Thanh Da

There are two ways to approach a meal at Thanh Da, either trying to secure a table and taking a look at their regular menu, or grabbing a bánh mì for takeout. Of the latter, every sandwich is priced at $3.75 which seems to be the going rate for Sunset Park these days.

I started with the #1 sandwich, the normal bánh mì, just to sample how the place handled making them. I am not so impressed by their wrapper, just a boring baguette that was not fluffy and only toasted a bit. Inside the content was more promising, but was not stuffed full of vegetables and pickled items as much as I would prefer. The meats were good, and the grilled pork inside was especially tasty, sweetened to perfection. The sandwich is served very warm and fresh, and should be eaten immediately.

I have only sat down once here in this always crowded restaurant, a popular location among the Chinese in Sunset Park. They serve all the normal items and everything is done at least averagely. The rolls (both cha giò ($3.50 for 4) and goi cuôn ($3.25 for 2)) seem made at least half a day before, but of good ingredients. Their fish and peanut sauces are both up to par.

The owner has opened another location nearby at 5624 8th Avenue.