Huong Lan Sandwiches
Categories: Vietnamese, Sandwiches [Edit]
39055 Cedar Blvd(between Magazine & Mowry Ave)
Newark, CA 94560 (510) 792-8999
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Lunch
- Alcohol: None
73 reviews
Hayward, CA
"YUMMY and better priced than most Thai places. Great flavors with basil and sauces that were not overly sweet or strong like at many other…" read more »
40 Reviews for Huong Lan Sandwiches
i've always been a big huong lan fan because i used to eat at the sacramento branch since i was a teenager. the sandwiches are really cheap and fulfilling. all you need is a few bucks and you're good to go! i've had the pho a couple times and they're pretty typical. nothing great but it'll get you by if you're craving a big bowl of pho. the rice plates are decent but would probably be the last thing i'd order if i go there.
i gave this place 4 stars because i am a pretty frequent customer. there isn't a better vietnamese sandwich place in fremont or at least i haven't found one. so until then, 4 stars it is!
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Typical place for Vietnamese sandwiches ("banh mi"), pho noodle and rice plates. Sandwiches are a bit cheaper than at most places, such as Lee's Sandwiches down the street on Mowry Ave, but they also seem a bit smaller. Pho is average, and I think saltier than usual. My only complaint is that the pre-packaged to-go food doesn't carry a price tag, so you have to take it to the counter and ask.
Can't count how many times we've been by here but have never stopped by here until tonight! Located right next to the entrance of the Lion Market center, next to Fantasia in Newark.
Cheap eats!: Banh Mi sandwiches, Pho noodles, pearl drinks. $2.50 for the Banh Mi order out, $3.00 for the same eating in and comes with a bowl of chicken broth. $6.95 for a good sized bowl of Pho. Good prices, average quality, tasty meal.
Comfortable size for this establishment; airy feel - high ceilings inside. Also sell pre-packaged take-out Asian snacks/small eats. The pre-packaged eats on the display stands were pretty sparse at our visit (perhaps this depends on the time of day you go here for when they may restock or not?). Large pictured menu on the wall behind front counter. Just question the cleanliness of this place a little bit. Floors seem a little dingy and tables seem a little "sticky" to touch.
One complaint is that the "BBQ Bacon" Banh Mi was really fatty. It was so fatty that we took that meat out and didn't eat it (or maybe it was *supposed to* be that fatty?!?). Not sure about the pearl drinks since we didn't order any here. We've ordered pearl drinks from Fantasia right next store if we feel the need for a pearl fix.
Will need to update this review with the names of the Banh Mi and Pho we ordered (can't remember off the top of my head).
[see pix!]
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3.5 stars for the sandwich part. It's hard to find a local place with decent if not good authentic v-sandwiches to go. This place is closeby and actually pretty good. I recommend the Grilled Pork and Ham/Headcheese (#1). The bread has a good outer crunch and soft inside, and they are pretty generous with the filling.
2 stars for the actual sit-down restaurant food. The Pho is tolerable, but is not flavorful at all, just slightly salty. And the beefballs are sketchy.
Not too keen on the velvet chairs and 80s decor. Just stick to getting the sandwiches to go.
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I can remember it like it was yesterday. In early 2004, I had to give up Vietnamese Sandwiches. It all stemmed from one evening of pure indulgence in 3 sandwiches (1 grilled pork and 2 grilled chickens to be exact) in the matter of 10 minutes. You could say I was hungry, but I would tell you my mind had no time to figure out how full I was because I ingested those sandwiches like Kobayashi racing a giant bear (http://www.youtube.com...). Even though I don't remember where I got the sandos from, I could tell you that they were very tasty. However, 5 minutes after finishing the 3rd sandwich, I was sick beyond belief. Whether it was eating so quickly or just eating too much, I was so sick that for the next 3 years I wouldn't have touched a Banh Mi with a 10 foot pole.
Then yelp walked into my life and I started exploring the world of Vietnamese sandwiches all over again. First by going to Lee's Sandwiches and then to Saigon Sandwiches (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), I was slowly warming up to quite possibly the best Vietnamese sandwich I may ever have in my life. Thanks to Keiko S., I went and checked out Huong Lan a couple of days ago. The place is huge as the place serves proper dishes like Pho (noodle soup), Bun (vermicelli plates), and Com Dia (rice plates), but they make sandwiches as well. Being that sandwiches came highly recommended, I quickly made a decision and ordered the Meatball sandwich and the Grilled Chicken (at $2.50 a sandwich, I couldn't resist ordering at least two).
My food gets handed to me in just a few minutes and as I proceed to my car to drive back to work, the savory aroma of the sandwiches secretly start talking to me. They were softly and melodically saying "eat me...just take one bite...one hand on the wheel, the other on me." Like a sailor engulfed in the song of a siren on the seas, my mind and hand was focused on eating my Meatball sandwich. I was so happy that I did, because this was one of the tastiest, juiciest, savory sandwiches I ever had. The combination of a fresh baked warm roll that was crunchy on the outside but soft like a cloud on the side, pickled vegetables, spicy peppers, and country sausage meatballs cooked to perfection, made me not care that all the crumbs from the sandwich were getting all over my shirt and pants as I was driving back to work. I was done within a couple of minutes and honestly can't even begin to describe how good that sandwich was. I am definitely coming back to this place and trying their highly recommended special: Korean BBQ Beef Sandwich!
I am happy to say that not only did this sandwich satisfy my belly, but it also brought Banh Mi back into my life.
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This place serves your typical Vietnamese sandwiches. We ordered #1 (mix of meats - ham, some type of paste, and don't know what the third was) and #4 (bbq chicken). Both were tasty and a good size. I just wish that they put a little more chicken in my sandiwch...mine was pretty thin compared to my bf's. But for only $2.50 I can't really complain. The sandwiches are 50 cents more if you eat in. I'd come back here if I wanted a cheap Asian sandwich and to try their other dishes. But if I'm in the mood to pay a few bucks more and want a more unique Viet sandwich I'd go to Jenjon's! :)
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This place is pretty good considering that its in newark. i was skeptical when it first opened... the Huong Lan off Tully Rd is pretty good and Thanh Huong is good too off of capitol in San jose, but this place is awesome because it's closer to me. their Pho is pretty good and their sandwiches are awesome. Ive tried their ground beef with ginger and black pepper porridge before and it was satisfying.
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Went for dinner tonight and ordered: steamed chicken rice plate, chicken pho, thai tea and a grilled chicken sandwich to go. Total bill: $18.21 w/out tip.
Steamed chicken w/rice - comes with a bowl of broth. The rice was good, it was a little salty and it looked like it was also fried with onions for taste. The chicken was generous and comes with a ginger-y spicy sauce. 4 stars.
Chicken pho - this also came with a bowl of broth that was different than the broth in the pho. Strange. Too many liquids. I would cut the broth and cut 25 cents from the price. Unfortunately the pho wasn't as good as My Tho. the chicken pieces wasn't like chicken breast but more like "lumps", eh, it was ok. 2 stars.
Chicken sandwich - not sure how it tastes yet. I'll update tomorrow when i have it for lunch.
Another star since the place sells a lot of little snacks, quick lunch to-go plates and spring rolls.
I'd probably go back for lunch but not order the pho.
CASH ONLY.
***Update 3/13/08***
So i had the sandwich, i ordered chicken, but i think they gave me the bbq pork. It was good, it was like a traditional Vietnamese sandwich not like Lee's Sandwiches, where they use that skinny baguette. I didn't find it esp. filled with meat it was just average. For $2.50 i would go back and maybe they will give me the right sandwich! lol.
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This place reminds me of my college days back at SJSU. I am so happy that there is a good Vietnamese sandwich shop here in the east bay now. I hope my friend keeps treating me to their awesome food!
I am only 1/3 carnivore and I already think these sandwiches need more goods in them! Every bite tasted like cold, hard baguette with a tease of pepper, dressing, and veggies and an occasional lucky taste of meat. BBQ Pork is my choice but I've definitely had better..I might even prefer Lee's. Sandwiches are cheap though (under $3) so I can't complain too much, plus they give you a free bowl of soup that is probably drenched in MSG but hey, whatever makes my taste buds happy.
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I'd give it an extra star for the scabs of extra munchies near the door, but to be honest, 3 stars is standard.
The sandwiches were priced $2.50 which is dirt cheap, but rather skimpy on the Ga (Steamed pork) filling..the pickled veggies to meat ratio was really off (not enough veggie filling..It didn't flow out like lava (unlike the ones I ate at Saigon Sandwiches). And the beefball pho they offered were okay. Big dishes and plenty cheap. They do use fresh ingredients and the place is clean.
Service is rather hit or miss, depending on the day you go in...Sundays are worse cause it's usually just 1-2 servers working the room and registers.
CASH ONLY!! Make sure you bring $$$ in bills or change! And take out (except for sandwiches) will include 50 cents per item! ???
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I love viet sandwiches!
This is the closest place that sells viet sandwiches and thus, i give it 5 stars!
I love their drinks, they PUT REAL TARO in the taro milk tea ( unlike others use powder) but too much ice.
I LOVE their desserts, they have spring rolls too!
Their pho was pretty decent, or well, the price is pretty cheap.
but seriously, their sandwiches is like their specialty, hence the name huong lan sandwiches:)!
Banh sandwich ngon. Toi co the co mot tung ngay.
Nhung co gai Viet nam lanh loi va nong.
$2.50 (cho) mot banh sandwich.
Khuyen cao: Y
Toi Se di sau? Y
Nguoi Lang man? Y
****** Translation for those who want to know what I said above *****
Tasty Sandwich. I can have one every day.
I wish they would put more HOT ness in the sandwich. ;-)
$2.50 for one sandwich.
Rest you know!
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This is the best place to get Vietnamese sandwiches! Tastes so much better than Lee's sandwiches. it's fairly cheap for a sanwich and it fills you up. They have about 10 kinds to choose from with different meats. Their pho is not all that great. I only come here for the sandwiches.
I ate half on the way home - the siren song of warm bread and spicy veggies was calling to me and I couldn't not resist.
Once again, I must bow to the gods of Yelp for introducing me to this amazing shop in Newark. I had passed by it many times, and not even thought to stop (although I had eaten banh mi before in SF and really enjoyed it).
I ordered the BBQ pork and it was excellent and for $2.50. I was stuffed and it was $2.50. Now, there are bargains that get extra stars because they are bargains but this place earned its stars on the food alone. I didn't have much cash, but was very intrigued by the sweets and snacks that were available so I will try them next time.
The cashier was very nice, and the eating area looked very clean. I will definitely be back here, and soon.
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Coolest place to have a BBQ pork sandwich. Flat panel LCD for your viewing enjoyment. For Two-fiddy you get the sandwich AND a cup of onion soup. Mmmmmm! What a great deal on a cold day or any day!
Be sure to get some sweet desserts from the shelves on your way out!
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Wow this place is pretty good!
I wasn't expecting much because at all the other places I've eaten at in the plaza haven't been that great. It's funny how all Vietnamese restaurants look the same.
I had #7 which was a Grilled Pork sandwich ($2.50) and it was tasty! The bread was so soft and the meat was sooooo flavorful. Yum.
Inside this restaurant, there's a whole noodle menu and sit down area if you want to eat there. I got my sandwich to go though and as I was waiting (which took less than 5 minutes), I was browsing through their baked goods, desserts & dessert drinks. I grew up eating Vietnamese desserts so I'll have to go back to try these!!!
**UPDATE 2/408: Tried the pho & dry noodle here. The pho was SALTY beyond belief; you can tell it was loaded with MSG. There were also slices of white and we weren't sure if this was fat or some other area of the animal. The shrimp in the dry noodle was terribly overcooked. They give you a lot of noodles though but not enough fish sauce. Overall, I say stick with the sandwiches!
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I love this place! I've been craving a vietnamese sandwich and this place hit the spot. The prices are awesome.. $2 sandwich that fills you up. The taste was perfect.. a little sweet and a little hot.. perfect. .. what a deal and the service was fast and friendly. I did hit up this place on a weekday around 11 so it was in & out in no time. I could see this place getting busy though. They have lots of snacks to pick up and grab on the go and a nice place to sit down too. Great place.. I know I'll be back again and again.
Update 3/1/07
What can I say..I c an't stay away.. this place is cheap and rocks.. soo yummy. I got the BBQ pork sandwich and the clear wrapped rolls with shrimp in them ( spring rolls?.. maybe..that might be what they are called) and I left a happy camper with not much of a dent in my wallet.
Also good to note.. things aree cheap so you can probably scrounge for change but they would accept cash..fyi
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Tasty! Great place to have lunch. The people are friendly and it's nice and clean. It also feels very open and the windows make the whole place nice and bright inside.
Had the pho dac biet (good broth) and BBQ pork banh mi (yum). I am concerned, however, about the hoisin sauce. It's a little runny. If the broth had needed it, this might have been a bigger problem.
They have fresh Vietnamese sandwiches here. The quality of the sandwiches is pretty good. It's more of a loaf style as opposed to the baguette style they serve at Lee's sandwich. What I like about Huong Lan is that it represents the great American entrepreneurial spirit. They started off with one or two stores in San Jose and have expanded. They are rivals with the Lee Sandwich company. Mr. Huong Lan and Mr. Lee used to study under a master sandwich maker Mr. Ba Le, in vietnam. When they got to america they started different businesses using their sandwich making skills from Mr. Ba-Le.
When I can't make it to Lee's I stop by here for some good old fashioned Banh Mi. Friendly competition makes for good food and good eats for all of us! Go BANH MI!
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Ah, Viet sandwiches... the perfect broke food. It's hearty, quite healthy and so darned stinky from the pickled veggies and what not that you know you won't be spending your money on a romantic night out later. LOVE IT.
Huong Lan makes some great sandwiches. While we lived in San Jose, the hubster and I preferred the longer baguettes of Lee's Sandwiches. But my Viet hubster admits that the shorter, more loaf-like bread at Huong Lan is more like the ones he grew up with as a kid. I'm not complaining. The bread is an essential part of the sandwich and Huong Lan's bread does their banh mi proud.
I've gone here often to pick up lunch/dinner for the hubster and I. Cheap? Quick? Healthier than McD's? We'll eat that. My sandwiches have always been fresh. And the folks at the counter have no problem with me asking for more pate on my sandwiches which is a bonus for me.
Their selection of other Viet to go goodies are sometimes hit and miss. Their banh beo (the steamed rice cakes) don't always look so fresh or great. Compared to the Viet delis that I am used to from San Jose, their selection of sweet cakes isn't all that great, etiher but it's much better than the Fremont Lee's. And I have yet to actually find out when they have my favorite pate chaud in. It's basically a meatball wrapped in puff pastry goodness -- they're always sold out when I get there. BOO!
They've also got a sit-down portion of their restaurant, dedicated to noodle soups, though we haven't tried this yet.
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Nice variety of stuff. I tried bahn mi, pho, and snacks here. All were edible, I suppose. I tried this little sponge cake thing and it tasted bad so I had to throw it away after taking one bite. What a disappointment.
I'd recommend Cam Huong in Union City for better bahn mi's or Pho Miss Saigon in Fremont for Pho.
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Good barbecue Pork.
Bread hurt the roof of my mouth.
Terrible heartburn.
Rating of maybe 2-1/2...
(morphed to Haiku per Amy P's suggestion...)
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I never even knew this place existed until yesterday. I came here with a friend after a long-ass morning of walking in Coyote Hills, and the grilled pork sandwich I ordered for just a little over $2 was the best thing I ever tasted in my life (although that also could have been because my dumb ass went walking on an empty stomach that morning). That's right - THE sandwich I ordered. As in, ONE. It was enough to fill me up! Sometimes full on entrees and rice plates don't even do that. Thumbs up for cheap, filling, yummy vietnamese sandwiches.
I didn't try any when I was there, but I also noticed they had TONS of yummy looking snacks, random wrap type things, and fish cakes in different varieties. I will definitely be back to try more. Now I know a cool new place to get snacks for work (and closer to home, too!) other than McCarthy Ranch!
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Update: 5/25/07 I ordered pho with rare steak and brisket. My first sip of the pho broth tasted of tap water. Not a good sign. After sprinkling some lime juice in, the taste went away. Other than that, the noodles, beef, and basil were good. Just hard to get over that first sip though ya know?
We ordered the BBQ Chicken Banh Mi. It wasn't fresh at all, and not very good overall compared to places I've tried in SF & Oakland.
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i loveeee houng lan! houng lan's taste and quality is so much better than salty Lee's sandwiches. This is actual, authentic that they provide you for a pretty cheap price. Good food for the half the price thats what i call a good time =) oooh also try the spicy beef noodle soup thats good too
First thing's first; f*ck Lee's Sandwiches. Huong Lan is the REAL Vietnamese Sandwich chain around here.
Sandwiches are cheap and good. Bread is usually fresh, they don't put too much mayo (or whatever that white spread is) and the meats are done perfectly (unlike Lee's). Add some sriracha and what you have is cheap Vietnamese culinary bliss.
This is one of my true regrets of my weekday meat fast. I used to buy two sandwiches around lunch time and take them with me to a night game at the Oakland Coliseum. Nowadays, I buy vegetarian sandwiches from Subway or Togo's. They're nowhere near as good as a grilled pork or grilled chicken sandwich. Or spring rolls, or anything else from this chain.
I've been a long time patron and I have to say that their sandwiches are, as other reviewers have noted, cheap, delicious, and nutritious. For $2.00 you really can't go wrong. What more can you ask for? Try the grilled pork. Service is very good and they are quite accommodating. I like the pho because it tastes good, but also the place seems cleaner than other places I've been to in SJ. Hands down, this is the best place for Vietnamese food in Fremont. Be careful of their ice coffee--it was potent. I had to add plenty of water and extra ice.
This place is great for Pho and sandwiches to go. Cant beat $2 sandwiches and spring rolls. They are a cash-only place. ATM is inside the store. Be careful about ATM charges, cuz I think your bank will charge you extra for using a non-chain ATM.
When I eat in, I get pho + spring rolls. When Im in the mood for take out fast food. I go for #4 + spring rolls.
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Quick Service
Good prices
Better bread than Lee's
Convenient location (in front of Lyons)
Plenty of tables
It may be primarily a sandwich shop but the PHO is pretty good. They have a large Plasma TV for the times you decide to eat in.
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Huong Lan is delicious, quick, and convenient (locations in SJ and Milpitas as well). Great if you're doing one stop asian shopping, because it is located in the Lyon's shopping plaza.
Although there is the option to sit down to eat here, most people get their sandwiches to go. My favorite is the BBQ Pork sandwich. Sometimes they have a "Korean BBQ" sandwich special (mmm bulgoki in a sandwich w/ tomato, lettuce, pickled daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and peppers) which is also quite tasty.
I would (and do!) keep coming here for my viet sandwich fix, but only if I'm in the area.
**Edit 4/23: went back again, and actually, I'd like to change my rating to 5 stars. Grilled pork for $2 was even better this time, and I noticed they put nuts and onions in the sandwiches. mmmm..
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This was my first time that I had a vietnamese sandwich and I have to say they were pretty good.
If you have never tried one, try this place first!!.
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Excellent, especially for Fremont. My favorite vietnamese place in the area. The prices are pretty much the same as what I've come across in chinatown in Oakland. Fast, quick service so good place to go for lunch.
The pho is good, and the rice noodle bowls are great. Affordable, tasty way to fill up.
The only complaint about the sandwiches they only have meat and veggies, seasoning is minimal and there is no sauce that some other places put on it.
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If you're in the area, chances are you're exiting the Lyon's food centre and feeling a bit hungry from all that shopping. This place will not disappoint. It's basically on the same level as the places in San Francisco. Still, since you're obviously not in the City, give this place a try. The sandwiches are equally tasty, and you can actually find a parking space. What a concept? Part with a few dollars to make your friends, significant other, spouse, happy. They'll thank you for it.
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I'll take one order of No. 1 and a cup of Vietnamese "Ice" coffee.
The sandwiches at this place are sum up in simple words - Excellent, Good, Fresh, Flavorful, Heatlhy, Cheap, Quick, watch-out for those "nuclear isotopes (chili peppers)", and did I mentioned good.
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I came here the other day with a friend because it is closer to us than Lee's. I liked the bread here, but Lee's has bigger sandwiches. I don't think the insides of the sandwiches are that different. There were a lot of extra yummy looking pastries, buns, and rice dishes in packages. That was the nice plus. Lots of snacks.
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This is another outlet in the Huong Lan sandwich chain, and I've patronized this one most recently and more often than the Milpitas store, having recenly worked in the Newark/Fremont area.
Location is very convenient, just off the I-880 Mowry Avenue exit, and situated in a strip shopping mall with several Asian shops and restaurants, including a large supermarket (Lion Plaza). The parking lot does get a bit crowded at lunch time so arrive early or late if you want a nearby spot. The staff is very friendly in my experience, a bit of a contrast to some other Yelpers' experience with service in the other Huong Lan outets.
Once you're in, you can get your sandwiches to go or for eat in. Note that if you want to get eat in, the sandwiches will cost about $0.50 cents more, which I don't really mind. They'll throw in a small soup if you do.
As for the banh mi sandwitches - they come on a french bread loaf, as opposed to a baguette - which I like. My favorite is the grilled pork, followed by the meatball and the thinly sliced ham. At around $2, they are very cheap and tasty to boot. If I'm with colleagues, we like to order some spring rolls to share as an appetizer, and get an iced coffee or tea with it. Of course, if you like the cafe suc da (the strong drip coffee with condensed milk) that is available too, though recently I've stopped drinking that because it makes me too shaky.
They also offer pho (soup noodles) on the menu if you're eating in, but it's not that good, and if you want pho, there is a very good pho shop in the same shopping center that we also frequently patronize.
There are also lots of take out snacks and sweets available for purchase, as well as beverages such as soy milk in a refrigerated case for self-serve, as in other Huong Lan stores. Unlike the Milpitas store, this Newark outet doesn't have a prepared food cafeteria style counter where you can get, say 2 dishes+ rice for about $4 bucks, a bargain takeway. But that's OK - Huong Lan is all about the Banh Mi and that's why you're here.
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for some reason, i've had a serious banh mi craving for the last week, so i had to put that to rest today. i came here and got a bbq pork sandwich for myself and a grilled chicken sandwich for my bro. both were really good, and the bread was crusty on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside.
they don't give you too much here in the way of filling, but for $2.50 a pop, i have no reason to complain.
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so i've never actually been here yet, but my mom orders vietnamese sandwiches from here almost every week and buys me one if i happen to be home when she gets them. everyone seems to like this place, but i guess the only reason why i dont like it that much is since i'm in san jose, and the sandwiches down here are far better. but yes, plus to them for using the better bread. everyone knows that lee's bread is not that good. but the sandwiches here are not that tasty and rather bland.
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Sandwiches are good and cheap but one HUGE flaw is that they don't have the BBQ chicken! Of all the different flavors they have, the don't carry the most popular one!
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