Xe May: A Sandwich Made In Heaven
Xe May is a true hole-in-the-wall in the heart of the East Village. I'm proud to say that I've been a loyal Xe May fan for the last 5 years. This place was instrumental in keeping me from malnutrition during my years as a poor college student.
For reference, Xe May is cash only and has a weekday lunch special from 12pm to 4pm, where any sandwich, a fresh drink, and a snack costs $12.
Tucked away a few steps below street level, Xe May is a small shop with space for about 8 diners max. The menu is extensive with sandwiches, tacos, salads, vermicelli, sides, and drinks. But, the answer is simple: Buy a sandwich or two, a basil limeade fizz, find a place to sit outdoors, then enjoy nirvana.
Today, Xe May continues to stay true to its roots, serving the same delicious banh mi sandwiches. This consistency in the quality and taste keeps me coming back regularly. Whenever I visit, I always take a long, hard look at the menu, struggling to decide what type of sandwich I want. And, every time, as if in a trance-like state,
I order the Super Cub Classic again and again. For $8, this sandwich is a STEAL. I love you, Xe May. See you again soon.
THIS is Xe May's Super Cub Classic. This is the sandwich that got me through school. I had this exact sandwich at least once a week during my Junior year. It is absolute perfection. Their bread is always perfectly toasted. It also sports an ideal vegetable-to-meat ratio. I'd say this is the most traditional banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) on the menu.
The sandwich also comes with BBQ Pork, Head Cheese, Pork Roll, and Pâté. This is still one of my favorite sandwiches in NYC. [$8 USD]
Above, you'll notice a different kind of sandwich. This one is The Hog. It comes with Grilled Pork, Scallion Oil, and Fried Shallots.
Again, these sandwiches have a great vegetable-to-meat ratio. This one saucier and spicier than the Super Cub Classic. Given that the bread is a bit thicker and stronger in flavor, I kind of wish that they went a little harder on the pork and shallot flavor. Just a little bit more intensity and this would have blown my mind.
Honestly, I'd still order it though. [$9 USD]