Bahn-Mi House, Boston MA

The other week I was meeting a friend downtown for the afternoon to check out the Boston Athenaeum and do some shopping. I had eaten a hardy breakfast so it hadn't quite occurred to me to have another meal before I headed out the door. Well, once I got off the T at Park Street I was STARVING. I knew there was no way I would make it through the afternoon without eating anything, but I hadn't really planned on buying food, so I wanted to get something cheap.

Since I had beaten my friend to our meeting location I decided to whip out my Yelp! app and see what was nearby. I spotted the Bahn-Mi House - one dollar sign and within a block - perfect. A little less perfect was my ability to find it. I walked up an down Winter Street a couple times before I realized the place was inside a little arcade/food court type thing with other little lunch spots.

It was after lunch and a holiday, so there was no line. I walked right up and ordered the tofu bahn mi and had it made right in front of me.

I love bahn mi sandwiches for their combination of warm, creamy tofu (or other filling - check back soon for the eggplant bahn mi I had recently) and fresh crunchy vegetables with spicy sriracha. While I only learned about bahn mi sandwiches after becoming vegan - I really think that the combo of tofu with the spicy sauce and crunchy veggies is spot on - I'm not sure it would be quite as good with meat on it.
This bahn mi came with piles of shredded carrot, radishes, cucumber, mushrooms, scallions, and a nice big branch of cilantro. Be warned - if you are one of those crazy people that think cilantro tastes like soap this sandwich is not for you - cilantro is a main staple here. It says on the menu that the tofu is fried, but I watched her put fresh slices of tofu on a toaster oven type thing and it just had a light crisp on the outside, no heavy deep fried oil.
The sandwich was huge, delicious, and 5 dollars.  I was able to get something quick, cheap, and healthy - their motto is even "think and eat healthy!" My dismay at having to buy lunch was quickly banished by my joy at having discovered this little gem! If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and affordable lunch in downtown Boston - look no further!