Hello, Banh Mi

As a vegetarian, the sandwich on-the-go grows lack luster. Any way you layer it, the standard cheese, lettuce and tomato can only stimulate your taste buds for so long, not to mention your stomach still aches for some substance. Why it is taking so long for sandwich shops to get on the 'meat substitute' bang wagon is beyond me!

Hello, Bahn Mi.

I fell in love with Banh Mi at Eat Street's own Jasmine Deli. The name might be unfamiliar, but to most the description rings a bell, the Vietnamese sandwich always served on crispy french bread, pickled veggies (usually cucumbers, carrots, sometimes jalapenos), fresh cilantro, and your choice of protein in a mayo based dressing. My go-to at Jasmine's is the Curry Mock Duck, but there is a close second choice of tofu to satisfy the gluten-shy.

Perhaps because it was my first love, or perhaps because it's the best in the Twin Cities, but Jasmine will always be my number one for Banh Mi (not to mention, I just plain LOVE the family that owns it).

But what happens when a young vegetarian moves over the river and through the woods to Saint Paul?

Jasmine's becomes a 'trip', not a 'quick-bite'. That $4 sandwich, though worth the drive, becomes A thing to 'GET' instead of THE thing 'NEARBY'.

So begins my quest. I've done it soooo MANY times. I have literally driven around for hours at a time trying to find readily available Banh Mi in Saint Paul. When I tell people this, they don't believe me since there are plenty of Vietnamese shops on University Avenue, should be easy, no?

Wrong.
People tell me to go to Trieu Chau. Trieu Chau makes one batch of Banh Mi in the morning and when they are gone, they are gone for good. Sitting down there for dinner, you can't get the cooks to make you one no matter how many eyelashes you bat. And I got a lot of eyelashes worth batting.

Another joint that the internet brings me to is Trung Nam French Bakery, but I can never seem to find this place open. Ever. Supposedly, it's open for a few hours each morning (morning sandwich?), but I kinda don't believe them. It is quite possible that these establishments carry a decent sandwich, and really I just have rotten luck. Wouldn't be the first time... Still, I circle and circle without Vietnamese satisfaction.

There was one spot (I can't remember which, so I won't make claims) that I did find a Banh Mi bar (think salad bar) but their tofu was bland, undesirable and completely forgettable (hey, maybe that's why I forgot!).

A recent find is the former Brewberry's turned Espresso Royale off of Fairview Avenue that offers a surprising Banh Mi sandwich. They have a bit of a spin on it, instead of the traditional pickled veggies, it's more a spicy coleslaw mix. You know, it actually was a pretty decent rendition. I liked their added kick.

I will add one more that's worth noting, sometimes my failed circles will lead me to Bun Mi on Washington Avenue (a shorter journey to the other city for me). What I like about Bun Mi is they give a weighty protein helping, be it tofu or mock duck. It's a filling sandwich, and one that also carries that same spicy kick. But there is something about that place that feels too generic for me to enjoy... like ordering Vietnamese at a McDonald's... It might entirely be because of their decor (is that a weird thing to make a judgement based on?). Or maybe it's because I'd rather give my money to a mom & pop shop over a store that feels like a chain (I don't even think it's a chain, so again, admittedly a weird judgement)...

That's my quest. The best, worst and unfound Vegetarian Banh Mi near me. Hell, maybe I just need your help, where in the hell can I find a decent Banh Mi in St. Paul anyway????


written September 9, 2012 - Mary