An Choi - Lower East Side

More banh mi? Sure, why not. This is a relatively new place on Orchard St. in the LES that specializes in Vietnamese street food, namely banh mi and pho noodles. Prices average around $8-$10 and are made fresh. Aside from the normal slew of banh mi choises: pork, chicken, and Viet meats with carrots and cilantro, An Choi offers some more eclectic flavors like sardines in tomato sauce, basil meatballs, portobellos and lemongrass tofu.

I wasn't blown away by the banh mi here, but still good stuff. I'd prefer the cheaper stuff at Saigon or Roots & Vines. An Choi does offer more Vietnamese specialties than both of those places though aside from the Pho and Banh Mi: check it.

The banh mi I had might not have been that amazing to me because it wasn't toasted and the wait was sort of long even though there was hardly anyone around. I think the bread was a bit too thick and blocked the flavor of the meat and veggies. I would suggest going for a hot banh mi if you head over to An Choi in this case. I got the cold cut mostly because I'm trying the cheap stuff. I'm always interested in the good cheap stuff.

85 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002, 212 226 3700, www.anchoinyc.com

lol

Alarm clock that wake you up with bacon.