Banh Mi DC Sandwich

The sandwiches are the best. Love the grilled pork sandwich.

I guess the word is out. The Washington Post has listed this as among DC's 50 best in it's Fall Dining Guide. I just hope the lines don't get too much longer, because I've always loved this place, and when I come here, I find it hard to buy just 1 or 2 Banh Mi. They are all so good, and so cheap, I want to buy one for a friend and one for lunch the next day and one just to try another flavor combination!

One thing I always get: the #2 Banh Mi Thit Nuong (grilled pork sandwich). It's a can't-miss choice. Winner Winner Banh Mi Dinner.

The #8 Bhan Mi Bi (shredded pork sandwich) is another meaty winner -- the pork is shredded and tossed with scallions, so it has more of that sharp oniony flavor. It's a good alternative if you're looking to mix it up.

If you like Chinese char sui barbecue pork, then check out the #19 Banh Mi Xa Xiu (barbecue pork sandwich). This is my wife's favorite -- quite tasty and lean yet very tender, a good option for somebody who doesn't want anything too unusual.

There are great vegetarian options, too. The #9 Banh Mi Bi Chay (veggie mix sandwich) is really good and highly recommended. The #12 Banh Mi Dau Hu Chay (tofu sandwich) is good as well, stuffed with fried tofu that has a spicy kick, but it's quite rich and not quite as interesting in my opinion. With either I recommend asking them to hold the mayo.

As a shrimp lover, I had to try the #23 Banh Mi Chao Tom (sugarcane shrimp sandwich). If you're not familiar with Vietnamese sugarcane shrimp, be warned that this is a cooked paste of ground shrimp, egg, sugar, corn starch, and other flavors -- like a pink shrimp sausage. It's an interesting diversion, but in the end I can't recommend it over the more flavorful pork and veggie options.

Order enough for next-day leftovers (buy 5 get 1 free!). I love taking a day-old DC Banh Mi to work and microwaving it for 30-60 seconds, just enough to warm and soften the bread. Beats any takeout lunch in the neighborhood.

Time and time again, I find myself driving all the way out here for the Banh Mi! The freshly baked mini baguette makes all the difference. I always get five or six of them. Favorite is the pate banh mi!

I highly recommend the #2. You really can't beat the price, and the bread, veggies and meat are all fresh and delicious. Don't worry about the reviews commenting on customer service. It's a takeaway sandwich shop, you don't need overly personalized or friendly service. The food is what you're there for, and it's to die for. YUM!

Hands down the best. $4.40 for a decently sized sandwich that tastes awesome. They also have bubble tea, egg rolls, summer rolls, desserts, and snacks. Their egg rolls are to die for. I would fight someone over the last egg roll, they're just that amazing.