Eating on a budget in Boston

             CASH ONLY PLEASE

That's the first thing you see as you reach for the door knob at the entrance of Vietnamese Sandwich, an Asian fast-food place that serves everything from the most fantastic subs, to curried and barbecued chicken on rice, shrimp spring rolls, and  a host of other things. Down right unfriendly was my first impression. I mean you should at least wait for me to get a foot in the door right?

I'd been in Chinatown for more than six months before my friend Oni dragged me there one afternoon in between classes to grab a sandwich. My first surprise was the number of people we saw there. Hmm...m, I thought to myself as I got in line, you'd think that a place with a welcome greeting like that on the front door should be less busy at lunch time. Almost before I could complete the thought it was our turn to order. My next thought was - Wow that was fast. And things just kept getting better after that. Our server was quick but friendly and -Oh joy!- for the first time since I stepped into the USA I finally had a choice to order a sandwich that really did have some kick to it. But my greatest (and perhaps the most heart warming) surprise was still to come. Each sandwich we ordered was no more than $2.75! Loaded with chicken and chock full of veggies on an eight inch long roll, with peppers that made my tongue sing and my heart heavy for home. I was sure there must be some mistake.

My friend assured me there was none. "Seriously", she said, "Why do you think they're so busy at lunchtime? They'll be out of sandwiches before 4pm."

 She was right about that. I found this out to my dismay a few days later when I decided to work late and strolled down from school to grab a sandwich. It was just a few minutes past four when I swung the door open, trying very hard to ignore the unfriendly 'welcome' sign. Unfortunately they were all out of sandwiches and the curried chicken and rice which I'd enjoyed so much the last time I came. I would have been sad and mad had it not been for the attitude of the lady behind the counter. She kept apologizing so profusely and repeatedly that I started feeling bad on her behalf. Since I was in no hurry and they were cleaning up preparatory to closing, this time I had an opportunity to really look around and chat with the lady.

Vietnamese Sandwich is really a tiny shop that, besides the kitchen behind the counter, only boasts 3 tables and six chairs. With its light green walls and  glaring fluorescent lighting it's not exactly the place for a romantic night out. Still if you're looking to grab a quick meal or meet up with a friend while you eat something healthy that actually tastes great, Vietnamese Sandwich is the place for you. Not to mention that as prices go it's really easy on the pocket. I'd wondered how they managed to pay rent and keep the place open while still making a profit. I mean, I hardly thought it'd be a non-profit venture. I addressed my concerns to my new friend behind the counter, and she assured me that were indeed doing quite well for themselves. Most of the produce they use is sourced from nearby Haymarket, which allows them to obtain the materials they need at very low cost and sell their products at such cheap prices.

I thanked her for her time and patience and left, resolving to be there well before 4pm anytime I wanted to grab lunch on the go.