papaya | Johnny Prime

Our friends just opened a banh mi shop in Chelsea Market called Hoi An. They offer a ton of great food at good prices.

We tried two of their sandwiches: the classic/house sandwich, and the brisket pastrami pho sandwich. Tough to choose a winner between these two.

The brisket is equal parts Katz deli, and equal parts your favorite bowl of pho from Chinatown. Totally unique and delicious.

But the traditional sandwich hits hard, packing a ton of flavor from house made pate and meats. This is a top three banh mi for me.

We also loved their papaya salad with beef jerky. Tender and delicious. A nice mix of sweet and spicy.

But don’t sleep on their summer rolls. These sausage summer rolls might have been my favorite of the day.

They also serve some nice Vietnamese egg coffee, tea, and this coconut and coffee slush:

I can’t wait to go back and try the rest of the menu!

HOI AN
Chelsea Market
75 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10011

Gray’s is a NYC institution. I believe the chain has dwindled down to one remaining shop, on Broadway & 72nd Street. There are/were a few knock-off versions, if I recall, like Mike’s Papaya and Papaya King, but Gray’s is the one and only. Get it while you still can, if you feel the overwhelming need to try one.

They’re known for cheap-ass grilled “franks,” which are essentially their snappy lips-and-assholes hot dogs slapped on a bun, which are then guzzled down with some fruit slush type exotic drinks. The juices are pure sugar deliciousness.

When I was in law school, the “Recession Special” was $2.75 for two dogs and a small drink. Fast forward 15 years and we are still in a recession, yet the price for the special is now $5.75.

These fuckers will give you heartburn, stinky burps, and the runs, but they’re great in a bind or when you’re in a hurry …or when you are completely fucking wasted.