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Welcome to Nhu Lan Saigon Subs

Nhu Lan Saigon Subs, located in Chicago, is a Vietnamese bakery renowned for its fresh and flavorful banh mi sandwiches. With a diverse menu offering vegan and vegetarian options, along with traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho and spring rolls, this casual yet classy eatery caters to a wide range of tastes. The sandwiches are a standout, with customers praising the Vegan BBQ Tofu and the classic meatball sub. The friendly staff and quick service make it a go-to spot for fast, delicious meals on the go. The homemade desserts and refreshing pickled veggies add to the overall experience, making Nhu Lan a must-visit destination for Asian street food enthusiasts.

Nhu Lan Saigon Subs: Reviews & Ratings

Brandy M.
Brandy M.

All I can say is that I've been here 4 times since my first bite !!!! I am a vegan and had intended to try all of the Vegan options but after my first visit I haven't been able to stray from the Vegan BBQ Tofu. Even my meat eating hubby leaves the choice of which to order up to me. Next time I visit I will add a pic

Amber W.
Amber W.

Sandwiches are always tasty. Tofu can sell out by late afternoon, so have a backup plan.

First L.
First L.

Tried roast pork and special banh mi. Both were good. Bread was soft on the inside amd crispy on the outside. Pre-made bean desserts from fridge were also good.

Anna G.
Anna G.

Fresh and delicious banh mi sandwiches on shatteringly fresh bread in minutes. Order these for fast dinners on the go, picnics and when you're just too lazy to cook. So good! There is a small counter so you can eat there, but we've always taken them to go. Yum!

Angie V.
Angie V.

Friendly staff and great food! They have a plethora of options, from smoothies to spring rolls, to pho and bahn mi sandwiches. I'm very pleased with the amount of vegetarian-friendly options they have, too!

Barry B.
Barry B.

Nhu Lan's near Lincoln Square on Lawrence and Rockwell. There is a big sign on the outside of this smail shop. Inside is a few coolers of deserts and food items for sale. This is a basic bahn mi shop with a couple of other Vietnamese items besides bahn mi. Not really a place to sit down and eat, takeout only. They have a big menu on the wall behind the cashier with photo of the "subs" and the "sub" number. I have had almost all the vegetarian subs and my partner has had most of the pork and chicken subs. We have enjoyed most of them. I think my favorite sub is the veggie classic and my partner likes the meatball sub. Not really traditional Bahn mi, but still good. Loads of vegetarian and vegan subs. The bahn mi or subs are good. It takes some time to prepare, so I suggest to order in advance.

Natalie M.
Natalie M.

Honestly this may be one of my favorite traditional Bahn Mi. It was so fresh and flavorful. You could taste each and every ingredient so perfectly. The pork was nice and tender with some nice and juicy fatty pieces and the jalapeños were so fresh and had a great spice to them that I enjoyed. I usually find that fresh jalapeños aren't that spicy but this one had a good kick to it that elevated the flavor journey of the sandwich. I will most def be coming back!

Emily H.
Emily H.

The leaf wrapped pork roll (cha lua) is really good, liked both the spicy and the non-spicy version. The pork buns is buy 5 get 1 free, it is huge!! I loved the bbq pork flavor (it is the one marked with red ink on the top). The regular pork flavor is also great, they also tops the stuffing with a quail egg on top. The fried pork patty they sell at the cash registry is also very good, not too salty, kids friendly. They also make fresh shrimp spring rolls and tofu rolls on the spot, very fresh and the peanut dipping sauce that comes with is amazing. The homemade pickled veggie is very tasty and refreshing, though a bit on the salty side. For dessert, it is also buy 5 get one free. I really love the coconut and bean one, the coconut milk is very rich, and there are tapioca, jelly, and seaweed in it for texture. Though I'm not a big fan of putting seaweed in dessert, but seems pretty common in Vietnamese dessert.

Janice R.
Janice R.

I grew up on this place in high school when I used to work at a summer camp nearby. It was the spot to buy lunch! It remains my favorite place to get banh mi in the city. I'm always a fan of the bread even if the crumbs fall everywhere lol! The special is usually my go-to but got roasted pork this time. Still delicious. Although the space is small and nothing fancy, they do have about 4 stools with a countertop to eat on. I think most people do carry-out anyway, but I dined in with my mom as a treat to us after grieving the loss of a family dog. The place made me reminiscent as it had been awhile since I'd eaten here, and my mom also loves these sandwiches. I'd say it made our lunch together extra special. The prices have grown since back then but not unexpected with today's time. Still authentic as ever. The cashier was sweet and patient with my mom who needed some time to decide on her order. Ultimately Nhu Lan is well worth it :)

Steve A.
Steve A.

Fast plus affordable place for Asian street food. It's pretty authentic for it being such a quick place. Nhu Lan is just like getting food on a street in Vietnam. Maybe not exactly, but the foods tastes like it came from it. There's also bubble teas and shakes to go along with a banh mi or whatever kind of sandwich. Came in to get carryout. It's the only option. The place would be too small for dine in anyway, so whatever. It's about $8 for a drink. The best looking one was the Black Bean Coconut Che Dau Den, and it tasted as good as it looked. It actually tasted kind of chocolatey. This was also made with coconut milk and tapioca. As for the banh mi, there were a few vegan choices. It's about $10 for a sandwich. The best sounding one was the Vegan Ginger Tofu. It had a little spice to it. The tofu was more of a cheesesteak texture. Good flavor. This was actually pretty filling for this one thing. Good place to get Asian fast. It's carryout only. There's lots of choices for vegans and vegetarians.

Location

Nhu Lan Saigon Subs, located in Chicago's Lincoln Square area, is a popular spot for traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches and other street food delights. This cozy takeout-only eatery offers a wide range of options, including vegan and vegetarian choices to cater to all preferences.

Customers rave about the freshness and flavor of the banh mi sandwiches, with the Tofu BBQ and Roasted Pork being standout favorites. The bread, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, perfectly complements the fillings, creating a satisfying and authentic experience.

In addition to the sandwiches, Nhu Lan Saigon Subs also offers tasty side dishes like leaf-wrapped pork rolls, shrimp and tofu spring rolls, and homemade pickled veggies. The dessert selection, including coconut and bean desserts, is a sweet ending to a delicious meal.

What sets Nhu Lan Saigon Subs apart is not just the quality of the food, but also the friendly staff and casual yet inviting atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch on the go or a satisfying meal to enjoy at home, this hidden gem offers something for everyone.

Overall, Nhu Lan Saigon Subs is a must-try for those craving authentic Vietnamese flavors in a fast-casual setting. With a diverse menu, friendly service, and affordable prices, it's no wonder why customers keep coming back for more. Whether you're a meat lover, vegetarian, or vegan, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Nhu Lan Saigon Subs.