Num Pang (Twitter handle: @NumPang) is a small Cambodian sandwich spot near Union Square. For about $7.50, plus tax, you can get a tasty sandwich loaded with meat. $7.50 may seem like a lot (that’s what I thought at first because I was accustomed to cheaper sandwiches in Chinatown or even in Curry Hill’s Baoguette), but for the location, it’s a good deal. Yes, you can get a similar sandwich at other places for under $4, but you definitely get your taste buds singing with their food.
Rewind..what’s a Cambodian sandwich?
Num Pang is the Cambodian name for “sandwich.” Similar to the Vietnamese sandwich, bahn mi, it is meat, pickled vegetables, and cilantro packed in a freshly baked French baguette.
At Num Pang, the sandwiches are made with a protein (beef, pork, veal, etc.), sliced cucumber, shredded pickled carrots, cilantro, and chili mayo on semolina bread. They even have a little kick to it, thanks to the chili mayo. Just be sure to get a lot of napkins – these sandwiches do get a little messy.
Some of my favorite sandwiches sold at Num Pang are the classic pork, beef brisket, or even the pork belly.
Num Pang
21 East 12th Street
New York, NY 10003
