While in Lowell, we went to Hong Cuc Grand Eatery. They have “take out” only for a variety of Vietnamese Sandwiches (Bánh Mì aka Vietnamese Sandwiches and literally means wheat bread in Vietnamese), plus they have a selection of prepared foods to pick up along with snacks, desserts and drinks readily available for purchase. To the uninitiated, bánh mì are a delicious fusion of French and Vietnamese influences in this one humble sandwich. Usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack, these sandwiches are made with warm and crunchy French baguette bread stuffed with a protein of our choice, veggies, condiments, and optional jalapeño chilis to pack a bit of heat.

We got a little feast to try their bánh mì offerings. First we tried the classic and my personal fave-Bánh Mì Thịt Nguội #1 $6.00 (Cold cuts and pâté) has Đồ Chua (pickled  carrot and daikon), cilantro, onion, cucumber, Vietnamese cold cuts such as head cheese, char siu pork (roast pork), pork roll, and ham, slathered with mayo and pâté. The bread is wonderful with a soft inside, warm and crunchy crust goes well with the tart pickled vegetables adding crunch while generously filled the cold cuts and pâté pair well together for a perfect and tasty bite. This one was the clear favorite for all of us.

Next was the Bánh Mì Nem Nướng #3 $6.50(BBQ Nem /Pork Patties/Meatballs) , cucumber, onion, Đồ Chua (pickled daikon and carrot), cilantro and sweet sauce. The Nem Nướng was cut into slivers and while tasty kind of mild in flavor.

Then we had to try two rarely seen options at the usual local bánh mì shop. Bánh Mì BÌ #5 $6.50 (Shredded Pork) BÌ  (actually is pig skin/pork rind), cucumber, onion, Đồ Chua (pickled daikon and carrot), cilantro and Nước Chấm ( Vietnamese fish sauce). The BÌ is cut in very thin pieces but I felt it added more a rubbery texture than flavor to this bánh mì sandwich.

Lastly we got the Bánh Mì Chả Cá #7 $6.50(Fish Cake) Chả Cá, mayonnaise, cucumber, onion, pickled daikon and carrot, cilantro and Nước Chấm, or Vietnamese fish sauce. The fish cake was more on the fishy side so we rank this one last of the four we ordered.

My friend loves their Chả Giò 88¢ each aka Vietnamese Egg Rolls which stuffed with pork, mushroom, carrots, onions and cellophane noodles. They freeze well too! You can eat them plain or with wrapped in lettuce while dipping it in Nước Chấm ( Vietnamese fish sauce). These are addictive and you cannot stop at just one.

Lastly we got the Vietnamese Bánh Cam $5(sesame balls filled mung bean)which is a lovely dessert ball shaped dessert that is fried with a chewy, golden hued glutinous rice dough stuffed with a sweet mung bean paste topped with white sesame seeds. These were not greasy at all and a lovely ending to our bánh mì feast.