Finding a truly delicious and healthy meal in a city oversaturated with food trucks and chain restaurants is a daunting task to say the least. However, only a few blocks from CSUN’s campus lays a small bastion of culinary hope. Comfortably nestled in the shadow of its neighbor (coffee powerhouse, Starbucks) sits the small, unassuming Vietnamese joint, Bun Me! Sandwiches and More.
Since opening in August 2010, Bun Me! has gathered an impressive neighborhood following. Their 340 reviews average four stars – a respectable reflection of quality in the Yelp community. If you haven’t made the connection already, Bun Me! is a clever pun derived from the traditional name for the Vietnamese bánh mì (bahn mi) sandwich.
While Bun Me! is commonly sought out for their scrumptious sandwiches, it offers a wide variety of complementary Vietnamese cuisine. Some of these include crispy spring rolls, cold vermicelli noodle bowls, pho soup and flavored Thai iced tea.
Moreover, the price points at Bun Me! cater to the ‘starving college student’ archetype, allowing for an individual to feel adequately satiated at a cost of about $7. The most popular bahn mi sandwich at Bun Me! is the ‘Deli Special.’ Filled with a holy trinity of pork pate, pork roll, and char siu pork, it’s the best bang for your buck at $4.25. Other sandwich choices include grilled lemongrass chicken, grilled pork, grilled rib eye steak and grilled tofu– all under $6.
The shrimp summer rolls (2 for $3.75) are light and refreshing, even when dipped in the rich peanut sauce. The chicken pho ($6.25) is simple and straightforward– served with an ample offering of bean sprouts, basil, jalapeño and lime– though it could use a bit more flavor in the broth department.
Bun Me! also boasts an impressive rotating ‘Specials’ menu, which will consist of anything from Spicy Ginger Wings, to a Mushroom Trio Bahn Mi.
In a world where looks can be deceiving and most everything is judged by its cover, Bun Me! is a pleasant surprise that keeps with tradition at a great price.
Bun Me! Sandwiches and More
9420 Reseda Blvd., Suite 5 (next to Starbucks)
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday-Sunday
Be sure to check out our video showing how you can make a Bun Me! sandwich at home:
