A big question needed to be answered: where should my first banh mi (pronounced BUN-mee) experience be? I decided on Baoguette on St. Marks. Yes, I have heard great things about Baoguette, but I must admit that the reason I patronized this particular spot was because I was starving when I got out of yoga and Baoguette was conveniently across the street. My grumbling stomach decided without hesitation. Forget reviews, I was ravenous.
Never heard of banh mi? Let me quote an article from the New York Times, "If you haven’t tried a classic banh mi, imagine all the cool, salty, crunchy, moist and hot contrasts of a really great bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. Then add a funky undertone of pork liver and fermented anchovy, a gust of fresh coriander and screaming top notes of spice, sweetness and tang."
Yeah. Are you salivating yet? The banh mi I had was surprisingly excellent, with pork terine, pate, pulled pork, and fresh herbs. (It was huge, for a mere $5!) If you want to try this delicious flavor combination but are put off by the meat situation happening between the buns, I have heard that they also offer the Vaoguette, a vegetarian take on the classic banh mi.
Some time I may venture out to Queens or Sunset Park in Brooklyn, for a more authentic (defined by the fact that Baoguette is an NYC chain restaurant) experience. In the mean time, Baoguette will more than suffice.
