Banh & Mee Leeds

You'll find this compact Vietnamese spot tucked on New York Street, where the smell of lemongrass and star anise hits you the moment you walk in. The menu keeps things simple but does it right – their bánh mì are stuffed with proper pickled vegetables and your choice of slow-cooked pork or lemongrass chicken, all packed into crusty baguettes that somehow stay crisp despite the generous fillings. The pho arrives steaming hot with a broth that's clearly been simmering for hours, not minutes. During lunch rush, you might queue behind office workers who've clearly made this their regular spot – always a good sign. The weekday-only opening hours mean they're focused on doing lunch properly rather than spreading themselves thin.