What constitutes a Banh Mi sandwich? Is it the julienned carrots? Or the crisp, crusty hoagie on which the sandwich contents lay? I couldn’t tell you. But what I can tell you is that Baoguette has extraordinary Banh Mi.

bbq chicken banh mi

Located in a hole-in-the-wall on Lexington near 26th Street, Baoguette sells noodles, rolls, and salads in addition to their signature Banh Mi sandwiches. For Banh Mi, there is a nice selection of flavors to choose from: the Baoguette (with pork), BBQ chicken, catfish, a sloppy Bao, and a veggie sandwich.

I opted for the BBQ chicken sandwich which came with pickled daikon, cilantro, cucumber, and a delicious garlic aioli. The bread was perfect, the fillings a delight. I was in heaven. And, the sandwich was free for some reason.

My lady dining partner ordered the Baoguette which is topped with terine, pate, and fresh herbs. She seemed to be in heaven, too, so I’d say go with the Baoguette when you try it out.

There’s another Baoguette down by Wall Street, for you financial buffs out there.

I highly recommend it!

Baoguette

61 Lexington Ave. (between 25th and 26 streets)

Murray Hill, New York

Take the 6 to 28th Street. Walk east one block and south two blocks. It’s on the east side of Lexington.