12 Postcards
Banh Mi Saigon is a beloved Chinatown gem serving up some of the best and most flavorful Vietnamese banh mi, with options for extra spice and a no-frills takeout vibe.
"Unlike professional soccer, there are no ties in bánh mì excellence, so we're declaring #4 the best sandwich here. Inside the untoasted baguette is chả lụa, big chunks of crunchy cucumber, pickled carrots, and optional jalapeños. There are no tables inside this counter-service spot in Chinatown, just a line to order, and a line to wait for your order—amongst other people who understand the importance of a well-made sandwich. And though #4 is the winner, the #1 sandwich with sweet BBQ pork is a close runner-up." - sonal shah, willa moore, carlo mantuano, carina finn koeppicus, will hartman
"Demonstrating the ascendance of the banh mi as a lunch option, the historic Banh Mi Saigon fills with customers between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.. This place is very proud of its barbecued pork." - Robert Sietsema
"The #4 from Banh Mì Saigon in Chinatown is the apex of bánh mì engineering. The outer edge of the untoasted baguette cracks like delicate glass, and the squishy portion beneath absorbs a layer of pâté. Above that are four distinct slices of chả lụa, big chunks of crunchy cucumber, pickled carrots, and jalapeños (if you ask for it spicy). Each component would border on too rich, vinegary, or spicy on its own, but they’re all portioned and organized in a way that makes for a nearly ideal sandwich." - hannah albertine, matt tervooren, neha talreja, kenny yang
"My go-to coffee is a Vietnamese iced coffee from Banh Mi Saigon in Chinatown (198 Grand St.), or just a deli coffee with milk and sugar. Basically anything sweet—I love condensed milk." - Calvin Eng
"This one will take you on a walk to the border of Little Italy and Chinatown, and it’s where you want to come for an excellent banh mi. Also, it’s located in the back of a jewelry store, and our staff photographer once saw Sonia Sotomayor here." - hillary reinsberg
