A Jersey Shore restaurant has introduced a new take on a classic breakfast sandwich, drawing attention and igniting a familiar debate across the state. Boardwalk Bandit in Bradley Beach is now serving a pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwich that includes funnel cake.
The $16 "delicacy" features three slices of pork roll, a fried egg, and American cheese, all enclosed within two pieces of funnel cake. It is served with a side of raspberry ketchup.
Owners Jamie Queli and Seth Dolled stated their intention was to create a dish that would provoke discussion, drawing inspiration from the concept of "New Jersey chicken and waffles." "We wanted to see how we can make a New Jersey chicken and waffles," Queli told NJ.com. "So we were like let’s make a pork roll, egg and cheese on a funnel cake bun—make it just so New Jersey that people argue about it."
The sandwich has indeed fueled the ongoing debate in New Jersey about whether the processed meat in the popular breakfast item should be called "pork roll" or "Taylor ham." Residents in the northern part of the state typically refer to it as Taylor ham, named after a prominent brand, while those in the southern region use the term pork roll.
Social media reactions show a mix of intrigue and playful skepticism. "I know what I’m doing next weekend," one user commented. Others humorously acknowledged the sandwich's indulgent nature, with one person writing, "Absolutely disgusting. Give me 2," and another adding, "I don’t need abs this year."