Café Minh

The last time I visited Café Minh was during the summer for offBeat, so it was a long time a comin' when The Folk Singer and I stopped by for lunch last Saturday afternoon. We started with an order of Summer Rolls (foreground) bulging with shrimp, cucumber, and avocado. In the background are the handmade pork dumplings known as "Beggar's Purse."

The Folk Singer had the tempura chicken salad, but I would say that the chicken was more paneéd than tempura fried. Either way, there were two whole chicken breasts atop the salad, which consisted of mixed greens, cold vermicelli noodles, and julienned vegetables with a peanut sauce dressing. Cool, filling, and a steal at $12.

I had the chargrilled pork sandwich which (as you can see) was overflowing with delectable porcine goodness. "Sandwich" is an apt description as this is not the typical banh mi. The shredded carrot and cucumber are in there, but so are lettuce, tomato, and the tiniest drizzle of balsamic vinegar. With the accompanying side of cole slaw or fries, this lunch costs the grand total of $9.

Café Minh is an absolute steal of a deal. High quality raw ingredients and preparations executed consistently well in a clean and minimalist dining room at affordable prices. Weekday lunches are busy, but the Saturday afternoon crowd has yet to find their way to Canal Street. That's fine. More for me and you.

Café Minh - Eagle