BONMi, set to open near International Square on Monday, October 24, has big plans. Started by a collective of military officers who hope to open two more locations in D.C. over the next year, the restaurant focuses on Vietnamese sandwiches or banh mi.
The most essential part of a good banh mi ($6-7.50) — the baguette — will be made by Lyon Bakery, which supplies a number of other restaurants in D.C. The recipe was a collaborative effort, and will be made from a combination of wheat and rice flours, yielding a crackly crisp crust and soft marshmallowy insides. If you still adhere to the Atkins or South Beach Diet, any of the sandwiches can be ordered as a lettuce wrap. And if you aren’t in the mood to use your hands, you can grab a rice noodle or lettuce salad ($6-9.25).
For fillings, you can choose between three different flavors of chicken, two flavors of pork, one brisket, tofu or butternut squash (see the full menu below). All of these options are cooked sous-vide without added oils or butter, yielding a healthier and more moist filling. These will all be garnished with pickled vegetables, cilantro and chili-lime mayo.
Along with global food, BONMi has a global perspective. Part of their mission is that the restaurant will always donate 20 percent of all water sales to Hands on the World, a charity that helps to provide clean drinking water in underdeveloped countries.
Be sure to be on the lookout in the weeks following their opening as they plan to give away 2,500 free sandwiches.
900 19th Street NW
(202) 785-0012
Hours: Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Metro: Farragut West or Farragut North
