While my parents and I do go to the Walmart and Sam's Club off Ke'eaumoku a bit, we haven't been in this building one block over. There is presumably a valet parking service in the same building (it says first hour is free), but since we went on a Sunday, there at least was free street parking.
After hearing Le's has gotten tons of rave reviews for their banh mi, so I had to try this place as well, continuing my recent banh mi adventures.
As expected, a very simple menu of 4-5 sandwiches and drinks. A very good sign, confirming the successful business model to serve a few award-winning items instead of 40-50 mediocre options.
In what I figured was a good sign, the workers there were completing several phone orders on a Sunday - and it wasn't even 10:30 in the morning yet.
Another pretty good sign: a bunch of baguettes in the front at the order counter. Basically enticing you with the bread before even ordering.
Just like at Bella Banh Mi, I ordered the Roasted Pork banh mi ($11.50): Pickled matchstick-cut daikon and carrot, chopped Chinese crispy skin pork belly, sliced cucumber, jalapeño, green onion, and cilantro on a baguette.
My order came in a brown paper bag, and I liked that the bag was stamped with the type of sandwich you got. An added touch can go a long way toward the overall experience.
I placed very high expectations on this sandwich due to the reviews, and damn, did this deliver. Easily one of the best banh mis I've ever had.
It starts with the bread, just a perfect crispy exterior to match its glistening appearance, yet quickly gives way to all the goodness it contains. Not too hard, just right. Just like at Bella, the baguette looks hollowed out just a bit to fit more of the good stuff inside.
Juicy diced pork belly, and the added bits of crispy skin put this over the top. The acidity from the pickled daikon and carrots balanced well with the pork. More crunch and flavor from the jalapeño, cucumber, and cilantro.
In my experience, Bella gives more veggies in the banh mi, and those veggies just look cut better. But Le's takes every other category, unless you prefer more of a smoky pork experience.
The pro move seems to be placing a phone order for pickup, especially if you're within walking distance or can snag a quick parking spot. Le's is open Tuesdays through Sundays, closed on Mondays.
I now see why there are so many rave reviews. For one of the best banh mi I've had anywhere, check out Le's in Honolulu. 9.25/10
No comments:
Post a Comment