Ok, I know I am a bit late to the party here – but better late than never right? The rumblings, nay SHOUTS, about Oh Mai were heard loud and clear – but for some reason it just took me a minute to get there. You know, no carbohydrates and all. But last weekend, we made it. Safe and sound, into the arms of one of the best sandwiches I have ever had.
I will be honest, I had never had a Banh Mi sandwich before. So, perhaps because I didn’t know what I was missing out on, I didn’t run directly over to Oh Mai when they opened. Oh Mai is a super cute small Vietnamese sandwich kitchen located right off State Street and and 3425 South in what used to be a home. We entered into a busy, full restaurant with a lot of people enjoying themselves. The menu is located at the front counter and you place your order, find a table, and the food will be brought out to you.
We ordered the Mai’s Roll from the Grab and Go menu to start: shrimp, pork, rice noodles, lettuce, cucumbers, pickled carrots, shredded daikon, and chives. The peanut sauce that was served with these babies was to DIE for. And the price of $1.88 for 2 rolls was sort of unbelievable. I mean, can you even get a burrito at Taco Bell for $1.88? Honestly.
Although Oh Mai is known for its Vietnamese sandwiches, they have a pretty extensive menu full of Salads, Vermicelli Noodles, Rice Dishes, and of course, Pho Noodle Soup. Oh Mai has some of the best Pho I have had in Salt Lake City. We ordered the large Beef Meatball Pho for a whopping $5.98. The broth was so flavorful and the meatballs were dense and rich. The noodles were almost a side note to the other amazing flavors happening in this warm and filling soup. The fish sauce at Oh Mai is fantastic, and I highly recommend adding some to your Pho if you order it.
But let’s talk about the sandwich for a moment. How can something so simple be so divine? We ordered the Honey Glazed Pork sandwich (garlic butter, oiled scallions, cucumber, cilantro, pickled carrots and daikon, black pepper, japapeno, and chili-lime vinaigrette $4.48). Make sure you take note of that price. Are you kidding me? Under five bucks for one of the best sandwiches you will ever have. This thing is like a flavor punch to the face. The pickled carrots and daikon add so much flavor – not too much vinegar, but enough to notice. The honey glazed pork was thinly sliced, sweet, and warm and the jalapeno gave just enough to kick. It was like every flavor profile was present: sweet, sour, vinegar, salt – all wrapped inside an amazing, thin baguette. After two bites in, I was seriously in love.
Folks, I implore you – go check this place out. Please. As my friends and loyal readers, I would never lead you astray! This is one of Salt Lake City’s best little spots. Go spend your $5 on something magical.
Oh Mai
3425 State Street, Salt Lake City
or visit their Holladay location
6093 South Highland Drive
Wish I lived in Utah to have one of these! Well, that’s going a bit far.
Well, at least you know what to eat next time you are in the SLC!
I’ll have to check this place out. My usual pho fix is met at Thyme and Season up in Bountiful. I’d be interested to hear what you have to say about T&S!
Thanks!
I will have to check that place out!!
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The sandwiches at Oh Mai are effin’ amazing!