In Part 1 of this post (click here to read), I had reviewed NamNam Noodle Bar’s Vietnamese pho. While the pho was good and worth returning for, what got me hooked are their Banh Mi or toasted baguettes stuffed with savoury meats, pate, mayo, chilli peppers, pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber and coriander. It is incredible that all these flavours could marry in a roll of bread. The saltiness of the meat, the sweetness of the vegetables, the sourness of the pickled carrots, the heat of the peppers, etc. You could taste a little of everything in every banh mi.
Every banh mi is made to order whether for in-dining or take-away at this counter. The baguettes are kept in the toaster oven below so every piece is warm and crispy.
For take-aways, do note there is additional surcharge of $0.50 per banh mi.
Caramelised 5-Spice Pork Belly, Pork Pate S$5.90
Don’t be deceived by the seemingly dry look of the baguette as the inside is actually quite light and fluffy. This is probably one of the best bahn mis I’ve ever had. The pork belly is nicely braised, flavoursome and very tender. The pork pate spread has only a very insignificant tinge of pork liver smell, perfect for people who don’t really appreciate pork liver but it is this pate that makes the bahn mi different from other sandwiches. The vegetables give a good crunch and the mayo with other seasonings simply just make this even more finger-licking good.
Every bite is a mouthful of generous ingredients of different textures and flavours.
Moving on to the balls…If you’re ordering different flavours of bahn mis, they will indicate the respective flavours on the paper packaging for easy identification.
Pork Meat Balls, Pork Pate S$5.90
When the lady was making the banh mi and she lifted the lid of the tray of meatballs, I was captivated by the aroma of the braising sauce. And indeed, the meatballs were so full of flavour, soft and tender that they kind of melted in the mouth. It was the sauce that really brought this banh mi to another level as compared to the pork belly one.
And my verdict? These banh mis are absolute must-tries! Portion is adequate. Price is affordable ($5.90 per banh mi). Flavours are jam-packed in each sandwich. What’s not to like? Highly recommended! Two thumbs up!
NamNam Noodle Bar
252 North Bridge Road, #B1-46/47
Raffles City Shopping Centre
Tel: 6336 0500
Website
Opens: 8.00am to 9.30pm daily