Sheltering in place has gone on for over two months now for us here in New York City. While working from home has been fine and bearable, though I do miss work travel, the worst part about all of this is not being able to do two of the things I love most: travel and eat. I can’t eat out at a restaurant, and many restaurants across the city have closed. So of the restaurants that are within walking distance or can do delivery, that’s what we’ve been indulging in once or twice a week during this period. And to date, nowhere in sight can I find a reasonably decent Vietnamese spot who can fulfill my banh mi craving… until today!

Pho Shop is actually on the Upper West Side on 72nd Street, and we found out from their Instagram account that they reopened this location today. Chris indulged me and got a big order of several banh mi, pho, shaking beef, and chicken skewers so we could try them for the very first time. To report back, Pho Shop did not disappoint. The fillings of the banh mi were on point and quite generous. Though the bread quality was not clear to me since it was delivered, but it definitely hit the spot. It felt comforting to know that I could get my banh mi cravings fulfilled from a spot that is walking distance from us now, and I don’t necessarily need to go to go all the way to Brooklyn Chinatown to Ba Xuyen for a reliable banh mi anymore. Though I do wish Ba Xuyen the best during these times and hope they come out of this okay.