Banh'd from the Marais

Madame's thimble sized sandwich shop at 7 rue Volta in the Haute Marais is as sparkling clean as a whistle and her banh mi ranks numero uno. Taking our orders she snaps on a pair of latex gloves and fires up the hot plate. Resting walnut sized gobs of marinated and grilled pork, beef, and chicken on fresh baked baguette, between long slices of cucumber that's been pickled by her own hand, Madame's affection for the typical Vietnamese sandwich is evident in every gesture. Condiments - cilantro, spicy sauce, chilis - are equally crispy and a delectable combination with the tender meat and molasses-colored sauce.

Madame is originally from China but has taken to the Vietnamese sandwich trade with passion and dedication that is unmatched in Paris. She is also a chatterbox. Not shy to share her pride in her product - and the proof is in the taste.

Take note wannabe banh mi proprietors. No pathetically shredded, dry pork or bald, wilted cilantro in sight. Madame blows the competition out of the water on quality and hygiene alone. Cleanliness? Yes. Hand sanitizer is available for the unwashed patrons right there on the counter. Add to that Madame's grinning, effervescent service and all hail the champion of banh mi in Paname. Fade out to "Eye of the Tiger".

Address:
Banh Mi
7 rue Volta
75003 Paris
Métro : Arts et Métiers
Map

Montant à payer: 5 euro

Banh'd for life.

The St. Bernard wins this photo. Not the sandwich, sadly.

I'm embarrassed that it took me this long to lose it. I mean, my friends said it was so good. They couldn't understand why I hadn't tried it yet. Parents, prepare the earmuffs. Today I gave up my Vietnamese sandwich virginity.

I wasn't sure what to expect. Sure I'd thought about the combination of crusty bread filled with fresh herbs, savory pork who-knows-what, slathered in sauce. But the sandwich was intimidating. Even the word banh mi sounded so unfamiliar and potentially uncomfortable.

My selection process was rigorous (only fitting for an important event in a girl's life).

In Paris, most Vietnamese dining establishments are found in inner sanctum of the 13th arrondissement. Too far for a lazy Saturday. I'm a picky lass but I have geographical limits.

Clotilde's blog suggested a little place by Belleville that was applauded by the blogosphere. Hiking up rue Faubourg du Temple was an adventure in itself, complete with festive pink projectile vomit across the street.

Appetite bolstered, I found Saigon Sandwich just off the main drag. Taking the shabby storefront as an indication of authenticity, I left with a banh mi aux boulettes de porc swinging happily in a plastic bag.

I quivered with anticipation, a lion in my stomach and just a twinge of nerves as I unsheathed the banh mi from its paper wrapper. I had been advised to let the sandwich marinate a few minutes to let the juices permeate the bread.

Let's just say, two minutes later I was not a satisfied consumer. Crusty baguette. Check. Fresh grassy cilantro. Check. Minced pork parts swimming in sauce...Blank. The sandwich left me on the edge of fulfillment yet wanting more.

I thought to myself, "Self, this calls for a banh mi dating game." Yes! I will sample and reward the banh mi who..um..completes me.

As for Saigon Sandwich, I'll chalk it up to the changement de propriétaire notice on the front door. If I were ravenous near Belleville, I'd try another version at Saigon. Especially for 3 euros.

There must be a special Vietnamese sandwich for everyone in this city. But like Diana Ross said, you can't hurry love.

Montant à payer
3 euro

Saigon Sandwich
8, rue de la Présentation
75011
Métro: Belleville (2)
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 10am-2pm