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Xe May Sandwich Shop
$$ · Sandwiches

1433 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Sandwiches in Upper East Side

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Xe May Sandwich Shop 7.5
Lenox Hill
Vibes: Hidden Gems Heaven Comfort Food Classics Quick Bites Champions
A small, specialty sandwich shop focusing on Vietnamese‑inspired banh mi and creative sandwich combos. Charming and underrated on the Upper East Side.
Must-Try Dishes: Banh Mi Special, Grilled Pork Sandwich, Tofu Banh Mi
Scores:
Value: 7.5 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 7.4 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Vietnamese‑inspired banh mi with bold flavors
Who should go: Sandwich explorers
When to visit: Lunch and early evening
What to order: Banh Mi Special, Grilled Pork, Tofu Banh Mi
Insider tip: Go early — small shop fills up fast
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be challenging during peak hours. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual, jeans and a t-shirt are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate - can have a lively atmosphere, but still conducive for conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect around a 20-30 minute wait, especially during dinner rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but can get busy around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several vegetarian options, including the Tofu Banh Mi.
Vegan options: Limited - the Tofu Banh Mi and some other dishes can be made vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free bread options are available for most sandwiches.
Best For
Better for: Xe May Sandwich Shop excels in offering bold Vietnamese flavors, especially with its banh mi varieties.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more traditional sandwich shop with typical deli options, consider alternatives.