Xe May Sandwich Shop - New York City

Yummmmy! Don't forget to ask for their lunch special. My one gripe is that it's 2.50 extra for pate on sandwiches that don't come with it. Smh

The food was delicious, and the service was quick. I highly recommend the lemongrass chicken banh mi – it was outstanding. If you enjoy spice, go for the spicy or extra spicy options; the spiciest one wasn't as intense as I expected.

I had an incredibly tasty vegetarian banh mi sandwich today at Xe May, along with the best green tea I've ever had! The sandwich was made fresh to order. I can't wait to return and try out their other sandwiches and tacos, which sound just as delicious.

I had the vegetarian and my partner tried the chicken. Both were great. The bread was nice crispy fresh too.

I tried the “Super Cub Classic,” which is a traditional cold cut banh mi with pâté. We opted for jalapeños and Sriracha to add some heat. This Xe May version hit many of the essential notes for a great banh mi: it had pâté, warm and toasted baguette that's crusty on the outside yet soft on the inside, fresh and crunchy cucumbers and cilantro, and pickled carrots and daikon. However, while it featured all the key components of a classic banh mi, it felt a bit lackluster overall. The flavors tended to blend together, resulting in a rather one-dimensional and salty taste. I struggled to differentiate the pâté from the cold cuts, or the cucumber and cilantro from the pickled vegetables. It was a decent banh mi, but not an outstanding one. If you’re in the area, it's worth a try, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it. It would be a good starting choice for someone trying banh mi for the first time. They have a variety of appealing options, but I generally prefer to begin with the classic cold cut version. The staff was friendly, and the place was clean. There’s no seating available, but you can stand at the counter to enjoy your food if you manage to find a spot.