BANH MI

[mike]

Where can I find the BEST bahn mi in Manhattan?

[Keith]

Nicky's in the East Village is pretty good. I personally prefer Saigon Banh Mi though, outside of the E. Broadway mall at the intersection of Forsythe and Division St.

If you're looking for the most uptown Bahn Mi available, I think it would be at Bao Noodles on 22nd and 2nd (however, it's about $3 more here than a typical Bahn Mi would cost).

I've linked to a quick primer on NYC Bahn Mi places below.

Link: http://cityrag.blogs.com/main/2004/09...

[Dave]

Saigon Bahn Mi has moved to Mott st, so don't go to East Broadway unless you're looking for a bus to DC or a good time.

My two favorites are Saigon and Bahn Mi So #1, on Broome st just east of Mott. Bahn Mi So #1 is inconsistent, but I think on its best days is almost as good as Saigon, without the crazy line.

[Mike V]

Dave, is it Mott St above or below Canal St. Thanks.

[some dude]

mott is perpendicular to canal.

I think that store is between hester and grand. hester is parallel to canal. The shop is in back of a jade store kind of hard to see with all the grocery shoppers running around. The one on broome always makes the sandwich in front of you. The one on mott sometimes gives it to you premade so the sandwich is soggy.

[big o]

With dozens of visits under my belt, I have never been given a pre-made sandwich at Banh Mi So 1.

For some banh mi fun, grab one or two friends and order the #1 on BMS1's menu, then try Saigon's sandwich (I enjoy them both and don't think either is head and shoulders above the other). Then head over to Nicky's and order the pork chop banh mi.

[some dude]

I meant the sandwich shop on mott behind the jade dealer not banh mi so 1 on broome has the premade sandwich. I do like banh me so 1 beter.

[big o]

Ah, gotcha. My mistake.

[stuartlafonda]

Just got back from saigon b.m. and it was great. I usually go late and this time it was made while I waited and there was no line. I think they pre make for the lunch rush. Last week they gave me a pre made and I said something to them about it. To be fair to them, that sandwich was not soggy it was terrific. Obviously though freshly made would be the best way to go.

[jer]

We were at Saigon BM today at 12.15, no line, and we got 2 freshly made Banh Mi Saigon "spicy". They totally kicked ass.

[anne]

love the one at bao noodle on 22nd and 2nd ave, but it is pricier than most...i think it's worth it.

[Jane P.]

I have yet to try Saigon Bahn Mi, but I usually go to this little yellow storefront two blocks east of Broadway, on Walker st? It has a lot of words on the awning, I can't remember what it's called. It looks like a grocery store on the outside, but as soon as you walk in, there's a bahn mi counter. The stuff is fresh, and they have choices ranging from turkey to bbq chicken with the bahn mi. It's only $3, and there's lots of other Viet snacks and bites you can buy. I prefer it to Bahn Mi So - the last time I went there, the bahn mi was greasy and the veggies at the Yellow storefront were fresher and crisper. I'll go by the place today and come back with the name. It's like Sau Vac or something.

[Jane P.]

So I just checked:

Sau Voi Corp.
101-105 Lafayette St., corner with Walker St.

[SLAP]

I'm really liking the bahn mi shop located on Grand near Bowery.

[devil]

I like the one inside the music store next to the Fung Wah bus stop (Fung Wah is 139 Canal) at Canal and Bowery. Jumbo Hot Dogs is down here as well.