Saiguette

"The menu at this counter-service spot is huge, with everything from phở and spring rolls to laksa and steak over rice, but don’t leave without a massive bánh mì. Our favorite is the pork shoulder one, but they also do them with steak, chicken, and shrimp. Pick up a sandwich, then take it back home or walk two blocks east to the park." - bryan kim, willa moore, neha talreja, hannah albertine, will hartman

"The people behind the counter at Saiguette wear headsets—right away, you can tell that this little Vietnamese takeout-only spot is a very serious operation. They have everything from phở and nem to grilled flank steak over rice, but the real reason to come here is for the best (and largest) bánh mì in the area. Our favorite is the pork shoulder, but they also do them with steak, chicken, and shrimp. Saiguette is a block from Central Park, so if the weather’s nice, bring your sandwich there. " - willa moore, sonal shah, neha talreja, will hartman

"Saiguette is one of my hand's down favorite Vietnamese spots in the city. It's definitely no frills and primarily a take out place as they have very limited seating. Their banh mi's and pho are super tasty and affordable; however, some of my favorite things on the menu are a bit more pricy. I highly recommend the Crispy Tofu Skin Roll, Grilled Juicy Chicken Thighs and Grilled Shrimp Salad. Everyone I turn onto this place becomes addicted. You can't really go wrong with anything you order!" - Ken Pao

"If you live on the Upper West Side and never get food at Saiguette, you aren’t taking full advantage of your neighborhood. There's a menu full of Vietnamese options, but the main reason you come here is for a banh mi. They serve a bunch of different kinds with everything from skirt steak to crispy shrimp, but we especially like the one with pork shoulder. Whichever you choose, it’ll be huge, flavorful, and perfectly proportioned, and you can either take it to go or eat it at one of the little counter seats inside." - bryan kim

"Even if you run on the UWS all the time, it’s very possible you don’t know about Saiguette on 106th Street. The banh mi sandwich is the best in the area. It’s huge and comes in over ten varieties (the roast pork shoulder is our favorite). Or, say you’re not someone who gets hungry immediately after exercising, just take this sandwich back to your apartment and stare at it until you’re ready for each other." - hannah albertine