What goes into the Thap Cam vegan banh mi, and how to eat it

What is in it

The Thập Cẩm at 59,000d is the fullest loaf on the XANH menu. One of them holds sliced plant-based cold cut, vegan pâté, fried tofu, pickled carrot and daikon, cucumber, fresh herbs and a house sauce. The crust is baked crisp and the crumb is soft but with enough chew to hold the filling without going to pieces as you bite.

Why it is called thập cẩm

Because it gathers nearly everything the kitchen has: the plant proteins — cold cut, tofu, pâté — along with the fresh and lightly pickled vegetables. Eat one and you have tasted almost everything the other loaves are built from, just combined differently.

How to eat it at its best

Warm beats long-cooled, because the crisp crust softens over time. Taking it some distance, eat it within 30 to 45 minutes to keep the crust.

How to bite it

Take a moderate bite that gets crust, filling and herbs together, rather than starting at the end where there is only bread. With a loaf this layered, biting across it rather than along its length keeps the filling from falling out.

Does it need a dipping sauce?

No — the sauce is already inside. If you want it a little sharper, ask for extra pickles when you order.

Who it suits

It is the choice when one meal has to last: breakfast before work, or lunch at the office. With several plant proteins in it, this tends to replace a main meal rather than serve as a snack.

For something lighter, the Bơ Đường at 28,000d or the Chả Lát Chay at 53,000d. For more than the Thập Cẩm, XANH has the Thượng Hạng Premium at 75,000d — big size, for a large appetite or split between two people eating lightly.

What to drink with it

In the morning, a Black Coffee at 35,000d or a Nut Milk Coffee at 45,000d works, the strength balancing a filling this protein-heavy. Around midday or in the afternoon, Jasmine Lemon Tea at 36,000d is light and cool and keeps the meal from feeling too rich.

If you prefer something distinctly sweet, the Nut Milk Bubble Tea at 45,000d or the brown sugar version at 48,000d — though the loaf is filling enough that the pearls may be better saved for afterwards than taken alongside.

By season and by meal

In hot weather, plenty of people take the Thập Cẩm with jasmine lemon tea rather than coffee, for something more refreshing. When it is raining or cool, hot nut milk coffee with a hot loaf gets ordered more. Neither is a rule — just what regulars tend to do with the weather.

How to order

Banh Mi XANH is open 24 hours at all five shops: 38 Lê Thị Riêng, 15B Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, 2B Trần Hưng Đạo and 148B Đề Thám in District 1, and 210 Bùi Văn Ba in District 7. To eat in or take away, walk into whichever is nearest. For delivery, call 0923.183.183; orders from 500,000d within 5km are delivered free.

Quick questions

Is the Thap Cam spicy?

No. The main notes are the mild savouriness of the cold cut and pâté and the light sourness of the pickles. If you want heat, take the Đậu Hũ Cay at 56,000d.

Is one loaf filling enough?

Yes — there is plenty of plant protein and vegetable in it. Most people find one enough for a main meal.

How long does it keep before it stops being good?

Eat within 30 to 45 minutes while the crust is still crisp. Later it is still perfectly edible, just softer.

Is there a smaller loaf for a lighter appetite?

Yes — Chả Lát Chay at 53,000d or Bơ Đường at 28,000d are both lighter than the Thập Cẩm and suit a snack.

Is there a delivery fee?

Orders from 500,000d within 5km are delivered free. Smaller or more distant orders are charged; call 0923.183.183 for the figure.

Which shop is closest to central District 1?

All four — 38 Lê Thị Riêng, 15B Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, 2B Trần Hưng Đạo and 148B Đề Thám — are in District 1. The fifth, 210 Bùi Văn Ba, suits the south of the city.