Cheap Eats: Pho Ha Nam

Pho Ha Nam is the kind of place you’d miss if you weren’t paying attention, perhaps on your way to an errand at one of its neighbors in the Asian Town Center: the grocery store, beauty supply mart, accountant’s office or Negative Space art gallery. But for those in the know, it’s where you’ll find the best Vietnamese deal in town, the Banh Mi Thi Nuong ($5). The sandwich is deceptively simple but full of savory punch: a slightly spicy mix of pork pate and sliced pork, balanced by a dash of snappy veggies such as cucumbers, carrots and jalapenos, all on a not-quite crispy French roll. You don’t even have to stop your round of chores to enjoy one. Call ahead and order two or three to go, wrapped in scraps of wax paper and neatly organized in a brown paper bag. Also Try: If you’d rather sit and eat, no meal should begin without an order of summer rolls ($4), airy but toothsome creations of rice paper wrapped around shrimp, pork, basil, cilantro and other greens. For the adventurous, dip into order No. P2: Pho Tai Sach ($8.50), a subtle, earthy bowl of pho broth with sliced beef and a helping of chewy tripe. 3820 Superior Ave., Cleveland, 216-586-6969, phohanamcleveland.com