Several years ago I stopped at an asian market in a mid-sized city
(where i no longer live) to stock up. At the checkout counter was a
box containing small (apx 8") sub type sandwiches selling for 75c
(US). Because they were so cheap, I got one just to see what it was.
I can remember it having sev types of meat, one a small baloney type,
and another a gelitinized meat roll like head cheese. It also had
cilantro and cucumber, but I don't know what else. All I know is how
fantastic that thing tasted!!! I remember it being one of the best
things I had in my mouth for many years.

Does anyone have any idea what that was? I suspect if I had a name, I
could find it again in an asian neighborhood somewhere. Also, if this
is a common item, and I suspect it is, can anyone tell me what's in
it, and what makes such a simple thing taste so great?

Thanks for your help.
jm

Steve Wertz wrote:
On Thu, 02 Feb 2006 06:44:10 -0800, drfugawe
completelylost@wherdafugawe wrote:


Several years ago I stopped at an asian market in a mid-sized city
(where i no longer live) to stock up. At the checkout counter was a
box containing small (apx 8") sub type sandwiches selling for 75c
(US). Because they were so cheap, I got one just to see what it was.
I can remember it having sev types of meat, one a small baloney type,
and another a gelitinized meat roll like head cheese. It also had
cilantro and cucumber, but I don't know what else. All I know is how
fantastic that thing tasted!!! I remember it being one of the best
things I had in my mouth for many years.

Does anyone have any idea what that was?


Banh Mi. Vietnamese sandwich. You had the #1 Special. Pork roll
and head cheese. Usually it would have a thin layer of pate also
(like liverwurst) with those two meats. Practically every shop
would call this A #1 and/or "special".

can anyone tell me what's in
it, and what makes such a simple thing taste so great?


In addition to the above, cilantro, cucumber, peppers and lightly
spiced mayo are the usual ingredients.

I love a good Banh Mi sandwich! There's usually some garlic butter
or something on the other side of the roll from the pate. I used to get
them when I was in college for $2 each. Now its $2.75..


--
Dan

Not to mention the fresh French Stick type of bread that's unique to
Bahn mi.

Steve Wertz wrote:

On Thu, 02 Feb 2006 16:23:36 -0500, Dan Logcher
wrote:


I love a good Banh Mi sandwich! There's usually some garlic butter
or something on the other side of the roll from the pate. I used to get
them when I was in college for $2 each. Now its $2.75..


Depends on what city you're in. In San Jose, they still cost
$1.25 - $2.50 depending on the shop and the ingredients. There's
a lot of competition there so it keeps prices down (and quality
up).

Go to Austin.TX, there's exactly one place to get them, so they
cost $2.50 -$3.00 and don't taste nearly as good. You can buy the
rolls and make them yourself. It's still one of the things better
off left to the 'experts' - shops that specialize in them. The
meat ingredients are very unique.

Lowell, MA there are many places, but around Boston I've only
found one. Its pretty close to the ones I've from Lowell. There used
to be a great one in Chinatown. Closed. It was $2 then..

--
Dan

Many thanks to all of you - armed with this new info, I'll track them
down on my next venture into The Big City (which in these woods means
Portland, Seattle, Vancouver BC, or maybe even San Fran).

Thanks again,
jm