Welcome to Food/Drink Week at Milwaukee Record, brought to you by Woodman’s Markets. From May 11 through May 18, belly up and enjoy adventurous, odd, and elaborate coverage of all things edible and drinkable in Milwaukee and beyond.
Perhaps you’ve heard about Crafty Cow’s viral Chicken Caesar Wrap. Perhaps, like us, you’ve tried it, and you’ve loved it. But perhaps you now find yourself looking for the next viral Milwaukee food sensation. If so, let us suggest something that fits the bill: the Cambodian Hot Beef sandwich at Num Pang in 3rd St. Market Hall (275 W. Wisconsin Ave.) Yep, it’s that good. Run, don’t walk, etc.

There’s been plenty of hype surrounding Num Pang already. Husband-and-wife owners Brian and Nikki Podgorski opened their Southeast Asian-American concept in 3rd St. in April; in the month since, the foodie corners of Milwaukee social media have been abuzz with reports of Num Pang’s mouth-watering goodness. “Num Pang is a must stop when at 3rd Street Market Hall in Milwaukee,” goes one post. “Num Pang legitimately might be some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had,” goes another.
Best sandwiches ever? That’s some serious hype! We haven’t tried all of Num Pang’s sandwiches, but after trying just one, the Cambodian Hot Beef ($16), we’re believers. The hype is real. This sandwich is incredible.

So what are we dealing with here? The Cambodian Hot Beef (Cambo Hot Beef for short) features a freshly baked French baguette stuffed with braised beef roast and papaya salad. That perfect combo is drizzled with chili-oil aioli, Koh Kong herb sauce, and cilantro. Toss in a little bit of soy, a little bit of caramel, and a dash of black pepper, and you’re biting into a sandwich, my friend. A really, really, really good sandwich.

What more needs to be said? Well, it comes with a cup of dipping broth. Oh, and you can “make it a Sabai Meal” by adding chips and a drink for $4. And, well, that’s it! Get yourself to 3rd St. Market Hall! Belly up to the Num Pang stand! (Co-owner Brian was super friendly.) Order a Cambo Hot Beef sandwich! Hell, order the rest of Num Pang’s sandwiches! Believe the hype!

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