Nguyễn Ngọ — Restaurant in Houston

So the word around the city is that this is one of the best banh mi shop in Houston. I can certainly see why as the sandwich is indeed very good for the price. First of all, this place has become more non-Vietnamese speaker friendly as the menu have English translations. Second, the way they do it now is where they actually take down your name for the order so no one gets confused on getting the wrong sandwich.

The place is still a very small cafe in the corner of a shopping center. Now I certainly understand going down Bellaire could be intimidating but people actually do speak good English in this cafe, or at least the gentleman who took my order and money. One of the difference for this shop compared to other banh mi shops is that you can have it small or large. You can also customize it by adding whatever type of meats, vegetables, etc. with the ingredients price point written on the board.

Please be note that the wait may still take a bit as I still see people buying the banh mi in bulk (order of 10+) so if you're just getting one for yourself, get ready to wait a slight bit. They also have drinks and Vietnamese desserts but I didn't get any of those this time. Over all I am pleased with the sandwich as the bread is not overly dry as it feels like they toasted it a bit before cutting it open and put the 'dac biet' (special combination) into it.

I would certainly come back when I am at this part of town and crave for something fast to eat. This would also be a good place to take people to if they wish to see our Vietnamese-town and try banh mi for...

"Is it in this strip mall?" "I don't see it!" Those two phrases were repeated multiple times as my starving co-pilot and I drove up and down Bellaire, passing the inconspicuous green strip mall that housed the restaurant multiple times before finally spotting it in the far left corner of the strip mall. "Finally!!!" I thought. I was about on death's door! My co-pilot and I quickly ran into the restaurant and asked for 4 combinations sandwiches (chicken, ham, pate). We sat on the cold metal seats, drinking tons of water trying to curb our hunger. When the food came, we scarfed the first one down quicker than the speed of light. At first, I was not sure whether the sandwiches tasted amazing or I was just starving. After a second trip, I confirmed that they taste amazing. The succulent combination of butter, cucumbers, cilantro, jalapeños, carrots and meat blended wonderfully together on the warm fresh baguette. I have been multiple times since my first trip and each time I am impressed by their sandwiches. Prior to this discovery, I have tried several different thai sandwich shops (Alpha Bakery, Parisian Bakery, Lee's sandwiches, etc.) however, none compare to these sandwiches. So try it! All of their sandwiches are good, however, their combination sandwich is the best that I have eaten.

p.s. the jalapeños are either nice and tasty or burn like a raging...

I normally don't write reviews based off of my experience on ONE item.. but all I gotta say is this:

Vietnamese style sandwich with Shredded Chicken and Pate on a toasted CROISSANT

It's crave-able, delicious, sinful, and all kinds of wondrous, gluttonous adjectives. I called Nguyen Ngo before even going and asked, "Do you guys take card?" and the man responded, "No, but we accept cash and jewelry." --- from then on I knew I was in for something good, if not only a friendly staff experience. The staff is kind and helpful. The food comes relatively quickly.

NOTE: They run out of croissants. They said typically around 3 PM they can run out... I found out because I went to get the same sandwich twice in one day. The second time I went that day there were no more croissants... *cue the violins

The banh mi is just so so for me. I am still devoted to Givral Hoang and Thim Hing. But that's not what I'm here for... I'm here for that perfect croissant banh mi concoction that makes me salivate at the thought of it...

Good thing I've got one waiting for me downstairs (you know... the one I ordered to-go after the first one I had...