Standard Ham Original Tandem 0.96 lbs

Some things don’t need reinventing — Tandem’s Standard Ham Original is the ham that raised a generation of Bulgarian families: mild, tender, honest pork that slices clean and tastes like home.

In Bulgarian deli culture, the classic cooked ham — known as shunka (шунка) — is as fundamental as bread and sirene cheese. It is the anchor of the morning sandwich, the staple of the school lunchbox, and the reliable centerpiece of any cold cuts spread. Tandem’s Standard Ham Original is made in the USA following that same Eastern European recipe: quality pork, a clean brine, gentle cooking, and nothing unnecessary. The result is a mild, lightly seasoned ham with a tender, yielding texture that slices neatly whether cut thick or thin.

At 0.96 lbs, this is a practical everyday portion — enough for a week’s worth of sandwiches or a generous cold platter for the family table. The “Original” designation marks this as the classic, unsmoked variant: pure pork flavor, clean finish, versatile from breakfast to dinner.

How to Enjoy It

Slice medium-thin and layer onto fresh white bread with butter and sliced tomatoes for the definitive Bulgarian ham sandwich. Arrange on a cold cuts board alongside Bulgarian kashkaval, sirene, olives, and roasted peppers for an effortless meze spread. Dice and fold into scrambled eggs or an omelet for a quick, protein-rich breakfast — or layer into a warm flatbread with lutenitsa for a satisfying lunch wrap.

What Makes It Special

Made in the USA in the authentic Eastern European tradition, this ham prioritizes clean pork flavor over additives and fillers. The “Original” formula is the benchmark in the Tandem ham line — mild, pure, and consistent. For diaspora shoppers, it is the closest American-made equivalent to the shunka that was a fixture in every Bulgarian household refrigerator.

Quick Facts

✓  Type: Classic cooked pork ham (original / unsmoked)
✓  Flavor: Mild, lightly seasoned, clean pork finish
✓  Net Weight: 1 lb (approx. 454g)
✓  Made in: USA (Tandem brand — Eastern European tradition)
✓  UPC: 180936000142
✓  SKU: TM11
✓   Buy 3 to save 5%

Bulgarian Serving Tip

In Bulgarian homes, shunka is breakfast. Slice it medium and lay it on a thick cut of fresh white bread — a smear of butter underneath, a slice of ripe tomato on top, and a pinch of salt. Serve alongside a cup of strong black coffee or boza for the full morning experience. For a proper meze table, pair cold ham slices with Bulgarian Kashkaval, a bowl of shopska salata, and chilled Rakia — the Eastern European answer to a charcuterie board.

Pairs perfectly with: Bulgarian Kashkaval (SKU: CKY05sheep or CKY 450cow), Burgas Black Sea Salami (SKU: TM44), Servilat Salami (SKU: TM43), and Deroni Lutenitsa spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Standard Ham Original” — how is it different from other hams?

“Standard” refers to the classic Eastern European cooked ham style — a mild, all-pork product made without smoke or heavy seasoning. “Original” marks it as the base variant in the Tandem ham line, unsmoked and unflavored beyond the traditional brine. It is the everyday ham of Bulgarian deli culture: versatile, clean-tasting, and dependable.

Is this ham imported from Bulgaria?

No — it is made in the United States by the Tandem brand using authentic Eastern European recipes and production standards. The style and flavor profile are true to the Bulgarian shunka tradition, but the product is manufactured domestically.

Is it fully cooked and ready to eat?

Yes. This is a fully cooked ham — ready to slice and eat straight from the package. It can also be warmed, pan-fried, or added to cooked dishes, but no further cooking is required.

How thick should I slice it?

For sandwiches and wraps, medium-thin slices work best — around 3—4mm. For a meze or charcuterie board, slightly thicker slices (5—6mm) hold their shape better when fanned or rolled. For dicing into eggs or pasta dishes, cut into cubes of about 1cm.

How should I store it and how long does it keep once opened?

Keep refrigerated at all times. Once opened, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in a sealed container and consume within 5—7 days for best quality. Use by the date printed on the label for unopened product.

Can I buy multiple pieces at a discount?

Yes — add 3 or more pieces to your cart and the price drops, saving you 5%. The discount is applied automatically at checkout.