Sikao Life Chinese BBQ — Restaurant in University City

typically i dont write a review unless the experience is either fantastic or terrible. this is one such event. I decided to give this place a try. it has good reviews so why not. for those of you who dont know Bahn Mi So on south grand is the gold standard. Bahn Mi So sandwiches have spot on flavor and the bread is delicate, flaky, and flavorful albeit they do tend to not stuff the sandwiches with enough meat unless you ask for double stuffed and even then they just charge you more and do not fill the sandwiches with anything more. anyhoo.... The bahn mi shop is quite the opposite experience. they will charge you $8 or $9 for a nine inch sandwich. the bread is stale, boring, has no flavor, a bit hard to chew and they are light on the fillings. if you were to remove the fillings and throw away the bread youd have about 4 fork fulls of food. very disappointing. the flavor was equally as bland. yes their were hints of vietnamese flavors but nothing was exceptionally fresh. i'd give the bread a score of 1 and the fillings a 4. the spring rolls are very average. this likely has to do with nothing being really that fresh. the dipping sauce comes in two flavors: a fish sauce and a plumb sauce. if you've eaten vietnamese food often you'll realize that their sauces are unlike anything you've ever had. the fish sauce was pungent and grabbed your nostrils with a harsh twang not unlike removing your shoes on a hot summer day. it was a tough flavor to dip your food into and im the kind of person who can eat just about anything. the plumb sauce had something wrong with it. it was almost like lysol mixed with bbq sauce. it was bizzare and not edible. in fact none of the 5 of us could eat it. the noodle bowls, which i did not have, looked okay. the other members of my family ate those and they said they were edible, average, and just okay. this place was my choice to go to for my birthday. it was very memorable and certainly i will never go back. if i had something good to say i will say they got my order right. i ordered $85 in food and it...

Good - Fresh - French Bread is everything and The Banh Mi Shop nails it. Lightly toasted - fresh - crisp veggies - flavorful - moist proteins - check all the boxes.

Clean and inviting atmosphere. Friendly greeted upon entry. Was my first time - but will now be a part of my lunch rotation.

I got the lemon grass chicken - on point (Will get double meat next time). Spring Rolls - got the Lemongrass Chicken (apparently its a lemongrass kind of day) - was nice size - and filled with fresh veggies - professionally rolled. I could eat these daily. Will be coming back for the grilled beef based on the owner's recommendation.

Food is made to order - took less than 5 mins - I had mine to go and a "Thank You Gummy" in the well portioned bag was a nice touch.

As for parking - it's the loop - so people giving this shop a bad review because of parking - I suspect are county folks who expect to be able to pull up in front and a red carpet automatically rolls out to meet their camo birks (I digress). You can park for free on Washington Ave and 20 - 30 steps up Melville Ave and the Shop is right there. Washington Ave is where the students live and walk daily. Do not let parking be the reason you don't treat yourself to a fantastic culinary experience.

I meant to take a pic of the actual meal - but literally devoured every morsel before thinking to do so - Will snap pics on next visit soon -...

Drop everything you're doing and go eat here NOW!! Firs time eating here and we love it. Every Spring Roll had an abundance of well seasoned meat/tofu/shrimp and mixed in were the perfect selection of fresh vegetables and leafs to compliment each one. The Classic Bahn Mi Sandwhich is one of a kind and could put subway out of business. It is fresh, filling and flavorful.

My favorite Spring Rolls in order are Shrimp Spring Roll -the mint leaf leaves such a mild sweet taste and isn't overpowering like I've had at other spots. The shrimp are large. Chicken and Lemon Grass -the lemongrass compliments the thoroughly seasoned chicken!! Love it!! BBQ Pork -There is so much pork and it is so juicy and tender!! The Tofu is definitely a go-getter for anyone looking for a vegetarian substitute. So delightful!

The Peanut Sauce is perfect for dipping!

Also, make SURE to grab a Lychee Lemonade!! I am addicted now. I had to go back in and buy another one. Each sealed bottle contains a lychee ball and creates a perfectly blended, sweet and savory lemonade treat.

Healthy, filling & satisfying 😌.

We live two hours away and will definitely be back for a bite next time we visit...