Bahn Mi in St. Louis?

[Anne]

My husband and I are coming to St. Louis this weekend and want to try a bahn mi sandwich. Neither of us have ever had one. Where's the best place to go? What sandwich(es) should we order once we get there? Should we order anything else to go with the sandwiches? Thanks!

[Anne]

Had to report back. We ended up at Mai Lee, mainly because it was about 1/2 mile from where we were staying. The grilled pork bahn mi was EXCELLENT. We split one, and also ordered the pho with med. rare beef (OK---have had better), and the grilled Vietnamese chicken salad which was WONDERFUL! Will probaly make a point to go back next time we're in STL.
Just one more question about the bahn mi---although we liked the taste of the grilled pork, we would have preferred the meat shredded---is it served shredded at the other recommended restaurants?
Thanks again!

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Mai Lee
Musick Memorial Dr, St Louis, MO 63144

[FriendOfTheDevil]

Im so glad you went and enjoyed it! And thank you for the report!

I have never seen it shredded. I don't think they cook it to that stage which would be 200+ degrees if you are speaking of like pork shoulder or something. I think in order to get the taste they have and the coloring and what not, it has to be more in sliced form or pieces.

FOTD

[wekick]

We tried Mama Pho and it was great. We had the Banh xeo with pork and shrimp and banh mi with grilled chicken. Both were very flavorful and delicious. Thanks for the rec. I also want to try Truc Lam on Gravois.

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Truc Lam Restaurant
3737 Gravois Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63116

[FriendOfTheDevil]

Good deal! They are nice folks there. The Afghan store across the street has some fresh breads and all kinds of interesting things including a jar of browned garlic slivers I want to get next time to try in some soup!

FOTD

[lemons]

FOD, are you referring to the Mama Pho folks or the Truc Lam folks?

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Truc Lam Restaurant
3737 Gravois Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63116

[FriendOfTheDevil]

The Mama Pho folks. I have not been to Truc Lam.

FOTD

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Truc Lam Restaurant
3737 Gravois Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63116

[FriendOfTheDevil]

I would not go to Bhan Mi So # 1. the reason you have to get triple meat is there is barely a shred of meat on the sandwich.

I have found Mam Pho to be the best, with Mai Lee a close second.

In both cases, I would stick to the Grilled Pork.

Love em!

FOTD

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Mai Lee
Musick Memorial Dr, St Louis, MO 63144

[alan]

Banh Mi So #1 is always mentioned here as the best. I've also enjoyed them at Mai Lee, which is a bit more upscale. I also enjoy their chicken banh mi.

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Mai Lee
Musick Memorial Dr, St Louis, MO 63144

[alan]

Mai Lee (managing links on this site is a major pain!) http://www.maileerestaurant.com/index...

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Mai Lee
Musick Memorial Dr, St Louis, MO 63144

Mai Lee
Musick Memorial Dr, St Louis, MO 63144

[wekick]

http://banhmiso1.com/

This my favorite but you might want to go off peak hours because it is just a man and his wife that run it. I would get the triple crown pork or meatball, double meat. I have loved everything we have ever gotten there. You would be going strictly for the food and conversation if it is not busy. I love the spring rolls too. Lots of greens.