It’s my birthday weekend! I kicked things off with a banh mi from Saigon Deli, and completed my mission to go on 19 banh mi dates! Let’s listen to “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers.
My nickname should be the Fairy Food Godmother, because whenever I visit Forest Lawn, I bring treats for everyone. It takes us 22 minutes to get to Saigon Deli, so I made it worth it by picking up a cold cut banh mi ($9) for my mother, who now lives in Calgary, and my neighbours. I chose veggie subs ($5) for Bex Oxo and Valentina, thinking it would be the safest option for them. I considered tofu but was unsure, as Bex Oxo was too polite to mention any preferences when I texted her. I found out after she likes tofu, so I’ll get her that next.
This is my third time at Saigon Deli, and the best visit because I ordered like a pro. FoodKarma recommends either a cold cut and extra pâté and butter. I also asked for extra carrots.
It’s a busy spot, but man, those ladies can whip up subs in record time. This isn’t their first rodeo. The staff crafts each sub with an odd mix of generosity, love, and no-nonsense boss lady swiftness. I was hooked. Perhaps even in love.
The bread was soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. I liked that the baguette wasn’t too crumbly, like cheaper, commercially made bread. No other banh mi spot beats the freshness of the veggies—crunchy carrots, snappy cucumbers, and jalapeños that tasted like it straight from the garden.
Every bite was refreshing and satisfying, an abundance of cold cuts, homemade mayo, pâté, and spanking fresh crudités. The pâté was so intense, so I might stick with the standard amount and ask for extra mayo next time. I loved the pops of saltiness from the Maggi sauce.
Bex Oxo enjoyed her sub, highlighting the sweetness of the buttery mayo and the freshness of the veggies. We both enjoyed the occasional kick from the jalapeños. Even my mother approved, texting me of the deliciousness of her banhi mi.
When I first visited Saigon Deli, the subs were $6 or $7. Now they’re $9, and I’m glad they raised the prices—it’s well worth it. I hope they keep doing what they’ve been doing for decades. Hitting the Sauce gives Saigon Deli two phat thumbs up.
Chew Steel and I were out grocery shopping when he suggested we get a banh mi for lunch. Shwing! Since we were 12 minutes away from Forest Lawn, he asked me to find a place I like. For this post, let’s listen to “Feed My Frankenstein” by Alice Cooper.
I remembered a Facebook post by Maro Ezz who owns a Mediterranean bakery near Banh Mi Cay. Maro came in to order a banh mi and chatted with the owner, who mentioned business was slow. Concerned and wanting to support her, he wrote about the friendly service and excellent food and recommended that other people check it out.
I ordered a House Special Cold Cut ($8.50) and a Beef Sate ($8.50) for Chew Steel. The subs took a few minutes to make because the owner is meticulous. I watched, memorized as she gently layered the meats and deftly arranged the toppings. I noticed that my cold cuts were popped in the toaster, so the meat is warmed up. Before we left the plaza, I picked up plain rice rolls from Lang Cao ($10) for breakfast the next day. Lang Cao is a cash-only spot that sells freshly made banh cuon.
I took a bite of Chew Steel’s beef sate. The beef was saucy with a pleasant heat, and I loved the prominent lemongrass flavour in the soft meat. Chew Steel mentioned the bread was light and didn’t cut into the roof of his mouth. I was impressed with the amount of beef. I would get this again.
I counted four layers of cold cuts in my assorted sub. The meat had a rougher texture than Thai Tai and Thi Thien, and its natural taste stood out against the smoothness of more processed cold cuts. The pate was more subtle than Saigon Deli and Banh Mi Nhu Y. I liked how, occasionally, a drip of mayonnaise mingled with Maggi sauce and pate would drip down on my parchment paper.
My banh mi came with two slender stalks of cucumbers, sweet, pickled carrots and raw onions. The subs are bigger than Kim Anh and Thi Thi, but less girthy than My Tho BBQ or My My Subs. I enjoyed my assorted cold cuts but I preferred the sate beef because it was so freaking good.
The banh mis are excellent value and delicious. If Banh Mi Cay would pickle their onions and slice them a bit thinner, it would be near perfection. Thanks to the kind owner of a nearby Mediterranean shop for recommending this hidden gem. Hitting the Sauce gives Banh Mi Cay two phat thumbs up.
For the past year, I’ve corresponded with Danni on Instagram. We share similar tastes in food, and we’ve even been to the same restaurants at the same time, though we weren’t aware then. We decided to meet up officially. I invited my friend, the Olympian. Divine Offering isn’t accessible on Wednesdays so that she couldn’t make it. Lovegastrogirl was in Tokyo; otherwise, she would have also come along. Let’s listen to “New Attitude” by Patti LaBelle for this post.
We hemmed and hawed about where to go, and finally, I suggested Paper Lantern. It is a small world; as it turns out, Danni is the proud sister of the owner of Paper Lantern and Prosperity Bar. Her parents previously owned Orchid Room in Bankers Hall. I’ve never eaten there, but I heard the food was elevated Vietnamese cuisine and popular with the downtown crew. The Olympian and I asked her where she eats Vietnamese food, as we were curious where she would eat if it weren’t her family’s restaurant. She recommended Rau Bistro, Noodle World (#52 rice platter or coconut beef pho), Pho Uncle Ten, and Basil Ultimate.
I ordered the PL Daiquiri ($12), Danni ordered a Mai Tai, and Olympian picked a non-alcoholic pina colada. My cocktail was light and breezy, with a tart tropical zing from the pineapple. For food, Danni picked some appetizers for us to share. I appreciated the water pitcher on the table, as I was parched that night.
First up was the Sweet Nuoc Mam Chicken Wings ($12). Damn, the wings were saucy and crispy, the sauce was sticky and sweet. I was happy to see the wings and drums were five times the size of any pub wings. I want to try the shrimp salt and pepper version when I return.
There was a lot of beef in the carpaccio ($12). I liked how the peanuts and onions gave some textural contrast to the soft, raw meat. The beef itself had a nice flavour. I didn’t realize there was cilantro in this dish. Had I known, I would have omitted the herb, as I’m one of the unlucky ones with the soap gene.
The pork belly banh mi ($10) was a winner! The special sauce and house mayonnaise were savoury and rich. The braised pork belly was so soft and warm that it melted right into the light, crusty bread. The pickled vegetables added a lovely crunch to each bite. Danni recommended trying the chicken roti banh mi next time. Her eyes lit up as she described how the chicken was caramelized.
The Pineapple Stir fry ($12) was as good as I remembered it from my last visit. The rice bowl contained ample sweet pork belly, shrimp, and pineapple. If you are hungry, I recommend ordering a rice bowl, as it is filling.
My favourite dish was the Mango Salad ($14). It takes a lot for me to like a salad over wings, so the chef back there is performing a miracle. The mango and papaya strands were chilled, crunchy from the peanuts and herby from the fresh mint leaves. I liked scooping up the refreshing salad on top of the shrimp cracker.
When the bill came, I was surprised to see how affordable it was. My bill, including one cocktail, was only thirty dollars. In today’s economy, that’s incredible. I informed Danni I was bringing Chew Steel to Paper Lantern for our next date night. She suggested I try the Beef Stew ($14) and Crispy Crepes ($15). I already know what I want—a repeat of the mango salad, banh mi, and the shrimp salt wings.
We plan to do another girls’ outing, this time at Prosperity Bar, to try the Big Mac egg rolls, Philly Cheese Banh Mi, and some dumplings. Next time, we’ll be sure to include Lovegastrogirl and Divine Offering. Perhaps I’ll have to start my supper club again, No Man’s Dinner, with the president, Loaf2go.
The plan on Friday was to host Beep Beep, Sunflower and Lovegastrogirl for dinner, then head to The Trop for the live music. However, as the evening crept on, our plans changed. Beep Beep rescheduled her flight due to childcare issues, and later, Lovegastrogirl declined due to work commitments. However, Sunflower was still up for some entertainment. For this post, let’s play “The Bad Touch” by Bloodhound Gang.
L had zero desire to come with us to The Trop, but he dropped us off and wished us fun. I was delighted to discover that we got the best table in the house – the large booth with a prime view of the dance floor. My friend Kournikova told me it is nearly impossible to get that table, even if you RSVP (which we did).
Despite having already eaten dinner, Sunflower insisted on treating me to snacks and Vizzy Seltzers ($6). The Tempura Green Beans ($11) and Potstickers ($13.75) were surprisingly good. The Trop is known for its live music, friendly staff, and Golden Girls clientele. Now I can add vegetarian appetizers to that list.
The green beans were plump and sweet, and the batter was so light it melted in my mouth. The spicy aioli gave these beans some spicy heat. I would get this again.
I was shocked that the potstickers were so good because 1) The Trop is not an Asian restaurant, and 2) the dumplings were vegetarian. Most veggie versions I’ve tried are bland, with no discernible flavour or texture. However, the Trop’s potstickers were clearly homemade. Fragrant with sesame oil, the combination of meaty mushrooms and water chestnuts made for good noshing.
The band playing on Friday was Red Mile High. Before they played their first song, each musician completed a mic check. I wasn’t paying attention until I heard a band member shout, “Syphiliiiissssss!” I asked Sunflower if I heard correctly, and she snickered and nodded. Then, the crowd below us began repeating the guitarist’s warning, creating an uneasy buzz around the room. I looked around and wondered if the musician was giving a public health announcement on behalf of Alberta Health. I took comfort in knowing that Sunflower and I would only have indigestion when we returned home.
The next day, Beep Beep arrived in Calgary. We shopped at a farmer’s market and, after, stopped by Major Tom for golden hour (3:00 – 5:00 pm). We ordered Cosmopolitan martinis ($16), Major Tots ($8), Oysters on the Half Shell ($21), and the MT Cheeseburger ($28).
I was curious about the cheeseburger because several food writers in Calgary have raved about it. Eating this burger was a sensual experience. The edges of the benchmark-aged patty were charbroiled and crusty, while the ruby-red middle remained warm and succulent.
Beep Beep said there were just enough condiments to compliment the beef, such as the crunchy burst of brine from the pickles and bite from the raw white onions. I enjoyed the stickiness of the layer of melted American cheese.
On our way home, I ordered banh mi from Soc Trang Vietnamese Submarines on Centre Street. As you may recall, I have an ongoing bet with L to have 19 banh mi dates, which makes Soc Trang date number 12. I called ahead to request two Beef Sate ($8.50), Sate Beef and Chicken ($8.50), Assorted Cold Cut ($7.75), Sate Chicken ($8.50), three Shrimp Salad Rolls ($6.50) and Pork and Shrimp Salad Rolls ($6.50). I asked for the vegetable toppings on the side and untoasted baguettes to prep the banh mis’ fresh at home.
L and Sirkski preferred the shrimp over the pork and shrimp salad rolls. However, I liked the addition of the pork, as the rough, dry texture gave some oomph to the roll. Soc Trang makes their salad rolls with fresh mint leaves instead of the standard iceberg lettuce. Even their hoisin dipping sauce was extra special, including strands of carrots, hot sauce, and peanuts.
I sampled the beef, chicken and assorted subs. I’m usually a cold-cut fan, but I prefer the beef and chicken subs. I relished the sauciness of the sate sauce, which mingled with the heavy layer of yellow mayonnaise. These are hefty subs. The chicken was plump and tender, and it tasted like it poached. Unlike Kim Anh’s grounded lemongrass beef sub, Soc Trang’s beef uses thickly sliced pieces and is generously layered.
Soc Trang’s pate has a rougher texture and more pungent flavour than Thi Thi, and reminded me of Saigon Deli’s cold cut. However, unlike Thai Tai’s homogenous cold cut, Soc Trang gives layers of various cold cuts that taste distinctively different. All the vegetable toppings tasted fresh. The carrots were pickled and slightly sweet. The quartered cucumbers were crunchy and refreshing. The other toppings include raw white onions, jalapenos, and cilantro.
After we ate, we headed to Aussie Rules ($13) for duelling pianos, which start at 8:00 pm and end at midnight. The hostess informed us we could dance on our chairs but not on tables.
Sirkski and L observed the drinks were cheap. For example, a Schooner (32 oz) of Wildrose beer is $15, $26 for a jug, and $7 for a pint. The highballs are more expensive – for a double vodka and soda, it’s $17 and $20 for three ounces.
Flowers from Lovegastrogirl.
We had a blast at Aussie Rules. The musicians are talented, and the crowd is even more entertaining. Forget The Trop and Merchants, Aussie Rules is the best place for people-watching. Thanks to all my friends and family for making my birthday one of the best ones to date.
I’ve wanted to try Secret Vietnamese Cafe ever since I watched Jeff’s Channel on Youtube. Now that I work in the Beltline, I have the perfect opportunity to further my goal of eating at 19 different banh mi shops. Eleven down and eight more to go! Let’s listen to “Nothing’s Going To Stop Us Now” by Starship.
Secret Cafe has a cozy coffee house vibe, unlike the more utilitarian banh mi shops in Calgary. I noticed several extensive menus posted on the walls when I walked in, showcasing pictures of sandwiches, pho, noodles, curries, appetizers, and Vietnamese subs. When I told the female owner I wanted a banh mi, she recommended the Special Combo Sub ($8.99). She asked me if I wanted my sub spicy. I responded in the affirmative. Pro tip – unless you can handle the heat, don’t ask for spice. My tongue was on fire for hours.
The cafe was busy with regulars who knew the owners. Two customers ordered the lemongrass pork vermicelli when I was there, and another person ordered pho. Several people came in to pick up their order.
I asked for no cilantro but still got it anyway. No biggie, as it was easy to remove. I enjoyed the crushed peanuts and the rich flavour of coconut milk in the beef. I also liked how the whole sub was warm – from the toasted bread, melted cheddar cheese to the hot, tender pieces of pork, chicken and beef. The thick slices of carrots tasted lightly pickled. The cucumber and onions were thinner in width.
How does Secret Vietnamese Cafe compare to the other banh mi heavy hitters in Calgary? The vegetables come in coarser chunks. I prefer the delicate crunchy layers that Thi Thi has mastered with cucumber ribbons, razor-thin onions and julienned carrots. I like the freshness of Secret Cafe’s meats, which I found better quality than To Me Subs. I prefer the lightness and crumb of Banh Mi Nhu Y and Trung Nguyen subs over the heavier bread at Secret Cafe. Price-wise, I thought Secret Vietnamese Cafe offered better value than Kim Anh Sub but had less of a flavour bomb.
I noticed the owners like to banter with each other while they work. If you know of or have grandparents who emigrated from China, you’ll know what I mean. I don’t get homesick anymore, but if I needed a dose of old-school love, I’d come here to soak up the memories.
On Monday, I met L at the University of Calgary to vote for Calgary’s new mayor – Jyoti Gondek. After we voted, we went on date 9 out of 19 at Bake Chef. For this post, let’s listen to “The Times They Are A-Changin” by Bob Dylan.
I wanted to order a cold cut sub because one of my favourite things about a banh mi is the contrast of the warm toasted baguette and the refreshing chill of the vegetables and meat. However, the last time I tried a cold cut at Bake Chef I was not impressed, so I ordered what L recommended.
L and I both ordered the Beef Sate Sub ($8.10). We went to his office to eat our lunch. I was relieved because I know I would have embarrassed L with my banh mi photo shoot. However, even in the privacy of his office, I could sense L was nervous. His eyes darted around as the crumbs and carrots started to fall on the table. L is sensitive to food smells, so I think he was worried I’d drop the subs on the floor, which would definitely leave an odour behind. Personally, I would love to work in an environment that smelled like my most favourite food in the world. Lucky for him, no sub was injured in the making of this blog post and I left his office stink free.
The baguette was soft and squishy, significantly lighter than Saigon Deli and Trung Nguyen. The generous amount of beef was hot, saucy and sweet. I enjoyed the gooeyness of the melted white cheese and the texture of the ribbon-like cucumbers. The carrots, red onions and jalapeño provided a crunch that help to balance out the soft texture of the beef.
How does this sub compare to all the other banh mi heavy hitters? The vegetables were fresh, but the carrots weren’t pickled. Size-wise, this sub is packed with more meat than even My Tho, To Me Sub and MyMy Sub. L prefers the texture and taste of the beef at Bake Chef over Saigon Deli, which he finds too dry. Bake Chef’s sub is also the most filling – I was stuffed for the next five hours. The bread is light and dry, so the sub gets soggy rather quickly. The addition of the lettuce and cheese makes Bake Chef’s sate beef sub the least authentic, but that doesn’t matter to me, as the overall flavour is great.
If you can, get out for the advanced vote. The ballot process this year is more complicated than previous elections. There are two ballots – a municipal and a provincial ballot. As well, voters will be asked to vote onadding fluoride to our water, select nominees for the Senate of Canada and vote on referendums about equalization payments and Daylight-Saving Time.
I met up with Reeves at Cactus Club. Before I left my house to meet her, I looked up restaurants that would be open after our girls’ night. I spotted Thai Thien (formerly Thai Tai Sub) on 811 1 ST SW. I figured it was the perfect opportunity to have banh mi date night #7 out of 19. For this post, let’s listen to “You Were Meant For Me” by Jewel.
Cactus Club has half price wine on Tuesday and Wednesday. We drank some wine and Reeves ordered calamari. I nibbled on some of the hot peppers, but I was saving my appetite for the main course – a banh mi. I read the Google and Yelp reviews of Thai Thien beforehand so I didn’t have the highest expectation. I incorrectly assumed that a place like Thai Thien, one that caters to the downtown work crowd and tourists, wouldn’t have pate in their assorted sub ($4.99). I was happy to find out I was wrong.
I requested a white baguette as I read in the reviews that the brown version is too doughy. I found the interior of the bread soft and light. The cucumber was quartered and each piece was noticeably crisp and fresh. The carrots are pickled and crunchy. The sliced onions gave off a pleasing pungency. I counted two layers of cold cuts. Next time I would request extra meat to balance out the heavy ratio of cucumber. I appreciate the generous layers of pate, mayonnaise and butter, which I think is Thai Thien’s strong suit.
How does this cold cut compare to the other banh mi heavy hitters? Size-wise, the sub is similar to Trung Nguyen and Kim Anh. The flavour of Thai Thien’s pate tasted like Freybe’s pork pate, which gave the sub a westernized twist. I much prefer Xích Lô, Banh Mi Nhu Y, and My Tho BBQ’s pate. Thai Thien gives the least amount of meat but considering the rock bottom prices and the high rent location, I’m fine with paying a little extra to get some more meat. In terms of taste, Saigon Deli, Banh Mi Nhu Y, Xích Lô, Trung Nguyen, and Thi Thi offer a more traditional sub, which I prefer. Price-wise, this sub is an awesome deal, especially considering Thai Thien convenient hours and prime location in the downtown core.
The next week, I tried the Charbroiled Pork Sub ($6.25). Damn, this one is even better than the cold cut. The meat was seared on the outside and juicy on the inside. The ratio of meat to vegetable was perfect. The vegetables were fresh and crunchy. Every single bite contained that delicious balance of savoury, sweet and spicy.
For an inner city sub, you can’t get a better deal. I was stuffed and blissfully happy for only six bucks. Hitting the Sauce gives That Thien two phat thumbs up. Thai Thien is open from Monday to Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
L and I were running errands on Sunday. Since we were already in Inglewood, he suggested we go on banh mi date #5 of 19. Hubba hubba, he sure knows the way to my heart. For this post, let’s listen to “Can’t Remember to Forget You” by Shakira and Rihanna.
I saw Miss Foodie’s post on Hue Thuong in Forest Lawn. When I checked the online menu, I noticed Hue Thuong offers banh mi. I’m glad I called ahead of time because the restaurant was packed with customers enjoying steaming bowls of bun bo hue. The person who answered the phone was polite and customer service-oriented. When he realized I was in a rush and I was hesitant to wait 30 minutes, he said he would ask the chef to bump my order up. I ordered the Grilled Beef Sub ($6.55) and the Grilled Chicken Sub ($6.55). Currently, Hue Thuong is offering a promotion – each sub comes with a complimentary can of pop.
Despite the twenty-minute ride, both subs were warm when we arrived home. The baguette took on some condensation from the bag, but the bread was still good – light and chewy.
The chicken was tender, cut into nice meaty chunks. The pickled carrots and daikon were sweet. I could taste butter on the bread. I noticed both subs were lacking cucumber. No biggie, as I didn’t miss it with the addition of the sauteed white and green onions.
The beef was soft with a bit of a chew to it. I read Hue Thuong uses a homemade soy and hot sauce. We really enjoyed the spicy sauce in the meat as it reminded me of sate beef in pho. L preferred the beef, but I like both subs equally.
What Hue Thuong has over other banh mi shops is the meat taste like it is freshly prepared for every order. Pricewise, the sub with a pop is one of the best banh meal deals in Calgary. Sizewise, I found Hue Thuong more filling than Trung Nguyen but not as big as Thi Thi, To Me Subs or My Tho BBQ. Tastewise, Hue Thuong’s banh mi has more a restaurant flavour to it, similar to Pure Modern Asian Kitchen. I’m think this has to do how the meat is made in a restaurant kitchen compared to the heavy prep work involved in a banh mi shop.
I want to go back and try the bun bo hue, as well as the other dishes Miss Foodie recommended – the dumplings, rice cakes and baby clams. I have a feeling the food is similar to Song Huong, another of my favourite restaurants in Calgary. To be continued.
For date three of the 19 L owes me, I wanted a banh mi from Pure Kitchen Bar. Pure’s banh mi is pricier than other places, but each sub comes with fries, salad or soup. When L learned of the price difference, he argued this date should count as two because each sub was double the cost. I sensed immediately that he was full of piss and vinegar and ready to parley. I only fight when I know I’ll win, so I agreed with him and enjoyed the look of disappointment on his face. In light of Stampede, let’s listen to “Jolene” by Dolly Parton.
I ordered the Grilled Lemongrass Sub ($16) with fries and the Grilled Beef Sate Sub ($16) with a salad. When we returned home, I noticed the beef sub was squished. I tried to fluff it up for the picture but it was beyond repair.
Pure is heavy-handed with the sriracha aioli and sauces, which makes for a very drippy sub. Even before I unwrapped the beef sub, I could see the sate oil leaking out onto the wrapper. Despite the abundance of sauces, the bread was still crispy. The vegetables are different from the norm. The cilantro and cucumber is minced up, similar to a salsa. L doesn’t normally like cucumber but he didn’t mind Pure’s version because the skin was removed. I was pleased to see the carrots and daikon were pickled.
Both subs were so awesome, we didn’t like one more than the other. I did find the beef sate spicier and sweeter than the chicken. The creamy cheese in the chicken sub was more noticeable than in the beef sub. I could tell the meats were grilled. L raved about the charred flavour from the slices of chicken and beef.
L is a fan of the parmesan garlic fries. The seasoning is lemony with a hint of sugar. He said the sweetness in the seasoning reminds him of Wow Chicken’s bulgogi fries, but better because Pure’s version is more subtle. L noted that even the ketchup was different and tastes like a homemade sweet chili sauce.
I enjoyed the salad – an Asian-style slaw with shredded lettuce, daikon and carrots. I found the salad light and refreshing, a nice contrast to the richness of the sauces in the subs.
To date, this is L’s favourite Vietnamese sub because of the smoky flavour of the meats and the creative flavour profile of the toppings and sauce. I can’t compare Pure Kitchen Bar to the other banh mi shops because Pure’s subs are a different beast. Pure puts in a lot of thought and care into every ingredient. I will say that once you factor in the salad or fries, Pure’s subs are close to the price of Kim Anh, Thi Thi, and Trung Nguyen. Quantity wise, Pure’s sub and side combo are more filling than any other banh mi spot, except To Me.
Pro tip – if you call to place your order, you get 10% off your bill. Four banh mi dates down and 15 more to go! Next up? I’m leaning to Paper Lantern.
L wanted to knock off number two of the 19 banh mi dates he promised me. Since I was already in Inglewood getting a dermal infusion, I suggested he order our dinner from Obanhmi in Dover. I specifically asked L for the classic assorted sub ($5.50) and not the deluxe assorted ($7.50) sub. The deluxe version has pork belly and that would put my Noom app in a tizzy. For this post, let’s listen to “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers.
When L picked me up, he asked me if I knew banh mi means bread in English. I said no, I just assumed banh mi was a Vietnamese sandwich. I asked him how he knew and he said there are informative signs posted all over the shop. He smugly added that while I asked for an assorted sub, it was actually called a cold cut. I bit back the urge to tell him no one likes a know-it-all but then I realized it actually turned me on that he knew more about Vietnamese subs than me.
L relished his Beef Sate ($7.50) sub. He thought the beef was flavourful, and not in the generic peanutty way. He noted the beef wasn’t evenly distributed, so one side of the sub had lots of beef and the other side had barely any. We both liked how the carrots, daikon, and onions were pickled. Each vegetable was crunchy and wet, tart and sweet at the same time.
My cold cut contained four layers of assorted meats. The baguette was delightful – the interior was light and fluffy and the outside crackled when I bite into it. The pate was subtle and buttery. I liked how the cucumber was sliced into thin, crisp ribbons. This is a saucy sub – the juices from the pickled vegetables mingled with the mayonnaise and pate.
How does Obanhmi compare to all the other banh mi joints? Obanhmi gives more meat than Trung Nguyen and Thi Thi, but not as much as Saigon Deli. However, Obanhmi is more generous than Saigon Deli with the butter, pate and vegetables. Size wise, Obahmi subs are bigger than Kim Anh and Trung Nguyen but not as stuffed as To Me Sub or My Thou BBQ. Personally, I thought the pickled vegetables and crusty baguette give Obanhmi a slight edge over some of their competitors.
Note: L said I was going to drop the subs taking this picture. I didn’t, but I took this picture over the counter in case the subs fell out of my hand.
I’d rank this banh mi up there with all the other heavy hitters – Saigon Deli, Banh Mi Nhu Y, Trung Nguyen, My Thou, and Thi Thi. Pro tip – sign up for the point system. Accumulate ten points and you get a free sub. Hitting the Sauce gives Obanhmi two phat thumbs up.
Hitting the Sauce 