As a Vietnamese-American growing up in Tucson, I have two favorite sandwiches. Both selections are heavily biased.
The Mexican food-loving side of me adores the cemita from El Antojo Poblano. The Vietnamese side of me cherishes the banh mi dac biet ($4.50) from Nhu Lan Vietnamese Food Truck.
Like the cemita or Sonoran hot dog, the bread is crucial to the experience. The Vietnamese baguette features a light, crisp crust that won’t scratch your palate. Like a potato bun for a smashburger, the soft and fluffy interior doesn’t overpower the fillings.
Of course, the fillings are the other crucial components — but not the protein. The cool, crisp cucumber and cilantro help balance the sharp grassy heat of raw jalapeño slices. The sweet-and-sour daikon and carrot pickles add moist crunch and balance the saltiness of the proteins. The spread of lightly sweet, buttery Vietnamese mayo and a dash of soy sauce brings it all together.
While I opt for the fatty Vietnamese cold cut combo of the banh mi dac biet, any of Nhu Lan’s other proteins will serve you well. Their house-made bread and veggie-protein ratio are what help propel them in a ocean of food trucks.
Nhu Lan Vietnamese Food Truck also has a location at The Boxyard at 238 N. Fourth Ave. Keep up with Nhu Lan Vietnamese Food Truck on Facebook.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
