Luga's Latest: Vietnamese Sandwiches at Banh Mi Now

Luga is a man after my own heart: never settling, always striving. His many transformations sometimes baffle, but I wholeheartedly approve of his latest, Banh Mi Now, where they serve this much-missed staple of Vietnamese street food.

Good banh mi sandwiches are all about the ideal combination of fillings, and Luga’s gets it mostly right, with generous servings of pickled daikon radish and carrots, pate, cucumbers and cilantro, as well as your choice of protein, all on a crusty loaf (RMB 26).

The grilled pork is a nicely charred, juicy delight, while fried eggs, another classic, arrived tenderly scrambled with scallions. Disappointments were few. (Unless you’ve been nursing a raging nostalgia for “white pork loaf,” I’d advise against this spongy, bland cold cut.)

Do try the guava shake (RMB 25), though, after which Sanlitun Houjie might almost be mistaken for the back alleys of Hanoi.

Also try: Nam Nam, Muse, Nuage

Luga’s Banh Mi Now
Daily 10am-11pm. Above Luga’s (opposite Tongli Studio), Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang District (6413 2786)
朝阳区三里屯后街同里对面

Search for more Beijing restaurants by name, category and neighborhood or let the rest of Beijing know about your favorite place to grab a bite by adding a user review of any of the restaurants in our online directory. Don't see your favorite restaurant in there? Submit a suggestion and we can add it to our database.