This Sandwich is How to Do Lunch in Portland, Maine

One thing is for sure, there is no shortage of places to eat in Portland, Maine.

But finding someplace for lunch that won't break the bank, won't weigh you down for the rest of the day, or just won't be what you want...that's a little harder.

It's time I shared my favorite place for lunch and dinner: Banh Appetit in Portland, Maine on Cumberland Avenue.

READ MORE: 25 of the Best and Most Popular Chinese Restaurants in Maine

Banh Appetit has been nestled in the Portland area ever since 2019. They are a Vietnamese Cafe shop. They have many dishes and all are made in-house.

Tuyet Thi Le, a Portland native was inspired by her mother, a local Vietnamese chef in Portland. Tuyet opened Banh Appetit because she wanted to make authentic Vietnamese food easy and accessible for those on the go! Mission accomplished!

This sandwich from Banh Appetit in Portland, Maine is my go-to.

That beauty is the Banh Mi. It's whatever you want along with pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro, scallion, and jalapeno peppers for a surprising kick that goes perfectly with the pickled elements and the delicious (fill in the blank). That's a Vietnamese iced coffee with it.

You have choices of fillings:

• Thit Nguoi (cold-cut meat)
• Dau Hu (tofu)
• Vegetarian (meatless)
• Xa Xui (BBQ pork)
• Nem Nuong (Vietnamese sausage)
• Bo Xao (lemongrass beef)
• Ga Xao (lemongrass chicken)
• Tom (shrimp)

I have tried every combination and often find myself going for that Vietnamese sausage. It's so delicious.

They also have egg rolls, Rangoon (order early they ALWAYS sell out) along with other yummy appetizers, Bun (vermicelli salad bowls), and Com (rice plates with lettuce). They close at 6 pm most nights and are closed on Sundays - but if you haven't found this slice of heaven in Portland - you are missing out!