Hue Thai Bakery & Deli

The freshly made French rolls and crispy, chewy baguettes at this no-frills, cash-only deli in Rosemead take the top spot for the overall best banh mi in Los Angeles (though for chargrilled lemongrass pork specifically, I prefer the one at Banh Mi My Tho across the street). With either style you choose, the bread comes nicely warmed and generously slathered with housemade pate and mayonnaise, particularly on the banh mi dac biet, the trio of cold cuts by which Vietnamese sandwich shops are judged. The housemade bread makes every bit of difference here; Hue Thai’s version skips cucumbers but piles on the jalapeno slices and pickled vegetables. The prices also can’t be beat—it’s around $6 for one sandwich. While you’re at it, I recommend picking up some summer rolls, banh beo (savory steamed tapioca rice cakes) or a few trays of Vietnamese sweets to take home.