The banh mi sandwich is the best kind of culinary mash-up, combining Vietnamese flavors with French finesse, incorporating savory spiciness, freshness, tartness and saltiness. There is, generally, meat – pâté, cold cuts, head cheese, Vietnamese meatballs or grilled meat. There could be tofu. You will find mayo; pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro and jalapeño, plus Maggi seasoning. This is a mélange of texture: the baguette, crusty on the outside but soft inside, creamy pâté and mayo; chewy bits of head cheese, crunchy shreds of carrot and daikon, soft cilantro leaves.
