Banh Mi or Not Banh Mi that is the question?

[dgreen777]

Where could I find a tastier Banh Mi sandwich in NYC other than Baoguette?

[Ali]

It's a loose interpretation of the term, but if you're not looking at Baoguette, I'd say that Numpang has the best banh mi in town. The five spice pork belly sandwich is awesome. Greasy and fatty but awesome.

http://www.numpangnyc.com/

[ChiefHDB]

I had Pho Saigon 1 on Broome St yesterday for the first time in 3 years. Very good, better bread but little milder than the jewelry store banh mi.

[MVNYC]

Numpang is way overrated and expensive. Banh Mi So 1 is now the reigning king with Saigon slipping a little

[ChiefHDB]

I meant Banh Mi So 1 right? I always get them mixed up and forget that Saigon is the jewlery store one. MVNYC it sound's like you're doing play by play haha.

[MVNYC]

Yeah that's the place on Broom street, I think the name may have changed once or twice over the years. Saigon banh Mi was much better when it was located under the Manhattan Bridge in my opinion. Bahn Mi So 1 has been consistently good since I first had it 8 years or so ago when very few non Asians went. The only difference is the price which has increased since they have been getting more well known outside Chinatown. If you want it spicier ask for it with fresh chilis on
it.

These new fangled "Uptown" Bahn mi's just don't do it for me. They lack the oomph and seem to be designed for a different palate then the ones I cut my teeth on or the ones I had while in Viet Nam.

[bdachow]

Used to go to the jewellry store one and noting that there seems to be an opinion that it was dropping off, ventured to the place on Broome instead. I have to say I was a little disappointed. Ordered the liver pate one and the flavours were pretty muted. The pickled carrots and daikon were a little less vinegary than I like. Was disappointed that asking for spicy meant hot sauce as opposed to jalapenos. And the bread was only meh for me. It crumbed ok but didn't quite crack the way I expect a fresh baguette too (I also noticed that the roof of my mouth survived quite intact). Perhaps it was the hour at which I went (mid afternoon) but still, I would hope that it's still nice and fresh throughout the day. The pate itself was quite nice, nice texture and taste. But as a whole, the sandwich just didn't do it for me.

[MVNYC]

Fresh chiles are available if you ask for them. I would say the bread was probably the result of being there at the wrong time. Those baguettes do not have a long shelf life. The earlier in the day you go, the better.

[bdachow]

Thanks for the tips, next time I'm in town, I'll have to remember it. Am always happy to give a place more than one shot, you never know if it's just having an off day.

[JMF]

MVNYC- Actually the price increase was with the new owners after Tony (I'm pretty sure that is his name) sold out a year or two ago. First thing the new owners did was raise the prices $1-2 across the board.

[bigjeff]

I just went there this weekend (the Broome St. spot) and it kicks the ass of the Saigon Banh Mi on grand (the new location). Prices indeed are higher; the No. 1 is now $4.25 but, perfect balance of ingredients, texture, crunch and flavor. I should have never cheated on you, Banh Mi So 1!

[bigjeff]

place info:

Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli, Inc.
d/b/a/ Saigon Banh Mi So 1
369 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013
212-219-8341
www.Vietnamese-Sandwich.com

[JMF]

Did you see on the website "Vegan Hoggies" ? Who knew Hogs were vegans?

[TripelDouble]

Glad to see your comment. I did a spit-take when I saw $6-plus banh-mi on that menu.

[JungMann]

My preference is Banh Mi Saigon, Paris Bakery, Kampuchea, Num Pang, and No 1 Saigon in a very respectable 5th place.

[kathryn]

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/610491
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/643201

[bigjeff]

ya that first thread posted was a recent one

[stephaniec25]

The best bahn mi I have tried in NY came from this jewelry shop in Chinatown...I know it if I see it but the street name escapes me right now - any CHers know?

[kathryn]

Banh Mi Saigon Bakery
138 Mott St., at Grand Street

It's quite well known:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/370173
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/471499
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/232141
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/370173
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/392258

[stephaniec25]

yes that's it, thank you! I couldn't remember the name or the street!

[bigjeff]

ya that place is falling off tho

[carub]

Num Pang is the best

[dgreen777]

Going to Numpang today for lunch,,,,brisket of five spiced pork belly sandwich? for those who have been.....

[Ali]

Go for the five spice. Definitely. I wouldn't characterize it as a great workday lunch meal (way too greasy for me for that, personally), but it is phenomenally good - moist and tender but not too overpowering in that way that five spice can be.

Or the cauliflower is good, too. :)

[carub]

the catfish is great!

[Ricky]

Cant go wrong with the Brisket, King Mackerel, or the Cauliflower.

[Bob Martinez]

Since you opened it up to all of NYC I'll recommend Ba Xuyen in Brooklyn's Sunset Park. There are lots of compliments on the outer Boroughs board. The regular food press concurs.

NY Magazine - "This shop should be considered a serious contender for King of the Vietnamese Sandwich."

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/ba-xuyen/

Robert Sietsema - "... my favorite version has always been found at Ba Xuyen, on the outskirts of Brooklyn's Chinatown."
http://www.villagevoice.com/2003-08-1...

[kessdarln]

I've read over the years about Nikky's Vietnamese Sandwichs. Are they still around, haven't seen anyone suggest them in quite some time.

[bigjeff]

haha, for a good reason; they no good!

[dhs]

Yes still around and a choice if you are in the EV, but not as good as others in this discussion. But still a yummy post drinking snack for sure.

[asiansupper]

i'm actually digging banh mi zon - a few blocks up from nicky's

[JMF]

Zon is ok, but not as good as banh mi so 1 or saigon. I use it as a east village quick fix, but not a destination place.