Subway fans looking to branch out should give this Vietnamese deli a try. The storefront shop specializes in $3 sub-like sandwiches called banh mi. Virgins to this savory concoction might find themselves staring down the meat-filled baguette, trying to decipher exactly what's going on in there. But after those first few bites they'll see that it doesn't really matter.
Think of banh mi as a Vietnamese version of the American cold-cut. The traditional sandwich is an assortment of meats (usually of the pork variety), pate (more pork), pickled vegetables, jalapeno peppers and a few fresh sprigs of cilantro. It's all messed together in a French-style 7-inch baguette (soft and light on the inside with a cracker-like crust), wrapped up in white butcher paper and secured by a rubber band.
Aside from sandwiches, you'll find plenty of homemade and pre-packaged snacks. The prices are so cheap it's almost frightening; you could probably walk away with one of everything in here for about $20. That said, there isn't a whole lot to choose from, probably because most of the items are made fresh daily and the owners are sticklers about selling anything after it's been sitting out for a while.
Most of the desserts are made with bananas or rice, and almost are prepared with taro root. Pre-packaged treats range from small boxes of spicy tamarind candies to vacuum-sealed bags of dried persimmon. Stuffed banana leaves are made in-house and filled with the mashed fruit, rice and coconut milk. A homemade favorite is the banh da lon (layered rice cakes). These gelatinous bite-size squares, filled with taro and tapioca layers, make for a surprisingly light dessert. Prices aren't marked on anything here, but on a good day, everything is $1.50. Cash only.
Centerstage Reviewer: Stacy Warden
