Gimme Nom Nom

Running with the banh mi craving, I came across this place.  Similar to banh mi, but apparently of “Cambodian” roots.

From first looks, this place seemed to be a grab and go only.  Definitely a hole in the wall…or rather, a bi-level hole in an autoshop!  There is a spiral staircase that takes you upstairs to a small seating area.  Your view is either facing 12th street or yes, the wonderful auto shop that the shop is attached to.

There is a sign that strictly forbids one from modifying any of the sandwich selection.  It was really intense, capitalization, exclamation points, and bolded.  My friend and I ordered the “Pulled Duroc Pork” and “Hoisin Veal Meatball” sandwich.  Along with a side of “Grilled Corn on a Cob” (marinated with chili mayo, coconut flakes, and chili powder) and the “Blood Orange Lemonade“.

The food was ready within minutes and then it was time to feast while watching cars pull out of the autoshop (or maybe it was a parking lot now that I think about it).

Both sandwiches were flavorful.  The cilantro overpowered the pulled pork sandwich.  That sandwich was short of sauce, but still worth the try.  The veal meatball was amazing.  The basil gave the meat a fresh taste.  The hoisin and stewed tomato flavor played well with all the other components of the sandwich.  Think italian meatball sub, but with a sweet yet minty zest.

This is my corn on a cob mess.  I know you can’t tell but this was one of the best corns I have ever had in NYC.  This is a different hype from that of Cafe Habana, La Esquina, and the one from Baoguette.  The coconut made the chili powder and mayo taste sweet, almost like bbq sauce sweet.  It was amazing!  A must!

The blood orange lemonade was worth a try.  But I would suggest to not have it with the sandwich or corn.  It ends up tasting extra tangy and sour.  I’m sure this would be a great beverage for a hot summer day.

Definitely go for the corn!  There are a lot of interesting sandwiches on the menu.  Pick one up for a quick lunch or snack.

With Sugar and Spice,

MW

Good to know: Cash Only.

In one of the hottest days of the week, this was perhaps not the smartest trek to make at the day’s hottest hour.  Despite what other websites tell you, this small Vietnamese sandwich shop resides on the corner of Ave A and E 2nd St.

As I finally walk in after a long walk in the blazing sun, all I see is a NYC health inspector.  Great!  What an awesome day to come!  Please tell me that my food is not at the proper temperature!  I think this man was the reason as to why I had to wait 20 mins for my “Classic” sandwich and my “Porkchop” sandwich (at a mild spice).

It was well worth the wait for my porkchop sandwich!  The baguette was toasted to perfection.  There was not too much or too little of any ingredient in the sandwich.  For $5.50 in Manhattan?  That deserves an award in itself.  The “Classic” did not have nearly as much flavor as the porkchop, surprisingly.  With the variations of meat in the “Classic”, I would have expected it to be more indulgent in flavor than the porkchop, but definitely, porkchop for the win.  Can’t say it would be good cold, but I can’t say the environment was the most conducive for customers as there were only 4 tables for two.  (Plus truly inappropriate for children, some R rated scenes in the movie playing in the background…but it’s ok!  It’s the LES!).

Overall, a great place for banh mi in NYC!

Friends recommend: Portobello Mushroom Sandwich

With sugar and spice,

MW

Good to know: Cash Only.