The Pepper Mill

Banh mi saves the day

A Vietnamese sandwich called banh mi is something I eat every time I visit Vietnam. It has become a family favorite that when my sister goes to Vietnam, she actually brings home about five dozens of Vietnamese br e ad to ma ke banh mi. The bread, which is light and crispy, is something the Vietnamese were introduced to by the French during their country’s colonial period.

I recently attended the Banh Mi Kitchen opening in SM Megamall and it certainly satisfied my expectations. The banh mi sandwich was adjusted for the Filipino taste and the rest aurant offers several varieties of the popular Vietnamese sandwich.

Banh Mi Kitchen began when Mon Santos was offered an opportunity to partner up with lawyer Raul Gerodias and put up a unique food concept that was easy to prepare and accessible to shoppers. During the search, Mon discovered the banh mi. They enlisted fellow entrepreneurs Rammy de Claro and brothers Gab and

Raf Sobrepeña as partners for the on-the-go meal venture.

Addressing the Filipino penchant for new and exciting flavors, the restaurant offers different fillings, inspired by international and local flavors. The Classic is the traditional sandwich with sliced Vietnam ham and roast pork. The sweet Lemongrass Pork served with Vietnam barbecue is a potential favorite. Those who want some heat can have the Beef Rendang option. The Kani Bonito is a nod to Japanese flavors. Also, try the breakfast-inspired Wagyu Sunrise served with tender wagyu tapa slices and fluffy omelet or just go all out with the filling Protein Monster.

The signature characteristic of a banh mi is its crunch. The baguette is specially made from a carefully formulated recipe with the right amount of flour and yeast toasted to perfection. There are no preservatives used for each piece of freshly baked bread. Also try the restaurant’s Viet Iced Tea and Viet Iced Coffee while you’re there! ( Banh Mi Kitchen is at the 3rd f loor of SM Megamall and at Bonifacio Stopover in Taguig City.)

(From left) Jovannah Yu, Iya de Leon, Tin de Venecia and Jorge Nicolas. Miguel Abellada, Ritchie Santayana and JL Gavino.

(From left) Vanessa Uy, Jansen Bernardo, Mon Santos, Grace Custodio, Joey Ramos, Raul Gerodias, Mike Acaban and Dimples Suchianco.

(From left) Banh Mi Kitchen partners Gab Sobrepeña, Mon Santos, Rammy de Claro and Raf Sobrepeña.

(From left) Gen Gabionza, Raymond Rodriguez, Spencer Yu and Mart Soza.

(From left) Meralco Bolts’ Chris Newsome, Raf Sobrepeña, San Miguel Beermen’s Chris Lutz and Ateneo Blue Eagle’s Von Pessumal.

Treat yourself to a serving of mouthwatering banh mi at Banh Mi Kitchen.

Mikko Abello, Gaby Herbosa and Gab Sobrepeña.

Mikko Abello with Alaska Aces’ Noy Baclao and wife Erika.