Ok so maybe not deep deep south but venturing out to Garden City definitely felt deep south to me. My favourite acupuncture assistant and I had been attempting to catch up for weeks for a banh mi and it just wasn't happening for us. We decided to make another attempt and I can tell you that I was pretty darn excited! We went to 8 Street in Garden City Shopping Centre and I have to say I was a little skeptical about the location. I mean how authentic can you get in a Westfield?! But I trusted Sianβs judgement and just went with it. I got a little lost driving out there and, in all honesty, shopping centres kind of terrify me. However I arrived to my destination unscathed and super hungry. As soon as I saw 8 Street I knew it was going to be good. We located our prey and proceeded to order. I was almost tempted to try the tofu banh mi as per Sianβs recommendation but I just couldnβt resist the chicken. Once ordered (and yes they asked if I wanted chilli so I was already feeling pretty positive about the whole thing), we sat on tiny wooden chairs and waited patiently, also while discussing the merits of purchasing coffee. Banh miβs were made speedily and were super warm and toasty. I was also impressed that I only paid $6.40! I think that is definitely one of the cheapest ones so far, from what I can remember at least. After the first bite I knew I was gone. Perfect amount of coriander, carrot and cucumber and the chicken was delicious! Perhaps slightly more chilli would have been good but I do realise that I like chilli more than most people and I felt confident that if i asked for more they would happily oblige. The bread was the perfect amount of crunchy too! Yep, I think Iβm in love. I think perhaps the only downfall of the whole experience was the fact that it was in a shopping centre. I honestly don't really have any criticism for them, service was fast and friendly, price was super awesome and it tasted amazing. The only reason it didn't get a 10 was because I really really hate shopping centres and I have a new obsession with eating outside in the sun, preferably in odd locations. Overall, I enjoyed it and I would definitely recommend trying their banh miβs.
