Question about Banh Mi

[MrsCheese]

Hey everyone, we're going to the food court at Super 88 today and I'm thinking of trying the banh mi for the first time. Could someone clue me in to what all they put on it? I'm a little picky about raw vegetables (not big on raw onions or cucumber), so I just want to make sure there's nothing on there that's going to make me hate it. Also which protein do you think is the best there? Thanks for your input!

[crazylash]

Wasn't there an article in the weekly dig all about banh mi a couple months ago? Maybe you could go to their online site to see if it's still posted.

[jenga]

yup, written by our own Mc SlimJB: http://www.weeklydig.com/eats_drinks/...

My personal favorite banh mi shop is Saigon Sandwich (696 Washington St, near the intersection with Kneeland St). We go there anytime we're shopping downtown. They also have very good shakes!

[passing thru]

i like the spring rolls at saigon sandwich better'n their banh mi.

[MrsCheese]

OK, I just had the grilled pork sandwich at Pho Viet and I am totally hooked. It was really, really good. For anyone else who is wondering, in addition to the pork there were shredded carrots and daikon, cilantro, and a long cucumber spear that I was able to just pick off. There were occasional bits of spice throughout that may have been chiles, and there was some kind of mayo or something. The bread was nice and crusty on the outside but chewy inside. I may never order pho there again, now that I'm hooked on the banh mi! And for $2.75!

To catspercapita, I'm almost positive there was a tofu version. I think the choices were grilled chicken, grilled pork, grilled beef, shredded pork, and tofu.

[catspercapita]

Thanks - I'll look for the tofu version

[Dax]

Some of the places use their own homemade mayo. Very sweet. And I think the spice is often thai bird chiles.

[Ladycale]

I'm particular about the roast pork, myself. However, I think there may be a tofu version... though I may be thinking about a different place.

[catspercapita]

are there just veggie Banh Mi, or do you really have to go for the meat?

[Luther]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banh_mi

[MrsCheese]

Thanks, I found that too. I was wondering about Super 88 in particular though, because I'm sure every place does it a little different.

[girlygirl]

I believe there are sliced pickled cucumbers, carrots, and daikons in the sandwiches. Even if you hate raw cucumbers, try it anyway - they're only $2.75! And they are soooo delicious! Try the bbq beef.

[MrsCheese]

Thanks girlygirl, it sounds good. It seems like I should be able to pick cucumbers off if I don't like them. I've never tried banh mi because every time I go to a Vietnamese place I'm drawn to the soups. But I've decided I have to try it - I've waited too long!