FEAST OR FORK IT | Thịt Nguội | Bánh Mì Saigon 168

The Thịt Nguội, or Saigon Special from Bánh Mì Saigon 168.

My kingdom for a bánh mì sandwichich!!

This Vietnamese staple consisting of pickled veggies, cilantro, mayo, pâté, or, more commonly, sliced chả lụa (pork sausage) on a round crisp roll, or baguette, has eluded me since leaving New York and my purveyor of this particular portable provender, Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli on Broome.

So, when recently I learned from a Chef I know that the best place to get a good bánh mì sandwich was out in Monterey Park—and also named Saigon—I had to make the trek. The thing, however, is San Gabriel Valley has as many restaurants, bakeries and delis called ‘Saigon’ as Manhattan has pizzerias with the name Ray’s in it. The one recommended, via fervent text, was Bánh Mì Saigon 168 in Garvey Square Shopping Center; or as it's locally known, ‘The Square.’

A simple, fast-casual offering with its focus being, bánh mì (naturally); their sandwiches are ‘loaded’ with cucumbers, cilantro, pickled daikon and carrots, jalapeños, mayo, pâté (in house) and choice of protein. Tempted I was to go with giò thủ (head cheese), I instead went with thịt nguội, or Saigon Special (pork), round roll (you can also do baguette).

At $3.95, you get what you pay for: bread. The sandwich is thin on filling—far from loaded—but the pickled daikon, et al, are crisp, fresh and flavorful. The pâté is smooth and creamy; a decadence that should be sold by the pound. And as much as I love cilantro (I could bathe in it) I could've done without the forest of Coriandrum sativum dominating my sandwich. The round roll wore like an ill-fitted, oversized coat attempting to swaddle what paltry amount of substance there was; making each bite discouraging. What's more, the immediate breakdown of its crusty exterior and pointed, crumbly texture had an intrusive (read: roof-tearing) mouth-feel. Pictured is what was left of my sandwich; I just gave up.

Despite what good there is Bánh Mì Saigon 168 is more bánh miss than bánh diggity.

VERDICT: FORK IT

ADDRESS: 8118 Garvey Ave, Suite I, Rosemead, CA 91770
They have another location at: 15471 Brookhurst St, Suite F, Westminster, CA 92683

PRICE RANGE: $ (Under $10.00)