Huong Lan Sandwiches

We usually only order takeout phở or bun bo hue. They do charge a takeout fee but that’s what it is nowadays. The phở is pretty standard and consistent (not the best but not bad) but I’ve seen the bun bo hue fluctuate — I don’t know why it tastes completely different sometimes. The sandwiches are simply okay and pricey, and I would NOT recommend any of their rice or vermicelli plates. Oh! And their iced coffee is inconsistent, and I take my Vietnamese ice coffee pretty seriously.

I called in to place my order, Desperately in need of noodles after Superbowl weekend. I order my usual, Beef stew with rice noodles, extra Jalapenos please. They let me know my order will be ready in 10 – 15 mins. When we get there, they said oh, sorry we don’t have beef stew, Like seriously? You take my order and then tell me when I get there you don’t have beef stew?
You make me WASTE my time, going to your establishment, and are not even apologetic or offer some compensation for wasting my lunch break ?? Is there no communication with the kitchen at all? I’m hangry and hungover, Do not mess with me right now.
I end up ordering a small phở and remind them about my extra jalapenos. When I get back to my office and unpack my food, I was given ONE Jalapeño. ONE JALAPENO!!! Are you kidding me ?
I immediately felt that I needed to call them back and let them know how unhappy I was with my experience. They didn’t sound like they cared.
They are constantly out of egg rolls as of late, and the pastry warmer section looks sad and empty all the time. They don’t even sell Banh Bao anymore.
This place just keeps getting worse. I thought it was bad that my noodles were messed up on my order more than once, but now you waste my time as well ?
Congrats for your well deserved place on my Black List.
Dueces, I won’t be back.

Their sandwiches are pretty good. Standard as them sandwiches go! I ask for extra veggies and they don’t charge extra! Hehe. The the boba drinks are cheap for their one size (large). So with all that said, I give hem 5 stars! Haha

This place is a good spot for yummy sammich and soup. Easy and convenient, no wait time and food is good! Not much msg (i do hope so). Most phở places do not serve sandwiches but this place does so thats a plus!

Banh mi (which is what I went in for) was just OK. Maybe I ordered the wrong one… spicy Korean pork I think… prices have gone up since the last time I’d gone here, but that’s not surprising.
Highlight of my visit? $ 2 boba milk tea drink.
They did have tons of stuff on the tables for purchase, but I went in for a banh mi. It wasn’t great and it costs more than it did before. Meh.

When in Santa Clara I had a go-​to place for banh mi but since moving to Newark I needed to find a new go-​to. I believe I’ve found it in Huong Lan.
Sandwiches are slightly pricier than I’m used to but that’s just inflation I guess. Not way out of line though and a bargain when compared to other options at this cost.
Sandwiches were super tasty with a reasonable amount of filling and really good baguette. Also had a couple of egg rolls which were perfectly acceptable.
I’ll be coming here when I want a banh mi.

I remember back in the day (wow I just sounded like an oba-​san) when the sandwiches were $ 2.75 a pop. Now the cheapest one is $ 3.75. It may not seem like much but they have been sneakily increasing by a quarter over the years. Sneaky sneaky…
Nevertheless whenever I’m craving me some banh mi thit nuong (sp?), my lazy ass will come here instead of making my way to little Vietnam aka San Jose. Their sammies are pretty good: oven baked bread, main protein (grilled pork ftw), pickled carrots & radish, jalapeño peppers, and cilantro. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think they recently added onions too. So for those who aren’t fans of onions, be sure to ask if they add onions!
I’ve only tried their banh mi so I’m not sure how their other food is like.
Also, they can cut the sandwich in half if you request it!

Still one of my favorite go-​to places for phở in Newark! If you’re craving a steamy bowl of beef broth with piles of meat and noodles, this is your spot. Portions are great, prices are decent, and everyone walks out a happy camper.
There are looooads of things on the menu, but I tend to stick with the phở. If you’re in the mood to take something for later, try the banh mi! My favorite is the grilled pork, but all of them have proved to be pretty tasty.
Service can be spotty, but that’s about typical for these kinds of joints. Don’t take it personally. They just want to get your food served quickly so that you can be in and out and on your way.

I’ve gotten to try many dishes here. Last time I ordered banh cuon which was 2wks ago, which is the rolled rice noodle filled with ground pork, they put very little filling inside. And to make matters worse, I got 4 thin rolls since they filled the the side of the container and under the rolls with an overwhelming amount of vegetables. Ridiculous for $ 4.50 or so. 2/​5*
I haven’t had their banh mi in awhile but but I used to order grilled pork. Review my last review for more info. Overall solid s in veggies and flavorful mayo. i don’t like their ‘grilled’ pork. not like huong lan in sj. 3.5/5*
Their spicy beef noodle soup is solid. Legit I don’t know… but it’s tasty. I’ve ordered it probably 4x. The last time, some pieces of meat were tough as if they just tossed it in. Usually tasted like most of it was stewed for a bit. Tendon is always melt in your mouth at least. Love the diff veggies to toss in and the spicy fried garlic mixture on the side. 4/​5*
The phở was good a year ago. I tried it 2wks ago and wasn’t the same. The broth had a stronger spice in it than what I’m used to. 3/​5*.

I work in Fremont, but I’m from San Jose. Anyone that lives in the San Jose area knows how easy it is to find a place to grab a banh mi. I find myself constantly craving a Vietnamese sandwich during the weekdays, but I can’t possibly drive all the way back to SJ just for lunch. Closer to work, there’s 1 location that sells banh mis, but after one try, I didn’t think I’d be back. I was absolutely thrilled to find this location, only 10 minutes from work.
The spring rolls are decently good. I do not recommend the fried egg rolls. I’ve also tried their bún bò hu (spicy beef vermicelli soup), which was alright. I really like their #1 sandwich, and I ask for extra pâté! Their bread is crunchy on the outside, but so soft on the inside. Every bite is delicious.
If you eat in, and order a sandwich, you also get a bowl of soup. Which… tastes a bit like MSG saltiness, so I didn’t drink much of it. But back to the sandwich! It’s definitely worth the try, and it’s much better than other Vietnamese sandwich locations in Fremont/​Newark. I could probably eat 2 in a sitting.

Korean BBQ Vietnamese sandwich! Yummy !! you could taste the Korean BBQ fat dripping down your mouth.

Back here again. For their sandwich and sinh to bo. Avocado smoothie. Lady was friendly and service was slow. I was kinda sad cuz the old lady making the sandwich in the back added hella soy sauce so it was soo freaking salty. I was sad. Price is still hella expensive but what isn’t in the bay.

Fall Of a Once Great Place to eat on Sundays…
Fall of a Great Restaurant– I used to think this place was the Greatest, I had been coming here since 2003. a Older Style Vietnamese Deli with Sandwiches,(The Sort I was used to in San Jose and Los Angeles in the late 1980’s and early 1990s’), Vietnamese Spring rolls, Pretty and Friendly young Waitresses, Fried Banana, Vietnamese Beef Jerky and some really super Potent Vietnamese Ice Coffee (Café Su da), and Did I mention the Pretty and young and friendly Vietnamese Waitresses? .
I used to come here every Sunday, not just for the Phở, but their Rice Plates, which are of Generous portions, Then in the last year or so, something happened, I’ve noticed since late 2014. Normally I can eat most Vietnamese food without incident. But in my last 5 visits, I’ve tried the Phở, A BBQ pork rice Plate, and today I had the Spring roll Dried Noodle, All very Delicious, but with one really Terrible «Side Effect». I would order my usual Glass of ice water, Café Su Da, and any given plate, and it was if a 30 minute delay timer was set in my stomach, It didn’t matter that I had already fully «evacuated» myself before leaving for the restaurant either, I’d feel that certain «Kick in the gut» warning me, something terrible was about to happen with each time scrambling like a madman trying to find a clean restroom to empty myself out in a explosive and smelly fury!!! So far, I think the 2 Starbucks and the McDonald’s’ Restaurant, Nearby, in the area have banned me from returning, because it was that Bad!!!(Actually just kidding about the Ban, but the smell was enough to make other patrons Gag with the odor of warmed over Dead Fish, as I finished my unpleasant business, and made a hasty exit Home on my Motorcycle!)…
Back to Houng Lan #5…
The Staff are really Nice, Friendly, and easy to talk too, and it’s a great place to come and watch some sports on their two large screen TV’s, but Something is now amiss with their Food. I’ve eaten at other Vietnamese Places without any «Urgent Effects», So what is going on with Houng Lan… In General they keep the place pretty clean too. What ever it is that is causing these «explosive Episodes» with me, i wish they’d fix that, I want my Favorite restaurant Back, there is no other place like «Houng Lan» in the bay area,(This sort of place was common in San Jose 20 to 30 years ago, and very common in LA). Now what you have instead are All of these Cookie cutter «Phở Saigon» Joints, I’ve seen, there they use the same menu and even the same chef logo giving the «OK» sign, do not have all the offerings or the generous portions that Houng Lan Has. They don’t even offer «Banh Mi» Sandwiches and they charge more than Houng Lan, while skimping severely on the meat too, for their Phở and rice plate offerings.
Please,
I hope someone reads this review, Fix whatever is causing the «Sudden Colon Blowout» syndrome, Please! And I will return there to eat once more, until Then, I vote for my Body’s Sake, to stay Away, Almost Crapping your pants while out on a Sunday outing, right after eating a good solid meal, Should never, ever happen in my Book!!!
The Only Reason Why I gave this place so many Chances, is because I really do like the People who run this place, we’re on first name basis with each other and they are super friendly, I thought the first couple of times it must of been just my over age 50’s Digestive system acting up, but then I realized, it’s not me… It’s Houng Lan… Sorry to let this one go!

I think the three and a half star rating that this place currently holds is spot-​on.
Next to the Lion Supermarket and surrounded by dozens of other Asian eateries, this place reliably turns out some tasty and inexpensive banh mi. The bread is definitely just right for me with the crispy crunchy exterior and soft interior. We’ve done both BBQ pork and BBQ chicken and while both are good, the BBQ chicken is definitely the winner here. Meat tends to be on the skimpy side, so I go for the extra meat option for less than a dollar more. The pickled veggies are tasty and they are always generous with the jalapeños.
As we get into the cold season, I’ll probably make a stop here to try out the phở. There’s a counter when you walk in that has a bunch of Vietnamese snacks that I’m not quite familiar with. On my last trip here, I spotted some snacks wrapped in banana leaves next to the cash register. I think as I delve deeper into this place, I’ll eventually make the leap and randomly pick a few of these mystery snacks and sweets.
The ladies behind the counter are friendly and they usually have my banh mi wrapped up and ready to go in just a few short minutes.

Swear dying. Came on Sunday roughly 5:30’ish and got a #1 sandwich, order to go goi cuon spring rolls and a song hot Luu vietnamese cold dessert.
I literally had the same thing one week prior but on a Sat at 2 pm. Only diff was this Sunday I asked if they can make some spring rolls so it ended up being 2 items had to be made. That and my entire order was previous Saturday was handed to a different person even though the bag was marked with my order #12. Lady who was #11 only had one sandwich how did she walk away with 3 items on a marked bag plus the workers there convinced I had no clue wtf was going on.
6 min later I get the sandwich with dessert and was dismissed. Wait what about the spring rolls? So the guy goes in kitchen makes a right and walks out with a premade batch. Um ok why didn’t he get it 5 min prior? Funny thing spring rolls had an extra piece of pork in it like a stick of cha lua — weird nothing like last week.
I’m regretting it now all day have heartburn and mad nausea plus migraine. Another reviewer mentioned to avoid coming here later in day and I’m going to have to agree. No later than 3 pm or you risk it.
Only upside here is they do have plenty tea/​smoothie options plus they take credit card. Huge downside is you might get sick or lose your food order and wait even longer.

Pleasantly surprised! Went in and got two banh mi sandwiches, one BBQ pork and one BBQ chicken, and a mango smoothie with tapioca pearls. Bread was soft, with just the right amount of crunch on the outside, and not «stale bread» crunch. The mango smoothie was good too, not too sweet, and the perfect amount of pearls. Why I’m addicted to those mango smoothies is beyond me!
I’m always mesmerized by the *snack* table with the endless goodies and snacks, and only feel brave when I drag one of my girlfriends along to tell me which ones are worth buying. I always want to grab the brightly colored rice patties, but for some reason I only gravitate towards unlabeled delights. So when I’m feeling brave … until next time!

I come here often because I love the drinks! Especially the jelly drink. Though, the food is pretty bland.
I ordered the bbq pork sandwich with pâté & it’s bland. The bbq pork doesn’t taste like it’s been marinated long enough. The carrots & daikon aren’t soaked in the vinegar long enough for the flavor to stick on unlike other places. You can’t even taste the pâté!
The soups are pretty tasty though.
The rice plates don’t have as much flavor as I would like.
The servers are very friendly & helpful. The place is generally clean.

Prices have gone up 3.25 and if you eat in its more since it comes with a side of soup. I say take it to go. Todays visit wasnt so great since this is usually my togo spot for lunch during the week if i am craving banh mi. Presentation was sloppy and messy. Bread was way too toasted so sandwich was falling apart as I bit into it. Meat portions is usually good and not too much butter mayo or soy sauce. There was a lunch rush but they are pretty fast.

I live in San Jose, my boyfriends lives in Fremont. It’s a hard knock life when your favorite Vietnamese sandwich place is a planet away. I find myself always craving San Jose food when I’m at my boyfriend’s place. When I found out that there was a Huong Lan near his area, I immediately drove over there in my pajamas, no make up, and f*cked up hair. I have no shame when it comes to getting the food I want! YOLO.
When I arrived, I was hoping they had those little premade dishes like their com tam or banh bot loc (correct me if I’m wrong!), but they didn’t have them. The San Jose location has those so I was pretty bummed.
I ordered a #11 which was a pork sandwich and a #4 which was bbq chicken. I didn’t really like their #11 because I like my meat with a lot of fat. Maybe I’m just used to the way SJ makes theirs, but it’s okay. I still had my fix and was still very satisfied.
By the way, their large milk teas are ~$ 2! Such a steal and it’s good!

I love this place… Their banh mi are the best in the tri-​city area in my opinion. The bread is always fresh, warm, toasty, crispy AND soft and they don’t skimp on their fillings. They make their sandwiches per order and you can customize all you want (I always get extra jalapeños and no mayo on my sammies). My favorite here is the #4 which is the BBQ chicken but the BBQ pork and shredded chicken Sammies are good too. And at $ 3.25 a sandwich, how can you really go wrong? They also have a whole phở menu along with other noodle dishes and rice plates, although I’ve never ordered from anything other than the sandwich menu because my kid’s grandpa has a Vietnamese place a few doors down and she would kill me if I got anything other than sandwiches from here, though I heard the phở here is good!
I don’t understand why some people have knocked this place for the language barrier. That’s kind of ignorant to me… It adds to the personality and authenticness of the place. If people can’t get past that… Then I dunno. Parking does suck though… But I work within walking distance so that’s not an issue for me.
Overall I love this place and will keep coming back as long as they’re around!