Vietnamese counter serves are a must-try in Alhambra. These counter serve places specialize in Vietnamese BBQ meat sandwiches and their traditional side dishes. Make sure to pay cash as the service is cash only. You can also sample a banh mi at a cash only Vietnamese sandwich shop by walking into the neighborhood. Here are some tips on where to eat banh mi in Alhambra:
Origin of Vietnamese sandwich:
The Vietnamese originated the sandwich as a way to replace bread and eat more of the local meat and fish. The Vietnamese began imposing their own influences on the French sandwich in 1954 and it took off from there. These influences include mayonnaise instead of butter, cilantro instead of fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables. It is thought that the Vietnamese style of sandwich was first created in Saigon and later spread to other parts of the country.
The first Vietnamese sandwiches were made from French baguettes. The French military forces stationed in Vietnam were forced to return to France, where the French food products were widely available at discounted prices. These new products soon caught on and became popular in Saigon, where they quickly became popular among citizens, officers, and students. They eventually made their way to the countryside where they became a prized gift. The Vietnamese sandwich began to gain popularity as a fast-food snack, and it was soon sold at street food stalls and market stalls in cities throughout the country.
Best banh mi in Alhambra:
In the heart of Alhambra is the small Vietnamese sandwich shop known as Banh Mi My-Tho. It serves hefty banh mi sandwiches, vermicelli noodles, and generous helpings of shredded pork. This tiny operation is known for its quality ingredients and fresh-made bread. For under $5, you can indulge in a huge sandwich with all the fixings. You can even get a side of Vietnamese iced coffee.
Ingredients in a banh mi sandwich:
There are several variations of the classic banh mi, but it has remained essentially the same. Most banh mi follow the same basic rules of preparation, and they are topped with sliced pork, beef, chicken, or vegetarian pate. In recent years, some countries have incorporated Swedish and Italian style meatballs, as well as cured Iberian ham. Moreover, British and American style roasted meat have been introduced to banh mi stalls, and even the traditional steamed chicken has made its way to a new generation of banh mi eateries.
Vietnamese food has evolved in several ways over time. They have adapted French baguettes to their own style and taste, combining hot and cold elements into one delicious sandwich. The popularity of this Vietnamese dish led to a sandwich war in Little Saigon, California, in which deli owners competed to sell their wares for the lowest price. Other variations included adding vegetables to the sandwich as a topping.