I’m pretty adventurous when it comes to food. That’s why my friend Helen found it so shocking that I hesitated to try Bánh mì, otherwise known as a Vietnamese sandwich. I was fine with almost every aspect of the sandwich – baguette (good), pickled veggies and jalapenos (very good), cilantro (very very good), but I cringed at the thought of Helen’s favorite meaty filling: pork meatballs and pate. Meatballs, okay, but pate? Ewwwww. Not one of my favorite foods. After months of debate, Helen assured me I would NOT be able to taste the pate, so I decided to woman up and try her beloved sandwich. What do you know – she’s right! I was far too busy savoring the chewy bread, sweet veggies, and delicate pork to even notice the pate was in there. I’m sure it somehow added to the overall deliciousness of the sandwich, but I’m fine with it playing a quiet role.
This particular sammie came from Saigon Sandwich, Helen’s favorite spot for Bánh mì. It was $3 – definitely the cheapest restaurant meal I’ve had in a while! Thanks, Helen, for inspiring me to look past my pate prejudice and try something new.
Mmmmm Vietnamese sandwiches are SO GOOD. Lee’s is the best if you ask me. I don’t know if they have them up there, they’re a Southbay thing I think. YOM.
Let me know the next time you guys go. I’m ALL over it! Not so sure about the pate, but I’m willing to try. Oh but I do dream of the BBQ Pork Vietnamese sandwich from Saigon Cafe!!
Saigon rock’s in the Tenderloin of San Francisco. The sandwiches are meaty and flavorful. I love the mayonnaise concotion spread on the pork meatball sandwich. Don’t forget the pate, yumm. They put more meat than the corner shops with their thin baguettes and Subway like portion controls. Tried Lee’s in Sacramento and in SF, Lee’s is not in the same league as Saigon. Why do think the CCA (Cal. Culinary Asscoc) students eat there after class? Go where the cooks and chefs eat. Saigon… thumbs up !
banh mis are absolutely delish! there’s a great place in boulder that has amazing vietnemese
they’re so fresh and wonderful!
Cute blog! I’m an Indiana transplant who ended up in San Diego. We honeymooned in Frisco. Fantastic city.
best thing ever created by us Viet folks!