To most Americans, trying something new and unknown can be a scary event. If you want to call it that.
Most people take a look at something they have never had and say, "No thanks."
But trying something new is always a welcomed challenge. Such challenge came up recently on a trip to Boston's Chinatown. Looking for something cheap, fast and easy, a white and green sign announcing 163 Vietnamese Subs and Bubble Tea was the answer to my hunger question. Often, liver paste is a key ingredient in these subs, called Banh Mi (Baan Me).
Liver is not exactly number one on my list of tasty things. Luckily, that was not the case at 163 Vietnamese Subs and Bubble Tea. Actually there are many kinds ranging from vegetarian to BBQ beef and pork, and over to cold cuts.
Banh Mi sandwiches are not exactly 100 percent Vietnamese. They are actually a Vietnamese/French fusion. You need to break down the construction of the sandwiches to understand the fusion aspect.
Let's talk bread first. The bread is a French baguette, which evolved to being made with rice flour rather than AP flour, which makes the bread really flaky light and airy. After lightly toasting the bread, Vietnamese mayonnaise is spread on the bottom. Next the main ingredient is placed in layers on the mayo. In this case it was BBQ beef. A light drizzle of fish sauce is dropped on the beef. Sometimes if you are not paying attention, a few hot peppers will get dropped in between. Next pickled carrots and radish with scallion is laid on top of the now fiery beef and finally topped with a sprig of cilantro.
At 163, the sandwiches are quickly wrapped in a paper bag and bound with an elastic band, yours for just $3. That's a bargain anywhere, especially Boston.
You are probably thinking, how can that be good?
Fish sauce and cilantro? How could they be good together?
The combination of mayo, beef, fish sauce, carrots, radish, scallion and cilantro, covers every flavor profile–sweet, salty, bitter, sour–wonderfully. The flavor covers every part of your tongue for a positive culinary experience. Not only is it delicious, it is cheap, fast and addicting. The only thing you have to get around is the parking.
For more:
- 163 Vietnamese Subs and Bubble Tea, 66 Harrison Ave. (between Oxford Pl & Beach St), Boston, (617) 542-7903
- Check out the Boston Restaurant Examiner
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