Dang Banh Mi
During my first visit to DANG, I had never tried banh mi or pho and I wasn't sure what to expect. When I arrived, the adorable décor immediately set a great tone. I was excited to see so many options beyond just sandwiches, including my favorite menu item, the pork and shrimp spring rolls. I've had my fair share of spring rolls in Austin, and I can tell you that these are well worth the drive. While I run the risk of sounding like a glutton, my boyfriend and I easily down 4 of these each time we go.
There are tons of great drink options, sides (ranging from spicy chickpeas to potato chips and baguettes), noodle bowls, and pho. I've been back several times, including when I wasn't feeling well. The pho was delicious, and soothed my flu-ridden stomach and throat. The broth clearly has hints of basil, mint, and cilantro without being overpowering. For those who aren't sick, the Dang Original is fantastic, and they make all sandwiches to-order, so if you aren't interested in all of the ingredients, they can accommodate. Since I’m high maintenance, I appreciate the ability to custom order my sandwich.
I should also take a moment and talk about the Dang and Sate Sauce, which are both so delicious I could eat them like soup. If you like to dip your food or combine flavors, DANG is worth a try because their sauces are out of this world. The Sate sauce (my favorite) has a peanut undertone, and a little spice to provide depth without overpowering the sauce. It is such a fantastic complement.
Final verdict: Try Dang Banh Mi.