It's summertime and it is hot outside. You know the story. You don't want to eat something heavy that will end up in your stomach soaking up the acids, so what is tasty, lightweight, and satisfying at the same time? The perfect summer food just might be bánh mì, the Vietnamese sandwich.
These sandwiches are a culinary marriage of French technique, Chinese ingredients, and Vietnamese ingenuity; the remnants of failed colonialism and influence on Vietnam and its proud people.
It is an explosion of flavors combining just enough meat, sweet carrots, icy cucumbers, fresh cilantro, and hot chilies. The key also is having the flavors contrast and play off each other. Another key ingredient is the slightly toasted, and buttered baguettine (small baguette). Although an ordinary French baguette can be used, Vietnamese baguettes have some rice flour mixed in to give the bread a lighter texture, and crispier crust. [note: I have yet to find a place in NYC using vietnamese style baguettes.]
For something light and summery, these sandwiches are perfect. Add a cool drink and you are set.
The places listed here are small shops specializing only on sandwiches even though you may be able to get a sandwich from a Vietnamese restaurant with a full menu.
by RK Chin, 08 July 2001
See also vietnamese restaurants
 A Chau Deli
(Á Châu) | 82A Mulberry St
(btwn Canal and Bayard) | 212-766-3332 | opened June 2006, service can be absent sometimes. |
An Dong
An Đông | 5424 8th Ave, Brooklyn
(corner of 55th st) | 718-972-2269 | CLOSED, but the owner's daughter has opened Nicky's Sandwiches (see below) |
Ba Xuyen
Ba Xuyên | 4222 8th Ave, Brooklyn
(at 43rd St.) | 718-633-6601 | one of the best in nyc featuring huge, juicy sandwiches. seating available. |
| Hanco's | 85 Bergen St, Brooklyn
(at Smith St.) | 718-858-6818 | seating available. |
Nha Sach Khai Tri
Nhâ Saćh Khai Trí | 145 Canal St
(btw Forsyth & Bowery) | 212-343-2657 | |
| Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches | 150 E 2nd St
(at Ave A, east village) | 212-388-1088 | seating available. |
| Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches | 311 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn
(btwn Smith and Hoyt) | 718-855-8838 | seating available. |
| Paris Sandwich | 113 Mott St
(at Hester St) | 212-226-7221 | baguettes freshly baked on premises. seating available. opened dec 2006. |
Saigon Banh Mi
Saigon Bánh Mì | moved to: 138 Mott St
(at Grand St) | 212-941-1541 | new expanded menu |
Sau Voi Corp
Sáu Voi Corp | 101-105 Lafayette St
(corner of Walker) | 212-226-8184 | a lunchtime favorite for court workers and jurors. |
| Silent H | 79 Berry St, Brooklyn
(at N. 9th St) | 718-218-7063 | $6 banh mi for hipsters |
Tranh Da
Tranh Đa | 6008 7th Ave, Brooklyn
(at 60th St) | 718-492-3253 | they also have a full menu, and pho. table service. |
Tranh Da II
Tranh Đa | 5624B 8th Ave, Brooklyn
(at 57th St) | 718-492-3760 | opened 2006 |
Tu Quynh Center
Tú Quỳnh Center | 230 Grand St
(btwn Bowery and Elizabeth) | 212-966-6878 | |
Vietnam Banh Mi So 1
Vietnam Bánh Mì Sổ 1 | 369 Broome St
(btw Mott & Elizabeth) | 212-219-8341 | they have freshly squeezed juices. recipe |
World of Taste Seafood
| 2614 Jerome Ave, Bronx
(at E 193rd st) | 718-584-5228 | not a sandwich shop, but a restaurant |
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