It’s been a while since I wrote a blog post and even longer
since I wrote about London but the same thing as brought me back to writing
again – wanting to make the most out of my lunchtime and explore as much as
this great city has to offer.
My workmate Phil had found himself drifting into a routine
that many London commuters fall into – eating the same thing for lunch each
day. For him it was a massive salad with honey mustard dressing from Chop’d. I admonished
him for his habit and told him he had to widen his lunchtime choices. I
mentioned a few places he hadn’t been to before and then we came upon an idea,
a challenge – to try a different place for lunch once a week and a different
country’s cuisine too!
Week one was Vietnamese – I knew of a place nearby I’d eaten
a Banh Mi baguette a few years ago so looked that up and we headed there. Conveniently
located about a ten minute walk from our office we followed my phone for
directions (I’d forgotten the exact location) and we soon noticed we were nearly
there when we smelled the amazing aromas coming out of the kitchen. From the
outside Banh Mi is another nondescript city building but as soon as you step
inside you are transported into a busy warm and friendly café. I stood in the
queue to order takeaway and would have happily stood there for a lot longer as
I inhaled the deliciousness coming out of the open kitchen.
Very quickly, despite how busy the restaurant was, it was my
turn to order. I studied the chalk board and went for a grilled garlic pork
baguette on Vietnamese bread. I chose that as that’s what my girlfriend said
she’d want when I suggested it as a place to meet for lunch…and what a choice
it was, she certainly has good taste!
Banh Mi Baguette menu
My order came quickly, which again was slightly disappointing
as I was wowing at all the amazing foods they had on offer. I went for a baguette as that’s what I wanted
but there was so much more to choose from, to eat in or take away. The café was
clearly a popular choice as the tables were full and there was a steady stream
of takeaway customers coming and going but despite this all the orders were
processed quickly, efficiently and friendly – very good service.
With our orders collected (Phil went for the same with extra
meat plus some prawn crackers to share) we walked to the small square
overlooked by St Paul’s and sat down on a stone ledge to tuck into our
baguettes. And oh my what joy – spices, succulence and deliciousness flowing in
every mouthful! We were both very impressed with our selections. It was definitely
the best thing I have eaten for lunch in a very long time; not very often does
a sandwich give you a rush of endorphins.
Lunch: Grilled garlic pork Banh Mi baguette - this picture does not do it justice!
I will definitely be back. Though not with Phil – our next
lunchtime will be sampling another country’s cuisine. What that will be I will
have to have a good think about as the bar has been set very high with Banh Mi
baguettes!
Taste: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Overall:
26/30
One word
review:
Jeremy: Satisfying
Phil: Spicy
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