#bpsos-houston

According to their site, BPSOS-Houston’s mission is to help Vietnamese citizens of any age and class “overcome barriers to information and services, including limited English proficiency, low literacy, low income, lack of transportation, and cultural barriers” so that they can live a self-sufficient, resilient, and healthy life.

Although the BPSOS-Houston branch only opened their office in 1999, the beginnings of this organization started back in 1980 in San Diego and Songkla Camp, Thailand. They performed voluntary rescue-at-sea missions, rescuing over 3,000 boat people, and even collaborated with the Thai Royal Navy to fight pirate attacks against the Vietnamese.  About one in 10 Vietnamese Americans has received assistance from BPSOS while still in Vietnam, on the high seas, in a refugee camp, or after arriving in the United States. Now, BPSOS has 11 offices located around the U.S, 4 offices in Southeast Asian and Taiwan and offer a variety of programs and services including direct services, advocacy, community organizing and development, research, and media.

Last month, BPSOS-Houston hosted The Great Bánh Mì Cook-Off, a friendly cooking competition/fundraiser for their organization where 11 chefs were challenged to put their own twist on the classic Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich. The original venue for the cook-off was the rooftop patio of Khon’s Bar, but was changed to the Kim Son on Jefferson due to rain.

Weather be damned, the cook-off was a hit! 300+ attendees packed into Kim Son to try all samples of Caphin, Chamak Chocolates and of course, 11 of the tasty bánh mì sandwiches that were created. Traditionally, a bánh mì sandwich consists of pork, liver pâté, homemade mayo, cilantro, pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cucumber and jalapeno, if you wish. At The Great Bánh Mì Cook-Off, I tried everything from the usual grilled pork version to a Texas style bánh mì done with brisket. We were only given 2 tickets to vote for our favorites and I had the hardest time deciding because each version was great in their own way!

The first table I hit up was Copper Chefs and I was instantly wowed by their slow-cooked pulled pork bánh mì with the most amazing cilantro mayo in a buttery, crispy mini baguette. Giau Bar ‘n Bites’ table drew me in since their chef was making fresh to order pork belly and quail egg sandwiches that were made with toasted sliced baguette bread that I gladly dipped into the runny yolk. Fat Bao won me over with their tomato & sardine sandwich that reminded me of my bà ngoại’s (grandma’s) cooking. At the end of the night, the winner was R&D BBQ with their tender and juicy smoked brisket with, fish sauce, pickled carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, chili, sriracha hoison bbq sauce and mayo made with the fat drippings from their brisket.

BPSOS Houston sure puts on some great events! In fact, this Thursday, October 30th is their Halloween Bingo Night at their Houston office (11360 Bellaire Blvd, Suite 910). There will be food, refreshments, a silent auction, and of course lots of prizes for Bingo winners. All proceeds from the event will go to BPSOS-Houston’s Domestic Violence Program. Don’t forget to dress in costume!

  If you would like to keep up with BPSOS-Houston’s events and news, LIKE them on their Facebook page here.