Friday, July 04, 2008

Banh Mi My Tho: Tiny but worthy

I loved Baguette Express in San Gabriel, which closed a while ago, and was never very impressed with Lee's or Saigon Sandwich. A couple of Chowhound posters were evaluating the possible replacements, and TonyC put out the name Bahn Mi My Tho, so I decided to try it. Baguette Express was immaculate, modern, with several tables and a a pleasant air-conditioned atmosphere. Bahn Mi My Tho, on the other hand, is a tiny counter deli in an Alhambra strip mall. Vietnamese cakes, cookies and prepackaged spring rolls spill across the countertop, an annoying buzzer goes off every time a customer walks in the door, and there's no place to eat except a metal bench overlooking the lovely strip mall parking lot. But they do make a hell of a bahn mi, and for $2 yet. Of course, there's no creative variations like the Cajun shrimp bahn mi I loved at Baguette Express. But the bbq beef and bbq pork both had plenty of green matter, fresh bread and generally everything else you want in a $2 sandwich. Amazingly, the compact deli has a full menu of Vietnamese dishes, so you can get a full meal to go, or just a big 'ol bag of sandwiches at rock bottom prices. So thanks, TonyC.
Bahn Mi My Tho
304 W. Valley Blvd. (near Garfield)
Alhambra
626-289-4160

2 comments:

SinoSoul said...

you're welcome Pat. they make their nem nuong in-house, and the xiu mai version utilizes huge zesty meatballs.

for softer moist baguette, i suggest Baguette City instead.

Mitchypoo said...

This is a great place, the sandwiches are 2.25 now but way worth it! We got the pork and chicken. Very tasty and good.