Banh Mi Baby! – Banh Mi Che Cali (Battle Part 2)
Next challenger up for Bahn Mi Battle is Banh Mi Che Cali. Sis and I arrive at around 1:30 pm, get in line at the sandwich counter and ponder the possibilities. I had to get the BBQ Pork as that is the standard I use to judge. We also decided to try the Beef Bahn Mi and a wacky new one; Shredded Pork Skin. Now here’s the unbelievable part; with their buy two get one free deal, all three sandwiches cost us $4.50!!
After we order and get a number we notice that they do have table service and that everyone seems to be ordering the Pho. Will have to try that on the next visit. Banh Mi Che Cali also has a crazy Boba selection with a toppings bar you can add to it. We just got the plain Green Tea with no milk, I know boring.
The sandwiches arrive and behold, this is different. The pickles and jalapenos are served on the side and there is NO CILANTRO. Hmmm, at this point I did not have high hopes. We assemble our sandwiches and take a bite. The bread was good, soft chewy on the sweet side. The pickles were perfectly marinated not too vinegary. The mayo was just enough not too much and the fillings were solid. I liked the BBQ Pork the best.
Who wins? I really can’t call it. I think I preferred the meat fillings of Banh Mi My Tho but I didn’t like the lack of mayo, over vinegary pickles and the added peanuts were just too much. On the otherhand, I preferred the bread, pickles and mayo at Banh Mi Che Cali but no cilantro was a total buzz kill. If we had to pick I think Sis and I both lean towards Banh Mi Che Cali , maybe bring some cilantro, but I think I need to continue this battle. Keep you posted!
Bahn Mi Che Cali Counter
Bag of Jalapenos and Pickled Veggies
BBQ Pork
BBQ Pork assembled and enjoyed!
Beef- sort of like a hamburger but spiced with typical Vietnamese spices
Shredded Pork Skin-actually leaner that we thought it would be. I couldn’t get past the massive amounts of raw green and white onion but Sis liked it.
yeah my dad will like this