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163 Vietnamese Sandwiches & Bubble Tea
Categories: Restaurants Vietnamese Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Delis Vietnamese, Coffee & Tea, Delis [Edit]
66 Harrison Ave(between Oxford Pl & Beach St)
Boston, MA 02111
Neighborhood: Chinatown
(617) 542-7903
- Nearest Transit:
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Surface Artery @ Beach St (500, 501, 504, 505, 553, 554, 555, 556, 558)
Kneeland St @ Washington St (504, 555)
Washington St @ Essex St (11, 191, SL4, SL5)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7:30 am - 7:30 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Ed Y. said: "For a quick meal, lunch or dinner, you can't beat Le's. Food is good, price is better and the service is good. I usually order a Pho, Vietnamese noodles and soup, yummy. You can get in and out in less than a hour or take your time.…" read more »
151 reviews for 163 Vietnamese Sandwiches & Bubble Tea
Review Highlights
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"Don't let the price scare you, the BBQ beef is legit." In 33 reviews -
"They do have spring rolls and other sides too." In 25 reviews -
"They do make the -best- Avocado shake I've had so far..." In 7 reviews
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151 reviews in English
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Review from Michelle J.
Cambridge, MA
5/11/2012 15 Check-ins Here
Often I've stood outside over looking their menu with expansive drink and food items ALL of them costing under $5.00. After trying their beef spring rolls I am definitely a fan of this place. There are a few tables inside but if you come here more often than not you'll want to take your food to go.
During the lunch hour it can get pretty busy and crowded with people waiting to order. They do have a few spring roll and lunch boxes ready to go on the counter but if nothing there is what you're craving the women behind the counter will always make you whatever you want fresh. The wait is never that long and the food is always fresh. The sandwiches are popular but I usually stick with the spring rolls and beef vermicelli.They're my favorite thing on the menu and the reason I keep coming back. -
Review from Hillary C.
Boston, MA
Updated - 5/6/2012
This place is a hit more miss kinda place. It is usually a hit but DO NOT go towards the end of the day... actually I don't really know it really depends on the day and who makes your sandwich.
So recently, I went towards the end of the day and I had the most pathetic beef banh mi ever!! It was basically empty since they had ran out of fillings. The carrot in my banhmi was not even properly pickled. It was like eating just a plain baguette which is not what I paid for.
This used to be my favorite banhmi place and now I don't know what I'm going to do =( I don't really like the other Vietnamese place near McDonalds since their pate is too MSG-y for me but at least they are consistent with their sandwiches...Listed in: Cheap Eats
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/24/2011
BEST AND CHEAPEST VIET SUBS EVER! When i am hungry and not feeling like going to some fast food… Read more »
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Review from Vince N.
3/7/2012
Another Banh Mi place for the pedestrian on the go. The sammy's here are good and worth eating.
The chicken was grilled nicely and cooked to perfection. It also had a good balance of seasonings.
I didn't know what to expect from Boston Banh mi places, but rest assured, it was just as good as any other places.
I liked the fact that they don't try to cheap out and skimp on the fillings.
The only gripe I had was the amount of white onions they put in the sandwich. Not my favorite part.
The restaurant is small, and there are a few tables to eat at, but it didn't feel inviting to eat inside. -
Review from Tony L.
Boston, MA
5/20/2012
Customer service is nonexistent here.
I went to go get a sub and a bubble tea drink here. Getting the sandwich was no problem at all.
Before I placed my drink order, I asked if they could make Honey Green Tea (green tea + honey) with tapioca pearls. The cashier said they could make it so I put that drink order in.
They then handed me a honeydew shake with tapioca pearls. Not quite what I wanted but I wanted to be positive what the drink was before I walked out. They verified that it was honeydew, not the honey green tea.
I asked them how come they gave me honeydew when I asked for honey green tea. The employee who made the drink thought that honey tea meant honeydew. No big deal. Everybody makes a mistake. So I ask again whether or not they could make me green tea with some honey in it.
This is when the owner of the store came forward and started *screaming* about how they don't carry that and threw my money back at me.
Completely inappropriate and not professional at all.
There are other places to get bubble tea that is less expensive and with a more professional attitude.
Will not be going here again. -
Review from Patricia N.
Cambridge, MA
5/2/2012
Vegan chicken sandwich is super yummy...it taste like real chicken.
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Review from Denise F.
3/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
There isn't much to add from the reviews. All I can say is when I am craving a banh mi I come here.
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Review from Jeffrey L.
Watertown, MA
4/15/2012
Best smoothies in Chinatown and anyone who wants to argue that DK is better is stupid because guess what, the owners are the same. If you are observant enough and were a long time fan the equipment used here was from DK pre renovation. But yes the smoothies here are thick creamy and packed with flavor. Sandwhiches are good as well.
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Review from Kelly H.
Boston, MA
5/11/2012
Totally underwhelming banh mi. Seemed like yesterday's bread, non-pickled vegetables, literally had to search for the shredded pork inside, AND I asked for it spicy which it completely was not. Bland and nasty. On the upside the tofu fresh rolls I got were much better than the sandwich. I had decided to try 163 since Mei Sum (which is now re-open, btw) was out of banh mi for the day. I will only be going to my fav, New Saigon, or Mei Sum for my banh mi cravings from now on!
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Review from Callan C.
2/5/2012
Very cheap and quick sandwich shop in Chinatown. Sandwiches run about $3 or $3.50 and consist of about 6 in of great bread, meat, cilantro and other Vietnamese type filling. I had the BBQ beef and enjoyed it. It is a moderate sized sandwich and makes for a just-the-right sized lunch, especially if you get a shake to go along with. I chose papaya, which they blended with sweetened condensed milk, ice and some kind of ice cream/frozen yogurt.
Great value! -
Review from Theresa K.
Cambridge, MA
1/23/2012
Part ii of Chinatown Explorations: in which I say tree fitty (3.50)
If it is a tree fitty sandwich that does not give you the runs, you must never speak bad words about it and consider it manna from heaven.
That said there's a total of 6 chairs in this joint. Grab 'n go. -
Review from Amanda A.
1/20/2012
163 gets a third star specifically for the $1 fried spring rolls. They made my lunch worth it.
As stated in another review of mine, I just don't think I'm a fan of banh mi. I tried. I did. This was my first experience. I love the price ($3!) and the convenience, but I just didn't like my sandwich. I tried the Shredded Pork. The bread was not just crusty, but hard. The roof of my mouth was all cut up after I ate! I hate that.
I might go back for something else. Perhaps a bubble tea in the spring/summer. -
Review from Pete G.
East Watertown, MA
12/31/2011
These are in my opinion: the best bahn mi around. And believe me, I've tried all of the other options in our little, sadly undersized version of Chinatown. The bread: nice and crispy. I think they dress it with a smear of what looks to be clarified butter, and a squirt of a sweet vinegar sauce. Each sandwich comes with a spear of cucumber, shredded daikon/carrot/onion, a healthy amount of cilantro, and if you ask for it: little green Thai chilis. I highly recommend the chilis if you like the spice.
They have an array of fillings: pork, chicken, barbecue beef, as well as a bunch of vegan options if you so choose. I never do, I tend to always go for the barbecue beef because it's that damn good. Seriously, get yourself a spicy beef for like 3.50 and have a happy lunch.
Considering how close it is to downtown where most sandwich places will hit you for six or seven bucks a pop...yeah, why bother? It's a good sized sandwich, but not too crazy. You can eat it and be full and not feel like you just slaughtered a cow like at some other places. They also have some nice side dished: fried rice, little egg rolls, barbecued pork and rice and salad...it's great. Try it out.
I have no opinion on the bubble tea. -
Review from Michael D.
Boston, MA
12/18/2011 2 photos
CLOSEST THING you can get to a decent vietnamese banh mi in boston! I'm from huntington beach, ca RIGHT NEXT to garden grove/little saigon, PLUS i'm vietnamese so I know my banh mi's. Or BANG ME if you prefer. Although the workers ARENT vietnamese, they get the banh mi concept right on the spot. Banh mi's are traditionally supposed to highlight the BREAD (which should be crusty and crumbly), while using the meat simply to enhance your experience with the bread.
That being said, they have a nice crusty bread that crumbles into a million pieces with each bite, and they have that nice lemongrassy taste to the bbq beef, which is ESSENTIAL for a vietnamese sandwich. They slather on some of that sweet sauce and LARD-like substance and even get the veggies right on (cilantro and pickled carrots/radishes) (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
The result is a flavorful sandwich that tastes pretty damn authentic. ALTHOUGH it pales in comparison to the sandwiches over in california, it does a pretty good job of capturing the banh mi flavors/concept.
AND its only $3.25. Not bad for a starving med student. Or even a cheap-o living near shady chinatown.Listed in: SHADY CHINA TOWN GEMS
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Review from Adam P.
12/7/2011
Want to grab some boxed lunches to eat over the next few days? With almost everything under $4, this is the place. Banh mi, bun, and rice plates galore. Although it is tastiest fresh, it still manages to be delicious after a reheating. I usually come here on Sundays to stock up. The servings are on the small side of medium, but I just try to imagine them as lower calorie.
There are a few seats in the restaurant, so you can eat on premises if you wish. But, it is more of a simple cafe than a restaurant. -
Review from Julie N.
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yay for BBQ beef sandwiches!!! I stopped in here at 5pm to pick up two sandwiches and two orders of spring rolls for dinner and though I was told they had run out of avocado (damn!) and though I had to wait almost 20 minutes for my spring rolls (but the place was empty?) by the time I took one bite of my sandwich... I was in love. All that for $13? Fantastic!
This is absolutely my new go to when I don't feel like cooking dinner after work. Seriously, really good. -
Review from Paul M.
10/1/2011
So I was getting lunch with my friend yesterday and we decided on banh mi. I was set to bring him to Mei Sum but he says "Oh no I know a place." He is Cambodian and I'm Irish so I relinquish the choice to him.
We walk by Mei Sum and I point it out, "Oh that's where I get my bday cake" he says and I reply "It's probably where you should be getting your banh mi too" but we endeavor on. Where to? Just up the street to 163.
The place reminds me immediately of New Saigon when walking in. The menu is similar, the premade plates on the counter are similar, even the employees' work station is similar.
I got a shredded pork sandwich and a lychee shake hold the weird bubbles, k thanks. The shake was great although could have gone without seeing her make it with a can of lychees that looked like it was opened a long time ago in a galaxy far far away.
The sandwich was decent, esp. for $3.25, but they put way too much of that slightly scary mayo and/or fish sauce on it. A few of the bites were therefore made completely unappealing.
As such the price point is better than Momogoose/Bon Me, the quality is behind those two imo, and it fails in both categories when compared to Mei Sum and New Saigon. -
Review from Jane F.
Manchester, NH
12/13/2011
The bahn mi here is above average for Boston, but not the best available - as others have said, Mei Sum and Little Saigon are better. Still, it's worth checking out. The baugettes are light and crispy with a good amount of filling. On the downside, the mayo is pretty bland and they don't use pate. :(
The bubble tea is okay, but it's never really wowed me. I haven't tried any of their other offerings but they certainly look nice and are cheap.
Worth trying if you want a tasty, cheap lunch. -
Review from Angela A.
Somerville, MA
10/2/2011
I love Chinatown. I love this place. The red bean shake with bubbles = awesome. And those weird, inventive veg options - the (veg (!?)) barbecued eel thing is exactly like the regular old BBQ eel thing you get at sushi bars. Except this one is made of MAGICAL. The veg sandwiches are also pretty badass: that veg duck one? Mmmm. Pickled veggies, big crusty bread, the strange non-duck, the fish (!?) sauce... Heaven.
No seating, really, so it's best in the warm months - when sitting outside isn't too horrifying. -
Review from Amanda B.
Saugus, MA
This place does not skimp on the boba and its only $3.50. Awesome.
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Review from Megan S.
Center Moriches, NY
Updated - 2/21/2012 1 photo
:( I was very disappointed in them this past week. I got a tofu sandwich, and it was prepared in two seconds without any effort whatsoever. No radish, no special sauce, no me gusta! Definitely going to go elsewhere for my sandwich fix. I'm so surprised! From what I recall in my past visit, this place was awesome. *~* Oh well.. things change, maybeh. :3
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/10/2011
Pretty good place. :) Finally tried a Vietnamese sandwich! It was interesting, and I really liked… Read more »
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Review from S L.
Portland, ME
10/24/2011
Meh. I came here cause Mei Sum's building area is doing major construction. Super disappointed. The cold cut sandwich was pretty subpar. Their mayo has NO flavor at all. And there was no pate spread on my sandwich! What? Whyyyyyy would you do that to a cold cut sandwich. And they don't put in as much meat as mei sum! Their bread is super chewy but not in a good way. I like my banh mi light, airy and crispy. this sandwich was none of those things.
Once again I am hunting for the decent banh mi in chinatown. Wah wahhh wahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Help a girl out. -
Review from Philip C.
Wareham, MA
12/8/2011
Got the pork spring rolls, and I could not even force one of them down. Maybe I just don't like vietnamese food. Not for me
:( -
Review from Gianna L.
Cambridge, MA
Updated - 11/11/2011
I just stuffed down another pork sandwich from 163 and am furiously squeezing in this update before slipping into a food coma.
For $3 for a sandwich this place gives you more than you ask for. I swear the sandwiches got bigger but remain just as tasty. The original 4 stars was a bit overzealous for a hole-in-the-wall with two small tables and a point-n-grunt menu but this place is still gets the job done: I'm fed, I'm full, I enjoyed it. Nothing to write home about, not the place to propose to your girlfriend at but is that really what you'd expect from this place? The staff are friendly, speak English, and get you in-out-bam just like that. This place is no more than a hole in the wall but their wide array of offerings will keep me coming back (fresh rolls, rice dishes, noodle dishes, fried rolls, fried dumplings, shakes, and more).Listed in: Discount Fun
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/30/2011
Everyone loves a deal and getting a deal on something so good is obviously even better. For $3 here… Read more »
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Review from Jay S.
Norton, MA
6/20/2011
Because of the recommendations here, I tried this place. I got the BBQ beef and spring rolls. The bread was really fresh, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. I thought it was a very good sandwich. Friendly staff and they speak English!
I tried the Thai Bubble tea also. It was excellent. Note: Make sure you stir it with your straw. They dumped the sugar in first and did not stir it. When I got to the bottom, I noticed it was surprisingly sweet. D'oh!
This was a fun place, cheap, and more items for me to try. I shall return. -
Review from Susan L.
Woodside, NY
11/7/2011
I came here on a whim after getting out of South Station on my way to work. I was hungry and craving for viet sandwich pronto. I ordered the BBQ Beef sandwich since the two customers in front of me had ordered the BBQ Beef sandwich. I was slightly hesitant to order the beef since I have never seen beef on a viet sandwich before.
I usually order a BBQ chicken or the standard pork viet sandwich when I get Banh Mi, but when I looked at the pictures of their pork viet sandwich, it did NOT look like a viet sandwich.
The BBQ Beef Sandwich was pretty good for $3.25, but what I was expecting was a real vietnamese sandwich. The bread that was used was more of an italian bread texture than a french baguette, which is supposed to be used for Banh Mi. The flavor was alright as well.
If you're hungry, poor, and not looking for a viet sandwich, then you can come try their viet sandwiches. But if what you want is an actual viet sandwich, that is filled with delicious flavor, and authentic Banh Mi goodness, don't go here!! -
Review from Beverly G.
Quincy, MA
7/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
It's a good thing this place is cash-only. I rarely carry cash, and am seldom inclined to withdraw cash from an ATM, so if they accepted credit cards, I think I might eat here every day and end up being 300 pounds or something.
Their bánh mì is quite delicious. The mayo and fish sauce give it a little extra something, and the pickled daikon, carrots, and cilantro add a nice brightness to the flavor. It's ludicrously cheap for what you get (I think the most expensive sandwich is $4.25, for a baguette filled with meat and vegetables that's half the length of my arm). I'm a big fan of the barbecue beef and the mock duck. They make pretty good teas and shakes, too. I wish they had more seating, though - there are only two or three small tables with two seats each inside.
Warning: I am no slouch when it comes to spicy food - I once ate two chili peppers on a dare and barely broke a sweat. But if you ask for peppers on your sandwich, be forewarned that the heat might end up being staggering. They don't skimp on the peppers, don't remove the seeds, and have a tendency to concentrate all the peppers in one part of the sandwich. So, you could be enjoying your bánh mì, when all of a sudden, you just get punched in the throat with this sudden slew of heat. Depending on your heat tolerance, it may render your sandwich inedible. -
Review from Emily G.
5/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've gotten 3 different types of banh mi from 163: very, very good banh mi, passable banh mi, and sad, throw-half-away-because-it's-not-worth-calories banh mi.
On the good days, the bread is deliciously crunchy, the veggies are well balanced with equal parts daikon, cilantro and carrots, the beef flavorful and tender, and the bird chilis are spread throughout, awakening the tastebuds with every bite.
Most of the time, my gripe is easily remedied: just a few more chili slices for this white girl. Go ahead, call my bluff - worst thing that happens is knocking a few off during consumption. Seems like a better choice than me attempting to spread my paltry allotment to last my whole sandwich.
Much more egregious is when the kewpie mayo slather is dripping off, my beef is tough and chewy, the cilantro is overpowering, and my banh mi is getting soggy from my cold tears over a complete lack of birds despite my incessant insistence, "Spicy! Spicy!"Listed in: Sandwiches: God's Gift to…
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Review from Pete J.
5/31/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Bread was much too crumbly - most of it is on the floor, I'm cleaning it up as we write. The cold cuts didn't have as much in the way of fillings as other Banh Mi shops. I asked for it spicy, but it wasn't.
And the cardinal sin - not enough cilantro!!
For $3 the price is certainly right, but there are better options close by.
**CASH ONLY**Listed in: Cash Only!
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Review from Kupkake K.
Westborough, MA
Updated - 1/6/2012
I bought a lunch box that had crumbs of beef, ton of noodles and 1 spring roll for $4.00! The prices are getting hire and the meal is getting smaller. It is still very tasty but you get very little for the money. Sad, I really liked this place but it's not worth the money anymore. I could buy a nice american sandwich with another two dollars.
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/18/2011
Boxed lunches are $4.00 now but still packed with tasty goodies!
Highly recommend it! Spring rolls… Read more »
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Review from Jill A.
Peabody, MA
3/3/2012
Ok,Yelpers!Jill here,my daughters and I stumbled across this storefront about a half hour after eating,well stuffing ourselves,at the Hot Pot buffett.Well for starters I stood there in awe of looking at the menu wall of drinks,and remembered reading some reviewsof this place,but in my 41 years of life and many different types of foods anddrinks which have passed my lips,I have to admit I have never heard or tasted a Bubble drink,but a young guy walked out drinking one,and of course I asked how it was,what it was like,what he suggested,and Im apeople person,I luv to talk,and exspecially to people whom enjoy food.He was very cool,offered me a sip,which was very nice,but I dont drink from strangers no offense,but he was a fun guy,and suggested the things hes tried.I was telling him,we had just eaten a ton,and he said at le,ast get a bubble drink.so we head in,and its little,smiling faces,only accept cash,and we decided on a strawberry bubble and coconut bubble,they were fresh fruit made,and the bubbly things I really loved!My 6 year old,not as much.I was looking at the menu,and watching people as they ordered and thier sandwiches were servered on these homeade looking baguettes,fresh too order,several options,and all under 4$,then I saw like lil lunch plates I believe the whole menu,were under 5$,they were very busy for a sunday at 1230pm.I so wish I had taken something to go,its been about 2 or so weeks,and Im still thinking about this lil whole in the wall,so we are heading to chinatown tomorrow,and so cant wait to try out a few of thier good looking eats!I"d luv to know what the vegetarian options taste like?they have I believe a chicken,duck,even eel if I remeber correctly,and i so wanna try the avacado bubble drink......ok thanks for listening,and if anyone wants to meet up there as long as u dont mind I will have my 2 lil ladies with me,we will be there around noon,on sunday march 4th.......and we also found a great lil bakery,we r gonna hit up too..
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Review from Kristina B.
Somerville, MA
3/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My student's family owns 163 (in the ownership way).
163 owns New Saigon and other local banh mi places (in the PWNership way).
Four for four:
1) Bread texture: Crisp on the outside, softer on the inside.
2) Protein: BBQ beef and chicken curry are my favorites. Tofu is okay (for the vegans/vegetarians out there).
3) Fillings: Fresh and flavorful, perfectly complementing the meat.
4) Price: Great value for what you get! -
Review from ngoc t.
Boston, MA
4/12/2011
First I want to show my credential before giving any criticism.
I was born in Vietnam, had been eating Vietnamese sandwich in Saigon ( the authentic place if you ever wonder ) for over 1X years before I moved here and a picky eater.
Alright, I have been here 3 or 4 times, the first couple times the service was good, the bread was just ok for me. It was indeed crisp, but not as light as airy as the one I had in Saigon. For me, to eat a Vietnamese sandwich in an authentic way, the bread has to be air light, crunchy as much as possible with crumbs falling whenever you take a bite.
The pickles are ok, the pate is so so ( I mean it's the same recipe everywhere ). I tried the vegetarian duck and it was very flavorful. I tried the chicken and it doesn't taste that good. But I love spices so if you don't like aromatic food that should not be a problem.
The sandwich: 4 stars
The service: 2 stars, and here is why.
I forgot to ask the lady to make the bread "A LITTLE SPICY" so I asked her while she was wrapping the bread. Instead of just opening the sandwich and make it spicy, she snapped at me
"You didn't say it!"
"I know I forgot, sorry"
( she mumbled in Chinese which i couldn't understand but i bet it wasn't the nicest thing....)
A part from the attitude, she threw in a handful of Thai green chili ( the hottest one she has ) in my sandwich. Lady, I asked for JUST A LITTLE SPICY.
I believe I was unlucky at that time because I've never had bad service at this place before. Oh well.
What I don't like about this place is that their sandwiches cost 3.25 for the vegetarian chicken ( and duck too I think ), more expensive than Sub City which is across the street when the sandwiches size are roughly the same. AND I LOVE SUB CITY's service and their sandwich.
I will go here again, just because they have more veg options than sub city, but that's about it. -
Review from Fujiko D.
6/19/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Is this place for real?
$3 sandwiches
that are delicious,
didn't make me sick,
and that are larger than a 6' sub from subway.
Pickled veggies gives this sandwich the sweet/savory Asian kick. And even with a tiny kick of spiciness, the curry in my curry chicken sandwich didn't leave this bad boy tasteless. The menu's posted on the window before you go in so that you can browse options stress-free (though prices are not up to date... they used to sell sandwiches for less than $3!!).
If served in any other context, these would cost $10.
Ambiance? Do I need to talk about ambiance when I just bought a sandwich for $3? There were a couple funky tables, but this place was primarily take-out. Hole in the wall of greatness. -
Review from Allison L.
Jamaica Plain, MA
8/22/2011
I go here because I love the vegetarian "meats," but they neglect to put mayo on my sandwich, every. single. time. I only remember about half the time to request mayo, which I've never had a problem with at any other banh mi place. Without mayo, the sandwich is dry and inedible.
ETA: I don't know how this place qualifies as kid-friendly, unless you have very good kids who don't mind walking someplace (like the common) where you can sit down and eat your food... -
Review from Ben K.
Boston, MA
7/31/2011
All I have to say is,"hell yes."
Basic hole in the wall kinda location, cash only...no frills. And the food is stellar and cheap. Highly recommended for good cheap flavorful food. -
Review from Loan C.
Malden, MA
9/29/2011
I absolutely heart this place. The classic cold cut vietnamese sandwiches definitely hit close to home. Since my dad doesn't make these sandwiches anymore, I have been coming here for my fix. They have a great herbal tea with sugar cane that's not too sweet. All the sandwiches are great. And they also always have a selection of spring rolls and vermicelli dishes premade. I consider this place a little gem.
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Review from Heather G.
Boston, MA
Updated - 1/4/2011
A recent Yelp thread reminded me that I love this place and have not updated in over a year. Yes, the former complaints still hold - the pork is pretty dry, the fish sauce has zero kick.
HOWEVER, the bbq beef banh mi is consistently spicy and packed with meat and veggies. I think i've created a game for the ladies behind the counter, because every single time I come in now (which is roughly every other day), they giggle in Vietnamese as they're making my sandwich, and then the woman who takes my order tells me she hopes I have a bottle of water, and that I like it hot.
I can only assume this means their conversation went something like this:
"ahhh here's that silly little white girl again."
"she keeps emphasizing the word SPICY when she orders. I'll bet she wants it extra spicy"
"This chick does not know spicy. Let's give it to her."
without fail, my sandwich is always really hot (spice-hot, not temperature-hot), but the joke's on them because I love it that way. They can giggle about my ridiculousness in another language all they want as long as they continue to make my sandwiches oh-so-delicious.
Thank you, lovely ladies, you've won a fan for life.Listed in: Asian Restaurants - A…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/2/2009
I have since revisited (though I said i wouldn't - it was a cold day and i didn't want to walk… Read more »
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Review from Kristan O.
Salem, MA
3/5/2011
Fast!
Cheap!
Delicious!
Convenient!
I work in Downtown Crossing and it's hard to find a sandwich under $8 in the proximity. That is until I was exploring Chinatown and found this hole in the wall gem! They have an amazing sandwich for those who are not familiar with the Bahn Mi, I highly suggest you make this your first try.
The Barbecue Beef Bahn Mi is out of this world. The meat is perfectly seasoned in just the right amount of sauce. It is served on a warm fresh baguette with shredded cucumbers, carrots, cilantro, and this mayo-ish spread that is amazing. If you like things spicy, ask for it hot! They put these tiny chopped peppers on it that will make you down a bottle of water or two.
They have quite a selection of other items as well. I've tried their fried dumplings with ginger soy sauce, noodles with vegetables, beef, etc. Everything is pretty authentic. The servings are enough for two or to have leftovers the next day. Even the sides and noodle dishes are only $3-4!
Do yourself a favor and go. -
Review from Vivian H.
10/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
At first it was like OMG this place is so cheap and fast yay. And then I actually took out the banh mi and it was a WHOLE LOTTA BREAD with very little meat/veggies inside. Sad... Curry chicken was pretty good though. And I'd be interested to try some of their lunch box dishes.
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Review from Art B.
Scituate, MA
3/31/2011
It was the name of this place that first caught my attention during a walk from Back Bay to South Station. Interesting name, and I'd never seen a Vietnamese Sandwich Shop before. Huh.
I checked in out on Yelp!, and asked a fellow Yelp!er to help me understand if their "vegetarian chicken" was the victim of an unfortunate idiomatic translation fender bender OR if it was really vegetarian (it's the latter), I waited for a nice day to walk down for lunch.
I'm glad I did.
The only people in the very small place appeared to be locals, which I usually take to be a good sign.
I ordered my "vegetarian chicken sandwich," told the lady it was my first time there (she masked her excitement at this news well), and when she asked, "Spicy?," I, like most men, interpreted her question to mean, "Are you man enough to take it?" and of course, said, "You bet."
Now, I love a good sandwich, and this definitely fit the bill. The roll was crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and the fillings were fresh and bright. Onions, parsley and cucumber shared the roll with the tofu and "special sauce." Flavors all worked well together. And, they worked well together for a very affordable three dollars! I will definitely return to try something else. Maybe the "vegetarian eel" (sic).
Oh, and regarding the spiciness of the sandwich, I will admit that I did break out in a visible sweat while eating. However, if she asks "Do you want it spicy, or do you want us to make fun of you when you leave for being a coward," I will still take the spice.
