Little Kirin

The first breath of cold winter air. A crisp granny smith apple. Succession ending after four seasons. All refreshing things, just like Little Kirin. This spot offers five straightforward and delicious sandwiches that you can turn into rice bowls or salads—but only an act of god would make us not order a sandwich. All of them incorporate Asian flavors and ingredients, but our favorite is the five-spice loaded “grandma’s braised pork” with cabbage, sesame aioli, and pickled onions on crusty ciabatta. Great for a casual lunch, or a weeknight dinner on a cheerful yellow chair, Little Kirin is the type of place we wouldn’t be surprised to find our East Villager friends have been gatekeeping because they want it all to themselves.