Alpha Bakery & Deli

Once you taste the dặc biệt bánh mì from the modest prep station at Alpha Bakery & Cafe inside of Hong Kong City Mall, it will tease you forever, reaching out in daydreams like a pork-laden angel. Watching a staffer spread a thick layer of creamy butter on a fresh baguette for the first time is a thing of wonder, especially when that baguette then gets stuffed with pâté, chả lụa (bologna), pork belly, giò thủ (head cheese), and a fistful of sliced vegetables and herbs. Arguably the best bánh mì in Houston, it’s hard to believe they only cost $5 cash. Ordering two every time will help combat the inevitable cravings.

photo credit: Quit Nguyen