The line out the door during lunch hour is a surefire sign the food is going to be good and cheap. There’s always a line at Cam Huong. This little Vietnamese deli is narrow, crowded, and packed with gelatin desserts, spring rolls, and other delectables. Don’t be discouraged by the display case in the window, which houses pans of bland and greasy Asian fare such as fried rice and chow mein. In fact, ignore it completely. Instead, check out the sandwich menu behind the counter. The house sandwiches come with your choice of meat (specialty cold cuts, barbecue shredded pork or chicken, and more), fresh cilantro, and parboiled, julienned vegetables in a tangy sauce — all on a large, crusty baguette. Watch out for the fresh sliced chili peppers. Hot! Cam Huong also makes other sandwiches — their versions of the BLT, chicken curry, sardine, and tofu, which are advertised on charming signs with colorful illustrations. And don’t fret too much about the line. The ladies here work fast and all seem to speak at least three languages, so it moves quickly. At two bucks a sandwich, why would you eat fast food again?
Readers’ Pick (tie):
Cam Huong Deli
Ba Le Sandwich
1500 International Blvd., Oakland,
510-261-9800
