Hector's Deli Perfect Egg Salad Sandwich Recipe

Recipe by Dom Wilton, Hector's Deli

In 2017, Dom Wilton quietly turned a Richmond milk bar into something of a local institution. Hector’s Deli has since grown to Fitzroy, South Yarra and Richmond, cementing its reputation as one of Melbourne’s most beloved lunch spots, a place where the humble sandwich is elevated to an art form.

Dom’s journey from fine-dining kitchens to approachable, everyday fare is at the heart of Hector’s ethos. He wanted to make food that feels simple yet satisfying, familiar yet memorable, and, above all, a reason for people to come together. At Hector’s, connection is the main ingredient, and every sandwich tells a story.

To mark World Sandwich Day on 3 November, we’re re-sharing Dom’s Egg Salad Sandwich recipe from [In] Residence. A deceptively simple creation, it’s a reminder that the best sandwiches are often the ones that take you back to the comfort of a familiar kitchen, even in the heart of the city.

Egg Salad Sandwich Recipe
By Dom Wilton, Hector’s Deli

Ingredients

• Soft white bread (Dom recommends Bakers Delight - high GI, low fibre; unsliced so you can cut it extra thick)
  
• 6 eggs
  
• 1 head of green oak lettuce
  
• 70g Kewpie mayo
  
• 1/4 white onion
  
• 1 Lebanese cucumber
  
• Unsalted butter
  
• 5g white pepper
  
• 1 lemon
  
• Salt, to season
  

Method

Egg Mix

1. Bring a pot of water to the boil and cook the eggs for 7 minutes, aiming for soft, gel-like yolks.
   
2. Peel under cold running water and dice into large chunks; generous pieces preserve that luxurious, silky texture.
   
3. Combine the eggs with finely diced white onion, Kewpie mayo (essential), white pepper, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon.
   
4. Fold gently to combine, taking care not to break down the egg.
   

To Assemble

1. Peel three crisp oak lettuce leaves.
   
2. Slice the Lebanese cucumber into 1cm-thick rounds.
   
3. Liberally butter each slice of bread.
   
4. Spread the egg mixture onto one slice.
   
5. Layer eight cucumber rounds over the eggs.
   
6. Season the lettuce with lemon juice and salt, then place it atop the cucumbers.
   
7. Close the sandwich, wrap it in greaseproof paper, and cut in half to keep everything tidy.
   

Don't feel like cooking?

Hector’s Deli serves fresh sandwiches and crisp toasties seven days a week, and if luck is on your side, the Egg Salad Sandwich might just be on the specials menu.

Hector’s Locations:

Hector’s Bakery: 33 Stewart Street, Richmond VIC 3121
Little Collins: 61 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Fitzroy: 111 Moor Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
South Melbourne: 253 Coventry Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Richmond: 94 Buckingham Street, Richmond VIC 3121

World Sandwich Day is as good an excuse as any to celebrate the city’s love for a great sandwich, whether you’re making it at home or grabbing it from one of Melbourne’s quiet culinary institutions.

For more delicious recipes, click here.