sandwich If you’re on a first date, skip a trip to Num Pang Sandwich Shop as these wonderfully delicious Cambodian-flavored sandwiches are messy to eat.

I was lucky enough to sample most of the menu. (Yes, most of it as that’s the work of a food writer!) I had been invited to do so by Ben Daitz, one of the two owners, who told me that he and Ratha Chaupoly, his business partner and college friend, are “dedicated to sourcing quality ingredients from local markets and choosing the best, sustainable products when available.”

I stopped by the shop on 12th Street recently on rainy day, discovering it mainly by the line of people queued up for these fabulous treats.

IMG_0966Each sandwich stays amazingly crisp on their semolina bread (from Parisi bakery in SoHo), is spread with a spicy chili mayo and topped with shredded carrots, fresh cilantro leaves, long thin cucumber slices. All are truly delicious and a bargain at $7 to 8.50 per sandwich.

I sampled pulled duroc pork with spiced honey ( $7.75), roasted cauliflower ($7.00) with a Chinese and Thai eggplant spread, hoisin veal meatballs ($7.00), delicate peppercorn catfish with a sweet soy sauce ($7.50) which would have been my favorite if not for the delectable five-spice glazed pork belly ( $7.75) – which it turns out it also Ben’s favorite!

My only disappointments were the tasty, but too-fatty-for-me barbecue Brisket with pickled cabbage ($8.00) and the grilled corn on the cob ($2.50) topped with chili mayo, coconut flakes and chili powder. The corn payback wasn’t enough for the mess of eating it. I did like their unusual pickled ($1.80) daikon radish with celery root, turnip and watermelon.

Do not miss a bowl of their seasonal thick and hearty curry red lentil soup with pickled cabbage, carrots, cilantro and fried shallots $3.75 – $4.90, depending on size — a meal itself and only the menu through spring.

Num Pang is mainly for take out to the nearby parks or plazas, although there are a few spots to sit in the tiny upstairs on 12th Street.  Definitely worth the trip and waiting in line!

– bonnie

Num Pang Sandwich Shop
21 E 12th St
(between 5th Ave & University Pl)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 255-3271
Num Pang on Urbanspoon

A sister location
Num Pang Sandwich Shop
140 E 41st St
(between Lexington Ave & 3rd Ave)
New York, NY 10017
(212) 867-8889
www.numpangnyc.com/