Metro

Chuck Schumer’s legendary sandwich

It’s the most famous sandwich in New York politics.

Roast beef, banana peppers, pickled jalapeños, extra onions, extra tomatoes, two layers of pickles, mayonnaise and mustard on hearty Italian bread — it’s known as “The Schumwich.”

Sen. Chuck Schumer’s go-to lunch has become a legend in lawmaker circles — an inside joke of sorts among the armies of political aides who have slaved away in Schumer’s office.

When it comes to the preparation of his eponymous sandwich, New York’s senior senator can turn into a Naomi Campbell-like diva.

“No lettuce — it kills the flavor!” Schumer is known to bark at aides who mess up the order. “Did you ask for extra pickles?” he bellows. “Did you watch them put them on, or did you not focus on it?”

Aides are encouraged to demand the extra pickles only after the first layer has been placed inside the sandwich in order to ensure the hoagie receives the necessary amount of “extra.”

Schumer has honed his hero since he discovered a similar sandwich at Tony’s Sub Shop when he was attending Harvard University, he told The Post.

“One of my true guilty pleasures is what my staff calls the Schumwich,” he confessed, adding that he tries to bring a healthy brown bag lunch packed for him by his wife, CUNY vice chancellor Iris Weinshall, most days. But he relishes the times when he can order the gold standard of sandwiches.

“The key is, you have to ask for extra tomatoes, onions, and pickles. I highly recommend it,” he said.

The grinder — which costs $6.75 at Subway — has garnered its share of devotees.

“It’s now my favorite sandwich,” said former Schumer aide and lunch partner Sam Schaeffer.

Schumer’s not the only elected official with exacting eating habits.

His colleague, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand — who recently made headlines for dropping 20 pounds — eats grilled chicken with steamed broccoli for lunch and decaf coffee with milk and sugar throughout the day, according to an aide.

akarni@nypost.com