FOOD | ARTS | COMMUNITY | STYLE + LEISURE
OUI BANH MI
CUISINE : Vietnamese 1601 Richmond Ave . | 832.831.5172 | oui-banhmi . com Mon – Sat : 11am – 11:59pm ; Sun : closed
Photo by Rebekah Flores
The Vietnamese community has had a long-standing impact on the Houston restaurant scene . With the fourth largest Vietnamese American population in the U . S . ( behind three areas in California ), Houston has definitely been blessed . Oui Bahn Mi , the newest addition to this scene , is a perfect fit . Taking over the old Lucky Burger location on Richmond Avenue , Lynh Li ( co-owner of Les Givral ’ s , which she runs with her brother ) brings the fast casual concept that still delivers the traditional flavors with a spin . With the addition of a drive-thru , Oui Banh Mi sets itself apart . It ’ s not fast food in any sense . It is food made quickly that still maintains a level of quality far beyond the typical drive-thru .
Featured on the menu are the standard fare , noodle soup ( pho ), bun ( vermicelli ) and egg rolls ( cha gio ). And of course , the banh mi or classic Vietnamese sandwich . I was treated to the chargrilled pork and the shredded chicken . The pork was tender and well-flavored on a soft French roll . The shredded chicken provided a good contrast , though I did add a little Sriracha , mostly because I could . The dumplings , only available at Oui and not at Les Givral ’ s , were a good vegetarian option . With the spicy fish sauce , they were light and refreshing .
To accompany our meal , I had the hazelnut coffee , a welcome variation on the Vietnamese coffee I have learned to love in my 30 years in Houston . Thicker than a regular iced coffee , it wasn ’ t too sweet , which allowed the hazelnut flavor to come through . I could easily see driving through several times a day just for the coffee . OK , I ’ d probably pick up a banh mi on at least one trip . No question .
Interior
Open from 11am until midnight , Oui Banh Mi provides the perfect option to satisfy everyone ’ s Viet cravings . Quickly , but still done well .
The lunch special is a phenomenal deal . For $ 10 you get a personal-size signature pie or your own masterpiece . If you can make it a drinking lunch , the craft beers , frozen drinks and bottled cocktails are a perfect match . If not , come back for Happy Hour / Dinner , and stay for the boozy ice cream provided by Lee ’ s Creamery .
For the health-conscious , the salads are perfect . The arugula with strawberries , spiced pecans , chevre and roasted shallots is a standout . With portions sufficient to share , it even satisfies the carnivore writing this review .
Having the brick and mortar allows Pi , through the talented Laurie Harvey , to offer a variety of frozen drinks and bottled cocktails . The Pineapple Express , a tequila-based cocktail with Mexican flair , is my personal favorite . Similar to a pina colada , cayenne and cinnamon provide a pleasant spicy / smoky kick .
Harvey ’ s bottled cocktails are a satisfying twist on the craft cocktail trend . Prepared each morning , the bottles make it easier to serve customers quickly without sacrificing quality . I love the Hanoi High Five , a gin-based cocktail combining my favorite Thai flavors , almost like drinking a Tiger Cry salad .
With the permanent location , Pi Pizza has raised its game . I invite you to play . Drinks december 16 | LOCAL 27