Vietnamese hoagie. From Mi Lah Vegetarian Restaurant, on 218 S 16th St. It was good. Oh so good. And unlike a cheese steak (sorry guys), it didn’t leave the heavy, greasy feeling that can only come with a Whiz-topped pound of steak.
I’ve been meaning to try one for a while. Six more spots left to try! These ones (which look considerably cheaper!)
And of course my pal, PhilaFoodie‘s suggestion, Q.T.
“In a city whose identity has been so closely linked to one sandwich, it’s not surprising that the Vietnamese hoagie, or bánh mi, has not gained more of a foothold here. In fact, until Q.T. Vietnamese Sandwich snuck onto 10th and Arch, it was easier to find authentic renditions in South Philly than in Chinatown.”
Where the Vietnamese hoagie is, there I shall follow.
My fave is Cafe Nhuy at 8th and Christian. It’s not true that it’s “virtually no wait” since they make every one in a counter-top toaster, but it’s definitely worth the wait. I’m partial to the meaty ones, but I do love the veggie as well.
Ooh, I’ve yet to have a meat one. Excited! So going, thanks Andrew!
I’ve eaten banh mi thit nguoi and other variations since I was in the womb. My family buys 1 or 2 dozen every time we go to the beach. So good and affordable!
Chinatown is still a long, loooong way from being pan-Asian. In terms of Vietnamese food, South Philly is where it’s at.
The Fu-Wah at 47th and Baltimore makes a mean tofu hoagie.
hmmm vietnamese food never sat well with me….once they take out that fish sauce my lunch, breakfast, yesterdays steak, and the cranberries i hate 5 years ago come out. I guess it’s a good system cleanser though
QT is great. Especially liked the lemongrass chicken (which does have pork pate so red meat avoiders you are forwarned.)
Once you go banh mi, you never go back!