MR. BUBBLE

A tiny, pastel-colored
jewel box of a sandwich shop is turning Boerum Hill patrons on
to a new snack. Hanco’s, which opened in February, offers "bahn
mi" (pronounced "bun me"), a Vietnamese hero of
sorts.



The sandwich, always served on a French baguette, usually contains
carrots, daikon radish, cilantro and a variety of meats and sometimes
tofu. The owner, and master "bahn mi" maker is Hanco
Tang (pictured). His diminutive menu features six sandwich varieties;
among them is one made with pate and ground pork, another with
sardines in tomato sauce.



To pair with the snacks are bubble teas. Bubble tea, also known
as "pearl milk tea," refers to the bubbles that form
at the top of the covered cup when the green or black tea is
shaken. All bubble teas have balls of tapioca at the bottom of
the cup that are sucked through a wide straw between sips. The
brew can be served hot or cold, with or without milk, and flavored
with fruit or spices such as almond, honeydew melon, mango and
strawberry.



Hanco’s iced Vietnamese coffee, a strong blend made with sweetened
condensed milk, is one more reason to forgo Starbuck’s.



Hanco’s (85 Bergen St. between Hoyt and Smith streets in Boerum
Hill) accepts American Express, MasterCard and Visa. Salads and
sandwiches: $4.25-$5.50; bubble teas: $3. The restaurant serves
light meals Monday through Saturday, from 11 am to 9 pm. Closed
Sundays. Delivery available. For more information, call (718)
858-6818.