Let me count the ways

The eatery I frequent most in New York, asides from the faceless, nondescript midtown venues I lunch at most weekdays, is Num Pang.

For background, Num Pang is an offshoot of a Cambodian restaurant on the LES called Kampuchea. I've never been the the mother restaurant but it's offspring certainly makes me wonder whether a trip is worthwhile.

So here is a list of why Num Pang has changed my life.

1. Pulled Pork Sandwich. Having been educated in North Carolina, pulled pork has a dear place in my heart. While I would never benchmark this sandwich against any Carolina sandwich, this is a special sandwich. The pork is tender and is slightly sweet. The sandwich (as all their sandwiches are) is dressed with chili mayo, cilantro, carrots, and cucumber and with a little sriracha, the sandwich is simply the best in the city. It's messy, rich, a little spicy, a little sweet. I could go on...

2. All the other sandwiches. A plethora of other sandwiches round out Num Pang nicely. The Catfish is my second in command: it is lighter, nicely grilled and marinated in soy sauce. It does not hold up as well to the sriracha as the pulled pork, so use with caution. The coconut shrimp is another go-to. The coconut shrimp is not caked and deep fried in batter like so many are these days, so you get the nice flavor of the shrimp and the coconut. The meatball sandwich is also a standout, but I tend to order this less frequently for health reasons. I have it on good authority the vegetarian option is also pretty delicious.

3. The corn on the cob. Covered in chili mayo, topped with coconuts, and grilled, this corn on the cob is a perfect companion to the sandwiches. This kind of preparation is not particularly novel for NY--you can generally find it at any street fair in the summer--but Num Pang's is executed perfectly.

4. I'm lazy. The place is one block from my apartment.

5. Pricing. Ok, so it is not dirt cheap--but for $8.15 you get a delightfully, delicious, and portable sandwich.

6. Special menu. I've yet to partake any special, but someday I will, and I know it will be delicious.

It's gotten so out of hand that I have eaten at Num Pang thrice a week, for several weeks in a row. Certainly check it out next time you are in the village. You can bring it over to my house to eat, so long as your bring a sandwich for me.