I continued my banh mi bender down Waialae, thanks to a coworker tip. No Name really resembles that hole-in-the-wall vibe in name and appearance, as I'd have little chance of coming here if no one told me. A humble operation, there's one person taking orders and one building sandwiches. Just a handful of tables there, but everyone that ordered before me took their order to go.
The menu is mostly sandwiches. One can also get spring rolls (3 for $11.99) or some iced coffee. Unfortunately, the shave ice machine was down on my visit.
The BBQ Pork Sandwich ($9.99) has slices of BBQ pork, fresh cucumber, cooked sweet onion, cilantro, pickled carrot/daikon, and house sauce inside a toasted baguette. The sandwich comes double-wrapped in foil, and then in a plastic bag, whereas Le's and Bella put their sandwiches in a paper bag.
Overall, an awesome sandwich that starts with the baguette. Toasted exterior and soft interior, just how I like it. Tender sliced pork, with good smokiness, not overpowering and simply outstanding. They were generous on the cilantro, a good thing with me. Excellent pickled carrot and daikon, lovely crunch. I've personally never had cooked onions in a banh mi (or equivalent), but I'm all about extra flavor. Again, this ranks up there with some of the best.
I think the sandwich at No Name is slightly smaller than Bella and Le's. The pickled carrot and daikon was not cut with as much care and precision as the other two places I've tried so far. However, the pork, fresh toasty baguette, and overall flavors more than make up for it.
At $10, it's a wonderful price for the quality here, especially since Hawaii prices can be much higher than most spots on the mainland.
At the end of the day, I'd put No Name just above Bella due to the bread, but a notch below Le's. This is always subject to change on future visits, but I gotta call it as I see it now.
Excellent, friendly service. No Name is closed on Tuesdays, but open 9-5 on other days.
If you're in the area, I hope you give No Name a try. Another great small business with excellent sandwiches. 9/10
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