Xe Lua, with Thu

Xe Lua is our regular Vietnamese go-to spot because we haven't found better. It's slightly lighter and fresher than all the other ones and the decor is, although kitschy, warmer too. Today, however, they far surpassed our normal culinary expectations with a rather delicious grilled pork chop (thit heo nuong). A bit sweet, charred in places and cut into small pieces, it didn't matter whether it was over broken rice (com) or rice noodles (bun), our lunch choices left Thu mad with envy.
Xe Lữa, 86 Mulberry St, NY, NY 10013 (below Canal)