Opla

Are you looking for Jenny To? There’s a good chance you’ll find her at this microscopic spot with a sea green façade, standing behind the solid wood bar that takes up the majority of the space, with a smile on her face – unless she’s hanging out with her sister and aunt over at Chez Joy, just a stone’s throw away from here. At Opla, you won’t see the traditional bun bo xao on the menu, but rather some exquisite bánh mi sandwiches made on crispy baguettes with delicious fillings. The other day at lunch, seated on the tiny terrace, we devoured an alluring bánh hè (a pan-fried chive and rice pancake), before the star of our lunch paraded out: a sandwich made with flavorful lacquered pork loin, tons of cilantro, pickled carrots and mayonnaise electrified by the addition of Maggi sauce. It’s got our seal of approval! FYI: the house also stews up some big Asian recipes (loc lac, basil chicken…) and satisfies anyone with a sweet tooth with desserts like khanom chan, a rice flour and pandan cake. // Paul Hackett

FEELING THIRSTY? Cans of coconut juice (€2.50) or Singha beer (€3.50 for 330 ml).
PRICE: Set menu €9, bánh mi €5.50 to €6.50, plates €9.50 to €13.50, desserts €3 to €4.50.