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| - After visiting the dry cleaners next door - Zest - I stopped in here for an iced Vietnamese coffee and a quick look at the menu. When I saw "Bistro" in the name, I assumed I would find a bar and a Vietnamese oriented "Bistro" menu similar to those I experienced living in San Francisco for many years. A "Bistro", Banh Mi is not.
Banh Mi is an awesome storefront Vietnamese fast food joint - great prices, quality fresh food, quick service. The place is sparse on atmosphere, paper plates and plastic ware if you desire to eat in; but a clear favorite of the Vietnamese community for take-out. I've now made several repeat visits and can recommend the Spring Rolls which are two substantial rolls of pork, shrimp, rice noodles and vegetables wrapped in rice paper and served cold. At $4 per order of two, this is the best price I have seen in Phoenix. Hint - skip the gummy side of peanut sauce, and make yourself a small cup of sriracha infused hoisin sauce at the little condiment counter. Potstickers - also $4 for 4 - your choice of chicken or pork, are excellent, cooked to order with a minimalist portion of slightly spicy sauce. The shrimp noodle salad bowl - with extra shrimp - $10 - is enough for a lunch, and plenty to take home for a light evening meal.
I have not had the sandwiches, however, they appear to be a popular choice for takeout. The Vietnamese iced coffee will cause you to be a regular for that alone.
I will continue to enjoy Banh Mi (not Bistro) on these hot summer days.
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