Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches, I’m happy to say, are a long-awaited NYC trend that feels like an honored guest at the sandwich party who just arrived fashionably late! Classic bánh mì are served on a 12-inch baguette made with a combination of rice and wheat flours to give it an extra-crispy crust and an extra-light crumb; they are stuffed with specially-seasoned grilled and cured meats, pâté, pickled carrots and daikon that have been julienned in long, thin, rectangular strips, ribbons (or wedges) of raw cucumber, and layered over a thick spread of homemade mayonnaise with a garnish of lots of cilantro and thinly-sliced fresh jalapeno. These sandwiches are easily procured around the country in areas of high-density Vietnamese residence (like San Jose, CA, and Tysons Corner, VA), and the standard of quality is formidable. However, when you add NYC ingenuity and class, you get a sandwich and scene that would impress even the most discerning palate.
Bánh Mì Saigon: Grand St at Mott St, Soho, Manhattan
This classic Vietnamese sandwich shop offers ten different variations, including more than one vegetarian option. It also sells bubble teas, Vietnamese sweet rice, rice crêpes, and more. Walk inside, and you could be in any Little Saigon in the country.
An Choi: Orchard St at Rivington, LES, Manhattan
This fresh, vintage-modern Vietnamese bistro is a sophisticated “hole in the wall” that delivers gourmet Vietnamese sandwiches and a full menu of typical and authentic Vietnamese dishes at Lower East Side prices. There’s also a full bar that rounds out the experience at brunch, lunch, dinner and late night!
Baoguette: 3rd Ave, Gramercy, Manhattan
This place offers flavorful fillings, both traditional and modern, which make this bánh mì spot a fun choice every time. I’ve used these guys to cater business meetings, too, and they don’t disappoint!
Num Pang: 12th Street at 5th Ave, Union Square, Manhattan
Technically, these sandos are Cambodian, but the construct reflects similar flavor combinations, and the menu sports a Vietnamese option, too! Num Pang’s bread is a bit smaller, and much more crunchy, which might not be traditional Vietnamese, but I prefer it anyway! The pulled pork and the curried cauliflower sandwiches are personal favorites.
Sau Voi Corporation: Lafayette St at Walker, Chinatown, Manhattan
For a truly authentic experience, you can’t do much better than buying a Vietnamese sandwich at a Vietnamese video store. These are no-frills, classic bánh mì, and you can also pick up a ca phe sua dá (Vietnamese iced coffee) to complete the meal. Throw in a Vietnamese DVD, and you have quite an exotic date night!
Vietnamese food is known for being light, fresh and filling – the sandwiches are equally so. Pick up one or more, and find out for yourself!
