Set amidst the cacophony of Chinatown east, Rose’s Vietnamese Sandwiches is the go-to place to grab a traditional banh mi. Originally from Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), owner Rose Pham uprooted her life when times got tough in her homeland. Some 20 years later, Pham oversees a steady stream of customers seeking a taste of Vietnam at her family-run joint. Freshly made goods are laid out for ogling at on the countertops, and exotic products spill out of every remaining nook and cranny. We opted for the classic assorted banh mi, one of the most popular sandwiches at the shop. Featuring a variety of cold cuts, the meat is carefully folded over and layered onto a white, French-style bun. Strips of pickled carrots and radish are piled on top, accompanied by fresh cucumber and sprigs of coriander. Customers can choose a host of other dressings such as pâté, butter, black pepper and soy sauce. Ready in five and costing between $2 and $3, depending on size, the numbers add up to make a highly desirable lunch.
