For those who have yet to savor the flavorful taste of a banh mi, this Vietnamese sandwich is one to try. A banh mi starts with a baguette and then fills it with meats, vegetables and other items—with pickled vegetables, cucumber and cilantro often being essential ingredients. Ready to give one a try? Here are six options to get you started on a downtown West Chester banh mi sampling tour:
Banh Mi from the Sea: Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
The salmon burger banh mi created by the chefs at Iron Hill features salmon as the star of the show, topped with pickled vegetables, cilantro, cucumber and sriracha mayonnaise and served on a sesame seed bun. Seafood lovers will adore it! 3 W. Gay St., (610) 738-9600
Diner Version of the Banh Mi: Lunchbox Café
Lunchbox Café offers its version of the banh mi with roast pork, cilantro, cucumber, lettuce and jalapeno pepper, creating a filling and spicy option. 234 W. Market St., (484) 999-2150
Craft Beer Bar Banh Mi: Side Bar & Restaurant
Side Bar’s BBQ banh mi is stacked with pork belly, slathered in Korean barbecue sauce and accented by pickled vegetables, creating the ideal sandwich to enjoy with a craft beer. Ask your server for recommendations! 10 E. Gay St., (610) 429-8297
The Americanized Banh Mi: America’s Pie
Breaded pork, sriracha mayonnaise, cilantro and homemade pickled vegetables are nestled within a hoagie roll in this Americanized version of the banh mi. 323 E. Gay St., (484) 947-5115
Authentic Banh Mi: T’ever Café
Looking for a taste of tradition? For a banh mi that’s as authentic as it gets, visit T’ever for its spot-on version of the Vietnamese hoagie. 124 E. Market St., (484) 787-6187
Banh Mi-Inspired Dish: Bon Bon Sushi
The P’Jork sushi burrito takes inspiration from the banh mi by including barbecue pork, romaine lettuce, carrot, cilantro, cucumber and green onion. Topped with a spicy miso barbecue sauce, this is one banh mi-style dish you’ll be thinking about for days. 22 N. Darlington St., (610) 696-3069
- Photo: Mary Bigham
