My favorite place to eat in Manhattan is a Cambodian sandwich shop that's poised to expand - here's what it's like to eat there

Starting a business is tough - even more so in New York City. But Cambodian sandwich shop Num Pang has managed to thrive and expand beyond.

The restaurant, started in 2009 by college friends Ratha Chaupoly and Ben Daitz, makes expertly crafted and outrageously delicious banh-mi sandwiches. It has consistently topped several "best of" lists, including Zagat's 2017 NYC Fast-Casual Survey.

And while this may not be the typical fast-casual joint - modifications are not allowed here - the chain has taken off with a loyal clientele. A new location that opened at the Prudential Center in Boston earlier this year could prove fertile testing grounds for further expansion.

It's no secret I'm a huge fan of Num Pang, and the frequency of my lunches there would be embarrassing if it weren't so delicious. I decided to head over to one and show why this sandwich chain is drawing some major attention, and why it could become a force in fast-casual dining in cities nationwide.