Fifteen years ago, I had my first Banh Mi at Kim Chan Sandwich Shop. I went there today, and little has changed. There is a beauty in simplicity and predictability and lends itself to the food at Kim Chan. I order the Banh Mi Thit Heo Nuong (literally translated Bread-Pork-BBQ) whenever I come here. What is it about this sandwich that makes me want to skip? Is it the crunchy, pickled carrots and daikon? The sweet skewered BBQ pork and the fresh french baguette with butter spread? I just can't pinpoint what makes this sandwich especially delicious.
Now that I live about 35 minutes away, I only come here once or twice a year. But whenever I get a taste of their grilled pork and pickles, tucked in fresh French bread, as I did today, the sandwich becomes stained in my memory... until I have the fortunate opportunity to visit Kim Chan Sandwich Shop again. |
