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A deluxe banh mi is pictured at Cafe Cuong in Philadelphia's Bella Vista section on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019.
A deluxe banh mi is pictured at Cafe Cuong in Philadelphia's Bella Vista section on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer
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Restaurant Details

811 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 574-0527
cafecuongphilly
Doesn't take reservations

Cafe Cuong

Featured on The 76
South PhiladelphiaVietnamese, Banh Mi, Southeast Asian$

Cafe Cuong introduced the city to its now full-blown passion for Vietnamese hoagies in 1989, moving from Dung Kim Nguyen and Chinh Lam’s home into its current Eighth Street storefront some three decades ago. The sons have largely taken over, but the semi-retired Nguyen still makes the secret house mayo and the pickled daikon and carrots. Built with the perfect balance and layering of meats, veggies, herbs, jalapeño rings, and sauce, these sandwiches are the handcrafted standard by which all others are measured. For the classic bánh mí thit nguoi “regular,” delicately crusted Sarcone’s rolls, baked two blocks away, get a light toasting, then are stuffed with Vietnamese cold cuts, liver paté, and mayo. Even better is the BBQ pork shoulder bánh mí or the braised chicken filling, seasoned with a sweet lemongrass marinade.

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The Inquirer aims to represent the geographic, cultural, and culinary diversity of the region in its coverage. Inquirer staffers and contributors do not accept free or comped meals — all meals are paid for by the Inquirer. All dining recommendations are made solely by the Inquirer editorial staffers and contributors based on their reporting and expertise, without input from advertisers or outside interests.