VIETNAM
[FORMERLY: Banh Mi So 1] Despite recent renovations and slicking-up, this is still the favorite of Manhattan bánh mi delis for me. You can't go wrong with the sandwiches or the friendly family that serves them. With the renovations, came a new awning which simply reads "Saigon" now, but this is still the same place and people.
This is what bánh mi should be. The bread is right. Toasted right and shaped right. It works but does not hide or mask the ingredients. The secret is definitely in the sauce, which is mixed in with the ground beef so perfectly on the #1 House special ($6, below).
The best in Chinatown is of course not the best in the city, but is definitely a close second. And do not be fooled by all the new [2015 and on] sleeker Vietnamese kitchens around town, they are not worthy of diverting your attention. We still have a Vietnamese problem in New York City, but our sandwiches can be praised from the same spots as 10 years ago.
The fresh coconut juice ($3) in the refrigerator always tempts me, but the coconut bits seem like leftovers and are not as meaty and tender as I would wish. They make a jelly drink as well that is probably a better bet, if you like that sort of thing.
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