*Author's Note: Just Pocket has closed since the original date of this article's publication. 

Just Pocket is a casual sandwich shop and eatery, centered around (as the name suggests) just pockets – warm, made-fresh-daily, Tel Aviv-style pita bread pocket sandwiches stuffed with fusion fillings.

“Some form of warm, streetside sandwiches are common in most cuisines – the Italians have paninis, Israelis go for the falafel and pita, and even the Chinese have roujiamo,” says owner Lin Yan, a Shanghai native who grew up just a few blocks away from the Yanping Lu store.

“I want to bring together these tastes in a health-conscious, flavorful way, so diners can enjoy easy-to-understand and easy-on-the-wallet sandwiches.”

In addition to five sandwich pocket choices, the menu also offers colorful salads, hearty mains, veggie-focused sides, homemade juices, coffee, and an extremely affordable wine selection, ranging mostly from RMB180-350 per bottle.  

Lyn developed the menu with Chef Brandon Chang (Duli), so you’ll find some crossover – in dishes and style (although Just Pocket is not vegetarian like Duli).

In fact, we were impressed with the bold flavors and ingredient pairings on many of the meat dishes, namely the Braised Pork Belly (RMB78) – slow-cooked for hours with carrots, apples, Sichuan spices, and more than 10 different herbs, then shredded and mounted atop velvety, traditional-style Middle Eastern hummus. 

Marinated Spanish peppers add a pop of acidity, while crisp fried shallot rings provide textural crunch. Warm pita triangles are served on the side for swiping up every last bit. 

As for the pita pockets, the top-seller is the Cumin Lamb (RMB62) – and for good reason; pulled cumin-flecked lamb is drizzled with cooling tzatziki atop a bed of fresh arugula and red pickled onions, finished with a smoky roasted red bell pepper and tomato drizzle. 

Let’s just take a second to appreciate those pitas – they are grilled on a skillet before serving, so you get that toasted exterior with a pillowy inside that hugs whatever it’s filled with. And, one portion is actually two full pockets! 

A bite that can only be described as comfort eats – regardless of your upbringing – the Roasted Chicken (RMB56) sees stewed chicken thigh, hand-torn and tossed with pickled cucumber, arugula and a lashing of sweet bell pepper sauce, all stuffed inside a plush pita, finished with a crispy chicken skin crumble. 

Green Detox (RMB45)

There are also vegetarian-friendly options, like sweet-and-sour-coated and fried Cauliflower & Egg (RMB50), finished with a dollop of free-range Japanese egg salad and a thoughtful pairing of pickled, plump red grapes.

Curious pairings that work – Chef Brandon’s signature style. 

A trio of Roasted Yunnan Baby Carrots (RMB62) are dribbled with a piquant green pepper relish, best savored when tossed with tzatziki-laden arugula, grapes, figs, toasted pine nuts and fennel bulb.

The same Acai Bowl (RMB58) on offer at Duli features a blend of imported acai powder, avocado, banana and blueberries, topped with fresh fruits and Duli Granola (RMB58) – available for purchase in 250 gram satchels for takeaway in both original and chocolate flavor. 

The menu will change seasonally, with new dishes coming soon, like cucumber salad, veg-centric pockets, and summer ingredient mains.

And if you stop by between 9-11.30am, you can start the day right with a breakfast set for RMB48-78. 

This everyday neighborhood hangout is straightforward: what you see is what you get – colorful, tasty plates, inspired by flavors from around the globe, that are equally healthy and hearty.

Just Pocket, 227 Yanping Lu, by Kangding Lu, 延平路227号, 近康定路.