Bánh cuốn is a traditional Vietnamese dish consisting of thin rice flour pancakes filled with savory ingredients such as ground pork, mushrooms, and herbs. The pancakes are steamed to perfection, making them light yet flavorful. Often served with a side of nước chấm (a sweet, tangy fish sauce), Bánh cuốn is a popular breakfast or snack in Vietnam, offering a delicate balance of textures and flavors that showcase the country's love for fresh, aromatic ingredients.
Now, here are some places to go to in California for great bánh cuốn:
1. Tây Hô: This well-known chain specializes in bánh cuốn, making it one of the best places to try the dish. Their signature dish is a must-try, featuring a complete set of bánh cuốn served with fresh vegetables, chả (steamed pork sausage), and bánh tôm (shrimp and sweet potato fritters). The combination of flavors and textures makes for a satisfying and authentic Vietnamese dining experience.
2. Anywhere in Little Saigon in Westminster: Little Saigon in Westminster is the heart of Vietnamese culture in California, offering countless restaurants that serve high-quality bánh cuốn. Many family-owned spots in this area have been perfecting their recipes for generations, making it an excellent place to find fresh, expertly made bánh cuốn. If you're looking for an authentic taste of Vietnam, Little Saigon is the place to go!
Bánh mì is a Vietnamese sandwich that fuses French colonial influence with local flavors. The dish features a crispy baguette filled with a variety of ingredients, such as marinated meats, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and spicy chilies. The contrast between the crunchy bread and the flavorful fillings creates a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Whether served as a quick snack or a full meal, Bánh mì has become a global favorite, appreciated for its bold flavors and creative combinations.
Here are some restaurants I'd recommend for a great bánh mì in California:
1. Lee's Sandwiches: With many locations across California, Lee's Sandwiches is a classic go-to spot for my family when we want a quick and tasty Vietnamese sandwich. Their menu offers a wide variety of bánh mì, but my go-to order is the shumai (pork meatball) sandwich! The combination of the savory pork, crunchy pickled daikon, and carrots makes it incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
2. K Sandwiches in San Diego: Another longtime favorite for my family, K Sandwiches has built a strong reputation for its fresh and delicious bánh mì. The bread is always crispy, and they offer a variety of fillings to suit different tastes. It's a great spot for those looking for an authentic and affordable Vietnamese sandwich experience in San Diego!
3. Banh Mi Che Cali: Another longtime favorite for my family, Che Cali is most known for its banh mi and their buy two get one free milk tea! They are like a Vietnamese fast food restaurant, offering a wide variety of quick and delicious meals.
Cá kho tộ is a savory and aromatic Vietnamese dish made with catfish, braised in a rich sauce of fish sauce, caramelized sugar, and spices. Cooked in a traditional clay pot, the fish absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, becoming tender and flavorful. The dish is often served with steamed rice, allowing the rich sauce to be soaked up. Cá kho tộ is a beloved comfort food, offering a balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors that perfectly showcase the depth of Vietnamese cuisine.
This dish isn't served at every Vietnamese restaurant, but it's absolutely worth seeking out. Here are my favorite spots in California for Cá Kho Tộ:
1. Saigon Restaurant in San Diego: This spot is known for its wide variety of delicious Vietnamese dishes, including spring rolls, cơm tấm (broken rice plates), and pho. But one standout dish here is their Cá Kho Tộ—it's incredibly flavorful, with perfectly tender catfish bathed in a rich and savory caramelized sauce. Definitely a must-try!
2. Phở Duyên Mai in San Diego: Another great Vietnamese restaurant in San Diego, Phở Duyên Mai serves up all the classics, from pho to rice dishes. Their Cá Kho Tộ is super good—deeply flavorful, well-balanced, and cooked to perfection. If you're a fan of rich, slow-braised dishes, this one is definitely worth ordering!