The Great Pastrami Showdown: Katz's vs. Langer's

A recent blind taste test conducted by the New York Post and California Post has reignited the debate over which city boasts the superior pastrami: Katz's Delicatessen in New York City or Langer's Deli in Los Angeles. The test involved staff from both newspapers sampling pastrami sandwiches from each deli to determine a winner.

NYC vs. LA: Who has the best pastrami? Katz's vs. Langer's blind taste test

The rivalry between Katz's and Langer's is steeped in history, with Katz's, established in 1888, being a cornerstone of New York's Jewish deli culture, while Langer's, opened in 1947, has become a beloved local institution in Los Angeles. Both delis have their unique offerings, with Katz's famous for its iconic pastrami and Langer's known for its #19 special sandwich, which has been praised for its complex flavors.

NYC vs. LA: Who has the best pastrami? Katz's vs. Langer's blind taste test

The taste test was conducted in two locations: New York and Los Angeles. In New York, seven tasters sampled pastrami from both delis, while a similar group in Los Angeles performed the same exercise. Each participant rated the sandwiches on a scale from 1 to 10, focusing on factors such as flavor, texture, and overall satisfaction.

NYC vs. LA: Who has the best pastrami? Katz's vs. Langer's blind taste test

In New York, Langer's narrowly edged out Katz's with a score of 4 to 3. Notable tasters included Andrew Court, who found Langer's "super tasty" and rated it 8.5 out of 10, while Steve Cuozzo criticized Langer's for being "good, but nothing special," giving it a 6 out of 10. The overall sentiment leaned towards Langer's, with some tasters appreciating its unique flavor profile.

NYC vs. LA: Who has the best pastrami? Katz's vs. Langer's blind taste test

Conversely, in Los Angeles, Katz's dominated the taste test with a score of 5 to 2. Katcy Stephan, a Page Six Hollywood reporter, declared Katz's "no contest" and awarded it a 9 out of 10, citing its superior flavor. Other tasters echoed this sentiment, with several giving Katz's high marks for its rich taste and texture.

NYC vs. LA: Who has the best pastrami? Katz's vs. Langer's blind taste test

Despite the overall results, opinions varied significantly among tasters. Some New York tasters found Langer's pastrami lacking in flavor compared to Katz's, while Los Angeles tasters noted that Katz's bread was subpar. This divergence highlights the subjective nature of taste and the deep-rooted loyalties to each city's culinary traditions.

NYC vs. LA: Who has the best pastrami? Katz's vs. Langer's blind taste test

Norm Langer, owner of Langer's, expressed satisfaction with the New York results, stating, "We have a lot of respect for Katz’s, but when you’ve been doing pastrami the right way for generations, the food usually speaks for itself." Meanwhile, Katz's fans in Los Angeles celebrated their deli's victory, emphasizing the mastery behind its pastrami.

NYC vs. LA: Who has the best pastrami? Katz's vs. Langer's blind taste test

• “After eating this, I think I’ll be orgasming like Meg Ryan,” — Andrew Court, New York Post Staffer

NYC vs. LA: Who has the best pastrami? Katz's vs. Langer's blind taste test

• “This tastes like New York,” — Steve Cuozzo, New York Post Restaurant Critic

NYC vs. LA: Who has the best pastrami? Katz's vs. Langer's blind taste test

• “There’s so much more flavor,” — Ryan Kostecka, California Post Sports Editor

NYC vs. LA: Who has the best pastrami? Katz's vs. Langer's blind taste test

The taste test results illustrate the enduring rivalry between Katz's and Langer's, with each deli claiming victory in its respective city. Ultimately, the debate over which pastrami reigns supreme may continue indefinitely, as both delis offer distinct flavors that reflect their unique cultural backgrounds.

NYC vs. LA: Who has the best pastrami? Katz's vs. Langer's blind taste test