You know someplace is good when you consider moving closer to said sandwich shop. What can I say that hasn't been said already? The baguettes are light and chewy and don't take away from the yummy fillings, which include pickled radishes, fresh jalapeno slices, and fresh cilantro. I like getting the #4 grilled pork, but I've also tried the lemongrass tofu and the ginger tofu which are just as delicious (and probably healthier too!). I LOVE getting the spring rolls. For a little more than $4 you get three HUGE rolls! And the sauce is the perfect accompaniment--not too salty not too sweet and not too thick. The only downside is that it takes some time to get there from East Lakeview, hence the reason why I'm thinking about moving within walking distance... read more

Okay so I thought I should write in an update, since I have had the opportunity to try a few other joints around the country now. I now live in Silicon Valley California near San Jose, and even though they have a few Vietnamese shops here that "specialize" in Bánh mì's, Nhu Lan's Bánh mì's are still easily my favorite and the best I've ever had. Seriously, if you live in Chicago and you've not tried this place, then you live under a rock, and if you have had the blessing of eating here, then count yourself lucky to have one of the best Bánh mì shops in the country in your neighborhood. When I travel back to Chicago, the first stop on my list after grabbing my rental car is always Nhu Lan, and of course this is always the last place I go to to grab a few to take with me as I head back to the airport. read more

Good g-g-god is this place magical. Banh mi is the best in town, not to mention cheap as hell. Strike that, cheaper than hell. The atmosphere is as authentic as any shop in Saigon, and the food is spot-on. The bread is super fresh, crusty and delicious, meats are perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the green components are crisp and refreshing. The employees are congenial and accomodating and always willing to offer some friendly suggestions for the novice diner. The drink cooler is stacked high with authentic refreshments as well as your pedestrian Diet Coke, water, etc. I favor the number 5 (pork belly and paté) but the vegetarian banh mi is excellent too and, well, vegetarian. What else can I say... you won't be disappointed, and if you are, I'd be more than happy to finish your sandwich. Oh yeah, a quick word to the wise: if you plan to eat in, watch out for limited seating. read more

Banh Mi -- an artform to be sure. If you're going to appreciate a new artform, you should definitely start with the best, so start here. Though I've recently moved from Chicago to San Francisco, no trip back is complete without stopping here. If you're a virgin, start with the pork, as it's the least intimidating for first-timers. Once you've fallen in love, branch out and try some of the others (afraid of pate? don't be.) The smoothies are definitely first class here, too...always made with fresh fruit. Try a mango-lychee with boba, it's my personal favorite. Don't be afraid of the low prices here -- they simply don't feel the need to overcharge for simple ingredients prepared well. My only regret? They didn't move to San Francisco with me. read more

Scrumptious. The bread is light, crusty, and always fresh-baked. They use part rice flour and part wheat flour which gives it that characteristic lighter feel. Better than Ba Le, who uses way too much white pepper and msg. Best Banh Mi in the city. If you want to move away from the typical BBQ pork or classic sandwich, get the #7 vegetarian sandwich (shockingly good, and I love meat), or the meatball sandwich. read more

My Vietnamese boyfriend introduced me to Banh Mi a few years back. I feel like I know great tasting Viet food and can tell the difference between authentic and not. Nhu Lan has the most authentic and best tasting Banh Mi in Chicago! They also have good prepared items. If you want authentic Banh Mi, you have to come here. And it's cheap! I hope they don't change their menu like other Banh Mi places in the city. Authentic Banh Mi does not have mayo in it. That's just gross!! But I guess other places cater to the mayo-loving American culture. Nhu Lan also has vegetarian Banh Mi options. I love the lemongrass tofu. Although, it is not tofu. It's seitan. read more

If you love Bahn Mi or Pho, then look no further. This place is the best. I haven't tried a ton of their packaged food but it always looks good. I suggest any of the pork sandwiches and if you are a vegetarian the tofu lemongrass is yummy. Also, they are open til 9pm now!!!! read more

This is my first review and where better to start than with this quaint, almost "hole in the wall" Vietnamese bakery? I'm new to banh mi and most Vietnamese cuisine for that matter. But I have to say, I had a great introduction last night. When I walked through the door I was greeted by kind hellos and smiles and I need that. When I walk into an unfamiliar place to eat I need to be welcomed and made comfortable because trying new food sometimes makes me nervous. But after that subtle recognition of my presence by the staff at Nhu Lan I felt like I'd been there a hundred times. I didn't spend any time studying the menu because I knew I wanted the lemongrass tofu based on the Yelp reviews. I also ordered the veggie, pork and shrimp spring roll sampler and was amazed at the portion for the price. I settled on a can of chrysanthemum sweet tea to drink which wasn't remarkable but pretty tasty still. so if you're keeping score that's one sandwich, spring rolls and canned tea. All I brought with me was a ten dollar bill and I walked out with change. UNBELIEVABLE! cam on Nhu Lan! read more

I really don't get all the hype? I had a #3 and a #4 with EVERYTHING just to try a few different things.. It's CHEAP like $7.50 for both! What I got was 2 8" Baguettes with very little meat on both, some sliced Cukes/Carrots/Jalapeno's/Cilantro... No Sauce? DRY AS A BONE!! I ate half of each one and pitched the rest in the garbage! GTFJD read more

The veggie bahn mi was my favorite!! All the bahn mi's and the lunch boxes are yummy too!

Upon a recent excursion into the world of banh mi, I found myself enthralled by the low cost, good quality, high taste, and satisfaction that these little Vietnamese sandwiches had. I'm not quite sure whether it's fortunate or not that my first taste test was not at Nhu Lan, but I am fortunate that one phenomenal moderator/yelper (this is you Colleen) took the time to introduce me to what possibly could be the best banh mi in town... Nhu Lan Bakery. My roommate (Akash S.) and I headed down on a Friday night to see what Colleen was raving about and found ourselves in a small bakery with only two tables and 8 chairs. A small menu of 9 items, we picked out three sandwiches to try and eagerly awaited our highly praised meal. Grilled pork - A nice sweet accent to the meat, grilled and ground down, it was our first bite in Nhu Lan... and it was good. In fact, so good, we wished this was our last sandwich to try here. Pork Belly - After a week long craving for some soft tender pork belly, this did not disappoint. With a melty creamy (taco bell commercial anyone?) texture with each bite, I was content with flavors melding in my mouth. A far cry from the flavors of the grilled pork, however, and my roommate doesn't do well with the idea of fat melting in his mouth... Meatball - A tasty proper meatball sandwich, and very Asian style. Unlike the more compact and dense Italian meatballs found in many delis, these were crumbly and would break at the slightest resistance. Some type of spice added a nice kick to the sauce of the sandwich. This placed second in our taste test, only to the grilled pork. A few more points to note: 1. Three baguettes for $1. Plan to make your own sandwich at home, or throwing a party? Their bread was phenomenal... it was just crusty enough on the outside with a perfectly tender texture on the inside making their sandwiches a hit. 2. Water. We asked for cups of water, and it was noted that they just ended up pouring us water into a cup out of their water bottles. Nice service! 3. Customer service. The lady at the counter was ridiculously friendly and happy to see us, even on a dreary Friday evening. I don't know what it is, but sometime energy like that is just infectious, and it made our visit that much worthwhile. Verdict: Sandwiches for under $4 each, great service, great flavor, good quality? I can't wait to go back. Do yourself a favor and check this place out... it's definitely a keeper. read more

I came here for Thanksgiving lunch, since my bf had this place bookmarked for quite some time and there were few other places open. I ordered the shredded pork banh mi, which was a mistake. The bread didn't seem fresh, plus I could barely taste any pork pieces and the few pieces that were in there were fatty and just not palatable. I also got the red bean smoothie with tapioca, which had a strong coconut flavor even though it's not supposed to have coconut, and the tapioca texture was off (not chewy enough and just kind of dissolves). I tried to pass the rest of mine off to my bf, who had ordered the special banh mi and the lemongrass chicken bahn mi. Both of them were much better than mine. Even Whole Foods makes a version that tastes better than mine. read more

Had the shrimp/pork sandwich it was amazing (#13). Great flavor, fresh bread would get again in a heartbeat. But let's talk about the lemongrass Tofu (#10). Bruh..... As a meat-eater who is dating a vegetarian I have tried many veggie substitutes and this is easily the best I've had. The tofu has a Jerky- like consistency but is packed with flavor, I highly recommend to vegetarians and those who are not. Seating inside isn't great so plan to take it to go, but this place is a gem! read more

I have discovered how much a taste of heaven cost and it's $4.12. My seriously delicious #4 Lemongrass Pork sandwich cost a mere $4.12. Get everything on it. The veggies are crunchy and fresh. The bread is INSANE... like a pillow holding the flavorful pork. Damn it, I should have bought 2. This is a poor girls dream. read more

Nhu Lan, I wish you could adopt me and be my Vietnamese mother (I'm not Vietnamese but I'm Asian... nobody would know!!). You make the best banh mi in the city and don't try to charge me an arm and a leg for it. All the other banh mi imposters make me so angry! They charge me TWICE what you do and they can't even come to be half as good as your banh mi. Mama Nhu Lan (can I call you that?), your sandwiches make me happy in the tummy. The hot peppers that you use are crazy spicy but have that slow burn that sneaks up on you. I try to be tough every time and fight the tongue tingling but I end up taking out a little of the pepper at the end of my sandwich. The real reason I do this is because I want to savor the flavors that you've so wonderfully put together between the two halves of the french loaf. I've noticed that the number of menu items has expanded but I am a creature of habit (for my favorite places) and can't stray far from the #1. I also have noticed that you are open later. This pleases me. Keep up the great work! read more

My favorite banh mi shop in the city. Always fresh and delicious. Their bread really makes the difference because it doesn't cut up the roof of my mouth. TMI? Anyways... #5 is my go to sandwich. They also have tons of drink options so don't leave thirsty. read more

This is without a doubt one of the best bahn mi places in Chicago. They are a bakery so they make their own bread- imo the most important part. Their hours are good and the food is cheap but delicious. This place is worth going out of your way for read more

Quick. Cheap. Delicious. My go-to for great bhan mi sandwiches. Don't mind the funky smells inside. Fermentation and pickling is typical of Asian cuisine. It might smell funky but it tastes great. read more

5 Star Banh Mi. I was in the big city last week. While my dear wife was having her hair primped I motored around Chitown and picked up food from a few choice spots. I have sampled several banh mi sandwiches at assorted forgettable shops around Chicago. Saturday was my first visit to Nhu Lan. Eleven minutes later I made my second visit to Nhu Lan. On my first visit I ordered two sandwiches - one lemongrass chicken with everything and one tofu wiith everything. I cut the chicken sandwich in half and put the tofu and the other chicken half in a cooler in my trunk. I pulled away from Nhu Lan and took a bite of the lemongrass chicken sandwich. WOW, it was good. I took a second bite of the sandwich and then quickly pulled a u-turn so I could return to Nhu Lan to pick up another chicken sandwich. Before Saturday I had never been to Nhu Lan. Now I have been there twice! read more

I really like Ba Le and after reading the reviews there about how Nhu Lan was way better, I was expecting some really incredible sandwiches. They were definitely good but I'm not sure I agree with everyone that this place is superior. First, I enjoy the bread at Ba Le a lot more. It's soft inside but has an excellent crust. The Nhu Lan bread didn't really have a crust. Second, it seems that a lot people love that Nhu Lan gives way more meat. I think the meat at both places is good and I don't really need half my sandwich to be meat. I love the contrast of the veggies. Though I will say that the veggies at Nhu Lan seemed a little fresher. Both places have ridiculously good iced coffee that will keep you going for about a week. For me it's a draw. read more

This is the Vietnamese Sandwich mecca. Other places get buy their crispy, lovely french baguettes from this joint where it's made in premises. So you know that you're eating the freshest baguette possible. But then, what happens after them putting other fresh ingredients in the baguette is nothing short of magical. All for 3.50. My favorites are the Grilled pork sandwich (my standard), the pork belly (oof, but it's so tasty), Veggie, Ginger tofu (which curiously tastes like meat!), and Lemongrass Tofu. read more

Been coming here for years! They make amazing Vietnamese sandwiches, rolls and always something extra. Very nice and quick. Great for catering a party of you want to wow your guests. read more

Man, these sandwiches are good!... It's been over 10 years since i've had these type of sandwiches and it's a total shame until now. This must be heaven sent i tell you. Well, let me get down to business, i ordered #5 which was the pork belly one and a #4 the lemongrass chicken for him. Both were delicious and savory. And for $3.50 each,seriously that is damn cheap is cheap was ever a word. The pork belly had the melt in my mouth fat but not too fat. It just taste heavenly with the pickled vegetables inside. A very nice mix of bread and meat. My bf chicken was also very good. Good flavors. Everybody here talks about the grilled pork and that will be my next order when i go there next time. A nice added bonus is that the manger here is very nice and sweet. And he has a lot of regulars here which is a good indication a good place to eat! read more

Cheap banh mi but also delicious. Plenty of meat and toppings in addition to a wonderful display of spring rolls and other Vietnamese essentials. The Vietnamese coffee is lackluster but I would definitely come back again for the banh mi! read more

As part of my latest Banh mi binge, I wanted to return to my old stomping grounds and make it to Nhu Lan. All that I can say is that I moved out too early. Nhu Lan's Banh Mi is better than most that I have tried, but not as good as Le Banh Mi Hung Phat. The bread was spectacular however. Better baguettes that anywhere else in Chicago. The pork belly was not as sweet as I'd like, but everything else was spot on. Unless things have changed since I moved, this is the best restaurant between Kedzie and Western. It is the best Viet restaurant off of Argyle. read more

Bahn mi!!!!! There are no good ones (as far as I know) where I live or where I work. So whenever my wife wants me to join her in the city when she gets her haircut (she doesn't want to leave her stylist) I happily join her knowing that this place is less than a mile away. The bread is freshly baked with just the right amount of chewey and crumbly bread I came to love when travelling Vietnam. Out here I usually get the Nhu Lan Classic (#1). The lemon grass chicken and bbq pork are also worth a taste. Get this and a vietnamese coffee and you're good to go. read more

I don't really understand why anyone would go to Ba Le over Nhu Lan. Maybe if you lived next door to Ba Le, had two broken legs, and suffered from a tragic lack of tastebuds it would make sense. Otherwise, no. I had liked banh mi when I first tried them at Ba Le, but it took Nhu Lan to get me really excited about this sandwich variation. The bread is fresh, the sandwiches made to order, and the people who work there don't seem to hate their lives. All good. I've been stuck on the pork belly for a long, long time, but have recently branched out to try the grilled pork, lemongrass chicken, veg banh mi, and lemongrass tofu. With the exception of the chicken (a little dry) all the sandwiches were wonderful. Don't forget to pick up some spring rolls on your way out...but be sure to leave one for me. I'm there every week. read more

The best Banh Mi I've had since moving here from Houston. Can't wait to try more! The bun is so good as well.

The menu can be a little confusing...the lamenated menu on the counter differs from the hanging menu on the board. -be sure you get what you want. -Also, pork rolls are not rolls, but sliced pork. The no. 5 comes w/ the magical three of pate, pork rolls, and pork belly. -and its fantastic! read more

Forget five dollar footlongs... Subway sucks!!! Come here instead if you're not stupid. It doesnt cost $5 and its far more tasty than any subway crap. #4 is the grilled pork and its delicious. ive gone twice and have eaten my sandwich in the car both times. crumbs everywhere but i dont care. I just can't think straight when im hungry and the sandwich smells so delicious. Chicago needs more bahn mi places like this. read more

The best! Try their lemongrass, and their bbq pork. Melts in your mouth, everything tastes fresh and semi-healthy. read more

Fantastic sandwiches & sticky rice. Great Thai iced coffee. The owners/staff are very personable. Very reasonably priced, and the ingredients are so fresh and delicious. Better than any Vietnamese sandwich shop up on Argyle & Broadway! read more

When a place does only Banh mi, you know it's gonna be excellent Banh mi. 19 different options.... 3 vegetarian. Prices range from $3.95-$5.95 (one dish is a beef stew with mini baguette is 6.50). All sandwiches come with pickled daikon carots, thick cumber spears, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalepenos. You can eat there at one of their 8 seats (Banh mi eaten hot and fresh is sublime!) Top it of with Vietnamese iced coffee ( I don't like coffee... But this is so perfect!) or fresh fruit smoothie with or without tapioca. Baguettes are made In house. Our favorite is the grilled pork. We have tried a bunch but this is solid winner. We have searched and this is best Banh mi in Chicagoland. They also have a fridge with Vietnamese rolls, sticky rice and desserts. This is no frills dining, which means when focus just on food = you won't be disappointed. :) read more

Despite all the Ba Le vs. Nhu Lan debates on here, I don't see either place as truly superior. They both have their own styles, and you'd be foolish to ignore either one...although of course you may end up with one being a favorite. Neither lives up to what I've had in NYC, but both are extremely good and worth return visits. Anyway, Nhu Lan is definitely more "homestyle." They're constantly bringing out fresh baguettes, and I'd say their bread is a little closer to what I've previously encountered for banh mi as opposed to the Ba Le rolls (which are excellent in their own way). I believe that one reviewer said that Nhu Lan didn't use rice flour in their bread, as should be the case for banh mi, but the consistency was awfully close...and I'm willing to bet they do use rice flour. At Ba Le, the bread is much closer to traditional French baguettes. Nhu Lan is definitely more generous with its meat, especially the pate. Plus, they add cucumber while Ba Le does not. Be aware that, while they add mayo to many of their sandwiches, this fact is not listed on their menu. Be sure to ask about that if you, like me, detest mayonnaise. If anything gives Nhu Lan a true edge, however, it's the service. When I ate there and asked for a bag for my leftovers, they actually took the time to re-wrap my two sandwich halves. Everyone there was friendly, helpful, and generous. I do enjoy Ba Le immensely, but this place makes you feel like you're at home. read more

Big fan of this lovely authentic vietnamese banh mi shop. Previously have lived in cities with large vietnamese communities (houston, orange county), I've been in search of great banh mi. Nhu Lan hits the spot. Majority of people go for the #3 or #4 which are the chicken/pork respectively -- good choices, but the MONEY if you are a lover of headcheese, pate and vietnamese ham would be to go for #1, #2, #5 and #9 if you like pork rolls. Full of flavor, jam packed with the good meat and pate and nicely toasted baguette. Beats all other banh mi joints in this town, hands down!! read more

Great vietnamese sammiches! My favorites are the grilled pork and xiu mai. Fresh ingrediants and fresh bread - what more can you ask for? Much better than Ba Le. They also just added smoothies to their menu! Yum. read more

HOLY SH!T this place is tasty. HOLY SH!T this place is cheap. HOLY SH!T why are you not already going there? read more

I love banh mi, and Nhu Lan is the best I've found so far. This place is a perennial favorite! The sandwiches are meaty, crispy, deliciously seasoned and sauced. But the unsung heroes are the daily sides available from a reach in cooler. The shrimp spring rolls are delectable. But it is all the containers of mysterious goo that have really won my heart. I like to try something new every time I buy my old favorite sandwich (the marinated pork #4). Also bringing home 4 fresh baguettes for $1 and a slab of house-made pate are a tasty treat. Three cheers! read more

I'm probably going to get the reputation of rating everything 5 stars, but this place deserves it. It's cheap, it's delicious and it's got a ton of character. I'll admit I'd never had ban mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) before this place so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I love me some Nhu Lan. Your first time going I'd recommend you get the pork (number 4) or chicken (number 3) sandwich, then you can venture out to the other local "delicacies" that despite their pictures on the board are really good :) All the sandwiches come on their homemade bread with fresh cilantro, some kind of sprouts, cucumber and jalapenos. The warm, perfectly seasoned meat and crisp vegetables inside French style bread...mmmmm...damn I think I'm going to have to walk over there for lunch now... read more

I'm so mad at myself. I've lived around the corner from this place (almost literally) for over 2 years and have only recently walked through the door! I could kick myself when I think about all the meals I could have eaten here... the money I would have saved! the delight I would have given my taste buds! Ah!! I had never had a "banh mi" before, but from reading the passionate reviews on this place, these sandwiches are a big deal. All I know is that this place serves up incredibly flavored sandwiches (4 vegetarian options!!) on amazing fresh baked bread, for $3.50! Also, you can buy the almost foot long baguettes at 3 for $1.00!! That's ridiculous. And the workers there are very nice. If you live in the Square (or live anywhere in the city), you've seriously missed out if you haven't eaten one of these incredible sandwiches. P.S. Go to their website... the writing is hysterical and adds to the charm of this quaint place! read more