[Photograph: Michell Eloy]

If I had to choose just two things to eat for the rest of my life, marinated pork and heaps of cilantro would be on the shortlist of potential candidates. That might explain my fondness for Vietnamese food, particularly bánh mì sandwiches. And when I'm craving some some porky south Asian grub that's as delicious as it is portable, I head to Wicker Park's Bon Bon Sandwich.

Located near the corner of Western and North Avenues, this little cash-only BOYB's standout is the Char Siu pork sandwich ($5.45). Thick slices of pork are cooked in a sweet barbecue-like marinade made of honey, garlic, and hoison sauce. The meat is then pressed between a crunchy, toasted sourdough baguette. Carrot and daikon radish slices are sprinkled copiously on top of the pork, while chunks of green chiles give the sandwich a spicy, runny nose-inducing kick. Large sprigs of cilantro garnish the top, giving the sandwich that leafy taste that's distinct to the herb.

Bon Bon Vietnamese Sandwiches

2333 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647 (map)
773-278-5800
bonbonsandwiches.com