Katz's Pastrami on Rye

Serve when

Serve it at the deli-table moment everyone knows — and when it's this good, feel free to make some noise. The next table will have what you're having.

In the movie

Theatrical

00:47:24 Katz's Delicatessen: Harry and Sally debate over towering deli sandwiches — Sally's demonstration makes it the most famous restaurant scene ever filmed, capped by the next table's order: 'I'll have what she's having.'

The scene is officially about something else — but it's also the best advertisement a sandwich ever got. Katz's still hangs a sign over the table: "Where Harry met Sally... hope you have what she had!" The pastrami really is that good; the rest is Meg Ryan.

Ingredients

1 lb best-quality pastrami, sliced warm (from a real deli — this is an assembly of respect)
4 slices fresh seeded rye bread
Deli mustard
Full-sour dill pickles, on the side
Absolutely nothing else

Method

Steam the pastrami gently (a colander over simmering water, 5–10 minutes) until supple and hot — cold pastrami is a misdemeanor.
Pile it impossibly high on one slice of rye. There is no correct height, only more.
Paint the top slice with mustard and crown the sandwich.
Halve, plate with pickles, and serve.
React audibly. It's traditional now.

Beyond the recipe

Go deeper

Tasting Table: what Sally actually ordered at Katz's