Num Pang vs. Baoguette
My verdict is in. I’ve eaten at Num Pang three times since it’s opened. And today, for lunch, I had the the namesake Baoguette banh mi.
So which tastes better my friends want to know?
Let me start by saying that there are no losers here. Each of the sandwiches makes me so happy to be living here in NYC during this golden age of cuisine. Baoguette’s banh mi is bigger. The sandwich I had from Baougette was comprised of pork terrine, pate, pulled pork and fresh herbs. I’m a fat bastard and find that just one Num Pang sandwich does not do the job. Often I have had to order two sandwiches there and eat one and a half of them to properly satiate my hunger.
And the pickled veggies in Baoguette’s concoction are very distinct on the palate. You can really taste the pickled carrot and daikon in each and every bite of the sandwich. Num Pang’s veggies are really overshadowed by the meat and cilantro. You don’t really get the full taste of them when chowing down.
Num Pang offers six varieties of banh mi. Baoguette has four. Num Pang offers the greatest grilled corn this side of Cafe Habana. Baoguette has some salad and noodle dishes. Num Pang is one block from my apartment. Baoguette is seven blocks from my office. There’s give and take here people. This was not an easy pick by any means.
I ask myself - if I had to eat just one banh mi, from the ones I’ve sampled, which would I eat? The answer is…………………………………. Baoguette’s. The size of the sandwich, the hint of veggies - those really were the overriding factors in my decision. Does this mean I will no longer eat Num Pang? Hell no!!!!!! I may even go there for dinner tonight.
Num Pang’s website here. Baoguette on menupages here.
