Houston: best hole-in-the-wall vietnamese?

[josholken]

Hi all,

I'm in Houston (and away from NYC) for a few months on business, and I want to take advantage of all the Vietnamese options here that I don't have back at home. I've done some searching through old posts, but haven't seen a thorough examination of the myriad hole-in-the-wall vietnamese places. What's good? What's best? What should I try whereever I go (other than the standard and delicious bahn mi and pho)?

A few names I've already seen are:
- Thiem Hung Sandwich
- Miss Saigon
- Givrals
- Sandong Snacks

Thanks for your help,
Josh

[Sahel578]

I dont think that Miss Saigon would qualify as "hole in the wall" as it aims to be a little upscale with decor and pricing.

There is Pho Bong Sen on the NW side which is in a strip center and really becoming quite good. Try the satay beef flat noodle.

I have to second Cali Sandwich for the bahn mi. Excellent.

[mkwng]

I thought the banh mi at Cali Sandwich, 3030 Travis, were the best in Houston when I lived there.

[montroseguys23]

Pho Nga, 2929 Milam is an authentic choice. All the standards I have tried there are very good, and it reminds me of the way Van Loc or Mia's looked 20 years ago, except it's still 90% vietnamese frequented.

[donnaaries]

Sandong Snacks is definitely Chinese. Not gonna find pho or banh mi there, just to warn you. But excellent dumplings in beef broth!