While pho might have caught everyone’s attention during the cooler, winter months, it’s bánh mì that’s going to be the Vietnamese food star this summer and fall. As far as what’s the best part of the beloved sammie? It’s hard to say. Between the crispy baguette, savory meat option, flavor-packed pickled veggies, and fresh, tangy cilantro ingredients, we don’t think we can choose just one. Check out these seven shops below who have both perfected the classic sandwich, as well as gone out on a culinary limb to create some of the most delicious bánh mì experiments in New York City.

Best of NYC Bánh Mì: Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli (Nolita)

Serving up both classic and vegetarian bánh mì sandwich options, everyone leaves Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli happy. Unless you’ve got something against pork, we have to urge you to go with the House Special, layered with cilantro, cucumber, pickled carrots and radish, minced pork, pork roll, Vietnamese salami, and jalapeño peppers all resting nicely between the most perfectly textured baguette bread in town. 369 Broome St., 212-219-8341, bahnmi.nyc

Best of NYC Bánh Mì: Num Pang Sandwich Shop (Union Square) 

Sure, it’s a chain, but it hardly feels like one based on its food quality, flavor-infused sandwiches, and overall aesthetic. Deviating from the classic ingredient list, Num Pang serves up hoisin meatballs, coconut tiger shrimp, and spiced honey pulled pork between their baguette slices, but it’s the Five-Spice Glazed Pork Belly (with pickled asian pear!) that keeps us coming back again and again. Additional locations in Murray Hill, Flatiron, Midtown West, Battery Park, Chelsea, and the Financial District. 28 E. 12th St., 646-791-0439, numpangnyc.com

Best of NYC Bánh Mì: Co Ba (Chelsea)

Co Ba is a full-service restaurant, but it’s worth the extra few bucks. They offer six bánh mì sandwiches for the picking, and what makes them so fun to try is how much the menu veers from the traditional Vietnamese sammie. Ingredients include chicken liver pate, hanoi-style fish, caramelized pork belly braised in coconut juice, and even a soy-lemongrass tofu option for vegetarians. 110 9th Ave., 212-414-2700, cobarestaurant.com

Best of NYC Bánh Mì: Bánh Mì Saigon Bakery (Little Italy) 

Don’t be dismayed that this bánh mì hotspot shares its space with a jewelry store. Baking its bread in-house, Bánh Mì Saigon Bakery has perfected the classic sandwich. From the succulent  pork (they offer chicken, beef, and vegetarian options as well) to the crispy-soft baguette, it doesn’t get much better than this. If it ain’t broke… right? 198 Grand St., 212-941-1541, bahnmisaigonnyc.com

Best of NYC Bánh Mì: Saigon Shack (Greenwich Village)

Saigon Shack has you covered with just about every option you could dream up. From the S.S. Classic (Vietnamese ham, house bacon, and pate) to Peking Duck and Fried Crabcake bánh mì, you can go the traditional route or mix things up quite a bit. You can also add an egg to any sandwich for an extra $1.50, which is an option we think everyone should try at least once. 1214 Macdougal St., 212-228-0588, saigonshack.squarespace.com

Best of NYC Bánh Mì: Xe May Sandwich Shop (East Village)

When you walk through the doors of Xe May, you’re probably going to be overwhelmed with how amazing everything on the menu sounds. Lemongrass chicken sandwiches and grilled beefsteak and pineapple chutney sandwiches are worth noting. (This place is an adventurous palette’s dream come true). While more on the traditional side, the Super Cub Classic is an absolute must-try as well, loaded with BBQ pork, headcheese, pork roll, and pate. 96 Saint Marks Pl., 212-388-1688, xemaysandwich.com

Best of NYC Bánh Mì: An Choi (Lower East Side)

An Choi is a full-service stop, but if you’re looking for a quick bite of bánh mì, there’s no shame in take-out either. While they serve up eight different variants of the sandwich, it’s the Roast Pork Belly and Crispy Tofu with sweet chili sauce that we have to mention by name. An Choi also offers a fried egg option for those who want to get a little messy. 85 Orchard St., 212-226-3700, anchoinyc.com