14.12.09

Truly Cheap Eats: Bánh Mi Saigon Bakery

This may be the most perfect sandwich I've ever had...


In need of some holiday shopping fortification, I wandered down Mott Street looking to check out a new place for KKNY. I happened upon a spot I'd been meaning to try for ages: Bánh Mi Saigon Bakery (on Mott, just below Grand). Wow.

Hidden in the back of a jewelry/bead shop, this place is a true gem. The menu offers 7 different kind of bánh mi (sandwiches of Vietnamese meats and/or vegetables on baguette), a few salads, summer rolls, and traditional desserts. Nothing's more than $5.50. There aren't any tables--just benches along the wall--but who cares, frankly...this place is wonderful!

I went for the Bánh Mi Saigon (said "YES" to spicy). The sandwiches are pre-made, but I was there around 11:30, so things were super-fresh (I'm guessing they do quite the business, so I assume they don't have time to get soggy). The banh mi was huge--two six-inch halves--and absolutely phenomenal: spicy pork topped with a carrot/green papaya (?) salad, hot peppers, cucumber, a slice of processed turkey, and a few sprigs of cilantro.

I can't stop thinking about this sandwich. I think it may be the closest I've had to perfection? The balance of meat to vegetable...the right amount of spice...lots of crunchy, flavorful vegetables...fresh bread...completely satisfying, but immediately wanted another one because it was SO AWESOME...

And did I mention the best part? The thing that tips it into the realm of ultimate perfection? It was only $3.75!

Why, oh why don't I live closer to Chinatown? On second thought, it's probably a good thing...

Bánh Mi Saigon Bakery, 138-01 Mott Street, just below Grand 198 Grand Street between Mott and Mulberry.

2 comments:

Bruce Hodges said...

Wow, this place sounds fantastic. That sandwich looks absolutely delicious, and for under $4...[shaking head]...how do they do that?

Will definitely be checking out this place soon. Thanks, I doubt I would have run across this otherwise.

Unknown said...

Right?! It's crazy awesome. Get your butt there!