A funny thing happened on the way to Brooklyn. The connection between my stomach and my brain sucked me out of the Q train at Union Square. Once above ground I made a bee line for a Cambodian Style sandwich at Num Pang. The bahn mi sized shop whose name means Bread or Sandwich in Khmer, is owned by Ratha Chau of Kampuchea Restaurant on the lower east side and his college friend Ben Daitz.
The menu is divided into two main sections of six Classic Sandwiches and five Special Sandwiches ranging in price from $7.25 to $8.75 (one vegetarian option is offered daily). I must say it was a very tough choice, but in the end I decided on one of the specials, Ginger Barbeque Brisket with Pickled Red Cabbage for $7.50. I took my sandwich up the circular staircase to a small room with 8 stools and a counter over looking an indoor parking garage, and a bench that can seat 4 with a counter overlooking 12th street. A cool funky space indeed!
The sandwich was the perfect balance of tender brisket with the right amount of fat, crunchy bread, perfect creaminess and heat from the chili mayo all tied together with the subtle flavor of cilantro wrapped in a whisp of ginger. It is definitely a three napkin sandwich.
All the sandwiches are served with cucumber, pickled carrots, cilantro and chili mayo on Parisi Bakery bread. Incidentally, Parisi has been baking bread in a wood fired oven, with only natural ingredients for 106 years!
num pang
sandwich shop
is open
Monday – Saturday
11am to 10pm
Sunday
12pm to 9pm
Address
21 East 12th St
between 5th Ave and University
phone: 212.255.3271
Cash Only!
Mostly take away, with seating up stairs for 12
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Haha, "three napkin sandwich." I wish this was here when I lived in Union Sqaure. Btw, I have 15 barstools and flatware sets coming my way... just need plates and glasses and next time you come to SF feel free to host a dinner at my house!
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