NYC Restaurants

This East Village Vietnamese spot is best known for its Banh Mi sandwiches ($6.75) that come in an assortment of flavorful combinations.  There's shredded pork, grilled chicken and sardine.  All are served with mayonnaise, pate and Vietnamese ham.  There's also a vegetarian version with tofu, mushrooms and peanut sauce.

You'll also want to try one of the fresh salads made with your choice of mango, green papaya or lotus stem.  They can be ordered with shrimp or vegetarian.  All are served with carrot, pickled leek, fresh mint and crushed peanuts with lime or fish sauce.  You'll appreciate the simple beauty in which all of the dishes are presented.

My personal favorite is the Goi cuon or Summer Rolls.  The translucent shrimp rolls are simply spectacular, loaded with shrimp, green chives, mint, pickled carrots, daikon, bean sprouts and rice vermicelli.  The rolls are then dipped into a tasty peanut sauce.  It is the perfect light meal and quite affordable at $5.50 for two rolls.

You'll also find traditional Vietnamese hot or iced coffee, and salted limeade. Banh Mi Zon might be a small restaurant, but should not be overlooked.