Best banh mi in NYC? This Chinatown spot's BBQ pork sandwich w/ house-baked bread is a must-try. Expect a wait, but it's worth it!
This Chinatown gem is a must-visit for banh mi enthusiasts. It's known for its exceptional BBQ pork banh mi, which many consider the best in the city, featuring succulent pork and perfectly baked bread. While there are no tables, the takeout experience is a testament to its popularity, with busy weekends often requiring a 30-minute wait.
This Vietnamese bakery is celebrated for its banh mi, with the BBQ Pork sandwich (#1 on the menu) frequently cited as a top-tier choice. The bread is consistently praised as being perfectly baked, and the pork is described as succulent. While the vegetarian banh mi chay is also recommended, the focus is primarily on the savory meat options. Some users have noted price increases, with sandwiches now costing around $9-$10.50.
"The #1 banh mi, particularly the BBQ Pork version, is highly recommended by numerous customers. The crumbled roast pork and the vegetarian banh mi chay are also specifically mentioned as excellent choices."
Customers overwhelmingly praise this establishment for its outstanding banh mi, with many hailing it as the best they've ever had. The BBQ pork sandwich is a particular standout, though some recent comments note price increases.
Important Note
The restaurant has no seating, making it primarily a takeout establishment. It can get very busy, especially on weekends, leading to long wait times. Some users have noted recent price increases for the banh mi.
"This commenter shares that their very first banh mi experience was at the location under the Manhattan Bridge."
Positive"This commenter notes that the restaurant is extremely busy around 1 PM daily, making it difficult to get a sandwich without ordering ahead."
Neutral"This commenter asks if Banh Mi Co Ut or Banh Anh Em would be good alternatives."
Neutral"This commenter remembers the original tiny "hole in the wall" location under the Manhattan Bridge, which also sold Jamaican beef patties. They are glad the business is still successful after many years."
Positive"This commenter confirms a recent price increase for the banh mi. They recall buying sandwiches for $2-3 when the business was a "hole in the wall" under the Manhattan Bridge and sold Jamaican beef patties, expressing happiness for its continued success."
Positive"This commenter suggests Pho Shop on W. 72nd Street as a possible alternative."
Neutral"This commenter identifies the previously mentioned banh mi place near Grand Central as Boi-licious."
Positive"This commenter humorously relates the experience of banh mi burps causing an odor in a confined space."
Neutral"This commenter finds Two Wheels banh mi to be too sweet."
Negative"This commenter expresses gratitude for the correct spelling of "banh mi," as it helps them identify and dismiss places that misspell it."
Positive"This commenter finds the #1 banh mi here to be exceptionally good, even better than the sandwich at Banh Anh Em, due to its perfect seasoning and ingredient proportions."
Positive"This commenter expresses surprise at a recent price increase to $10.50, as they had recalled it being $9 less than two weeks prior."
Negative"This commenter mentions trying a Banh Mi truck on Water Street and finding it potentially better than Bahn Mi Saigon, despite being the same price ($9)."
Positive"This commenter states that the price for banh mi has increased to $10.50."
Negative"This commenter jokes that the original poster's life wasn't changed enough by the banh mi to learn how to spell it correctly."
Neutral"This commenter suggests Saiguette or Two Wheels as potential alternatives for banh mi."
Neutral"This commenter recalls liking a banh mi place east of Grand Central on 44th or 43rd street, though they forgot the name. They stop there whenever they are in the area."
Positive"This commenter points out the misspelling of "Banh Mi" in the original post."
Negative"This commenter misses the chicken curry banh mi (double meat, not toasted) and iced tea from this place and hasn't found another banh mi that compares."
Positive"This commenter warns that ordering banh mi "spicy" is often a gamble, as the jalapenos can be concentrated in one bite or absent entirely, a common issue across many banh mi places."
Negative
