You've heard me talk about them before. But the hype was apparently just beginning!! Banh mi, aka Vietnamese sandwiches, have been BLOWING UP in Manhattan. With the help of a
third opening of Baoguette, Num Pang, etc - non-Chinatown residents have been able to get their dose of banh mi, but at a higher price point. Slightly fancier, seating available, and closer proximity make the 50% mark-up easier to swallow. But if you happen to be in Chinatown, make an effort to try "authentic" non-commercialized banh mi.
We went to
Saigon Banh Mi So 1 on Broome and Mott based on a recommendation from a friend. This was a true Vietnamese deli filled with Pocky, coconut juice, basil seed juice (scary-looking!!), and of course NO TABLES/CHAIRS.
There were around 15 different varieties of banh mi available (all served with the same toppings of pickled carrots, cilantro, and cucumber). I was surprised that the deli was so vegetarian friendly, as most Asian restaurants (or people) are typically not so veggie-conscious!! There is house vegetarian special, a fish option, and even a vegan chicken sandwich!!! Here is my HUGE vegan chicken banh mi with lemongrass on a warm, fresh baguette- which cost me a mere $4.75. WATCH OUT SUBWAY, there is a NEW CONTENDER in town!!!
MMM - the vegan chicken/tofu had quite the kick but GREAT flavors. I gotta say, however - despite the great value and exceptional product - I still favor
Num Pang. Yes, their sandwich is about half the size and more expensive (around $7.95), but there is something about their toasted garlicky bread and chili mayo that is so much more flavorful. It's a little prettier and a little neater - I tend to fall for things in cuter packages. However, I still highly recommend Saigon Banh Mi So for some filling, satisfying cheap eats. And apparently many other people love this place too - by 5pm (right after we began chomping on our sandwiches outside of the deli), the lights had already been shut off, and a sign reading "Sorry, no more baguettes. 'No More Sandwiches'" had been placed at the counter.
We went to Saigon Banh Mi So 1 on Broome and Mott based on a recommendation from a friend. This was a true Vietnamese deli filled with Pocky, coconut juice, basil seed juice (scary-looking!!), and of course NO TABLES/CHAIRS.
There were around 15 different varieties of banh mi available (all served with the same toppings of pickled carrots, cilantro, and cucumber). I was surprised that the deli was so vegetarian friendly, as most Asian restaurants (or people) are typically not so veggie-conscious!! There is house vegetarian special, a fish option, and even a vegan chicken sandwich!!! Here is my HUGE vegan chicken banh mi with lemongrass on a warm, fresh baguette- which cost me a mere $4.75. WATCH OUT SUBWAY, there is a NEW CONTENDER in town!!!
MMM - the vegan chicken/tofu had quite the kick but GREAT flavors. I gotta say, however - despite the great value and exceptional product - I still favor Num Pang. Yes, their sandwich is about half the size and more expensive (around $7.95), but there is something about their toasted garlicky bread and chili mayo that is so much more flavorful. It's a little prettier and a little neater - I tend to fall for things in cuter packages. However, I still highly recommend Saigon Banh Mi So for some filling, satisfying cheap eats. And apparently many other people love this place too - by 5pm (right after we began chomping on our sandwiches outside of the deli), the lights had already been shut off, and a sign reading "Sorry, no more baguettes. 'No More Sandwiches'" had been placed at the counter.
0 comments:
Post a Comment