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Banh Mi
Posted: 2:29 pm, June 3rd, 2011 in Midtown Eating
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6 Comments
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This is probably the most comprehensive Banh Mi review I've seen: http://feistyfoodie.com/2010/04/15/battle-of-the-banh-mi/
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Thanks Cheese! Most of these were the suggestions I had received as well. However, I am also curious to know how ChaPa compares, from the experienced opinions.
The only solid reviews I've found are for their Pho. -
I'm always on the lookout for good pho. I'm living in midtown west now, and I've had Saigon 48, Boi Noodles, and the best, but most expensive of the 3, Pho 32. None of these come even close to what I used to get a Nha Trang in Jersey City. Meh.
I gotta make my way down to Chinatown soon...maybe after my exam on Monday...
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for a fast food chinese place, Hing Won does a decent banh mi.
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Oh snap, they have Vietnamese ragout. I haven't had that in years.
The misspellings on the menu worry me but I'll try this place's banh mi out and let you know.
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Well, it survived a hike to central park so it wins points for that. However, it was missing head cheese and pate (they didn't have any of either!) and needed a dash of soy sauce or something to make it touch saltier. Also, I wasnt offered an option to make it spicy :(
Bread is a little denser than what you'd find in Vietnam but it's just light enough to please me. It's definitely dense enough to make a substantial meal, which I feel is more important to the ML crowd anyway, and justifies its price of $6.75. The cha lua (pork roll) has chunks of peppercorn in it so thats a huge plus -- BUT you only get three thin slices. Nem nuong (grilled cured pork) is on point and makes up the bulk of the protein (as it should). Pickled daikon and carrots are just right for my tastes. Bread could be toasted a little more.
Overall, its pretty legit. I just wish there were more cold cuts in it. I'm a headcheese and pate slut so this sandwich only gets a 3.6 out of 5. Very respectable despite its shortcomings.
To put things in perspective... a hard 5 for me would be Banh Mi Saigon's bread + Momofuku's pork terrine/pate + Baoguette's fillings, all sold at typical Chinatown prices.
The iced coffee here is great too! Sandwich + Coffee hit me for $10.62 after taxes.
Btw, I saw a business card for Banh Mi Saigon taped to one of the flower pots. Maybe there's some affiliation? I didn't want to ask but if there is, it would explain the nem nuong.
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This has probably been discussed before, but only until very recently have I been turned on to trying a Banh Mi sandwich. In another forum, somone mentioned the best places to go, which none were around me (51st & 7th). I figured I'd just take a trip or go on a weekend, but today I passed ChaPa and decided to try the traditional. I really liked it! Is it legit, or am I just a rookie?