish and a little chilli sauce). It’s topped with a couple of gherkins and comes with a side of salted kettle chips. Every bite is the perfect combo of textures and flavours and this sandwich is a classic for good reason.

If you’re a sandwich lover (and if you’re not, you will be after trying one of these) head to Happy Larry for sandwiches and service that are outstanding. Game on!