At Chao Vietnamese Street Food in Fishers, the choice between soup and sandwich deserves some consideration. Phở Gầu brings brisket and rice noodles with Thai basil, jalapeños, bean sprouts and lime on the side. The Chao Special bánh mì layers peppered ham, Vietnamese ham and thinly sliced steamed pork belly into a baguette with pâté, mayo, pickled daikon and carrots, cucumber, cilantro and jalapeños.
The appetizers offer a more playful route through the menu. Chao Fries pile lemongrass pork, pickled vegetables and homemade spicy mayo onto thick-cut, beer-battered curly fries. Pork Belly Bao uses house-made steamed buns filled with braised pork belly, pickled vegetables, cucumber and cilantro. Diners repeatedly praise the friendly staff and quick service, with pho and bánh mì recurring among the food recommendations.
Vegetarian choices extend to bún, papaya salad and a pho identified on the menu as vegan. For dessert, the pandan-flavored bubble waffle comes in several dressed-up versions: Tropical Delight adds house-made ice cream, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, roasted peanuts and a sweet-cream drizzle. Coffee and beer are also served.
Chao is at 7854 E. 96th St., Fishers, with an inexpensive price range of $10–$20. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; it is closed Sunday. Reservations can be made through the restaurant’s website, and takeout and delivery are offered.