Features Column

Vietnam’s far, but tasty lunches are nearby

By liz colie gadberry

The Portland Tribune, Jul 7, 2006, Updated Oct 30, 2009

CHRISTOPHER ONSTOTT / Portland Tribune

Fresh fillings play off the crunchy-soft texture of a minibaguette in Binh Minh’s signature snack.

It’s summer vacation: swimming, berry picking, barbecuing, biking, rafting, hiking, Super Soaking, bee-stinging, picnicking season. Portlanders are on the go in the summer, unwilling to waste any moment of rain-free weather. Outdoor excursions usually mean packing lunches, and I’ve got a tip to make that easier: forget making sandwiches.

Instead, before you head to the river, head to Binh Minh Bakery & Deli (6812 N.E. Broadway, 503-3868). Binh Minh is a dumpy little spot next door to a laundromat and just down the street from Pacific Market, an Asian grocery store.

Don’t let Binh Minh’s humble appearance fool you — its Vietnamese sandwiches are fantastic. The soft and crunchy baguettes used for the sandwiches are baked daily right there, giving Binh Minh a freshness advantage over many other Vietnamese sandwich shops in town. Also, the sandwiches are made to order, but you won’t have to wait around long. Choose from eight varieties (mostly pork) and, quicker than you can say cilantro, voilà!

The sandwiches are ridiculously cheap, $2 to $2.50 each, but they aren’t huge so plan on two per person.

Owner Van Le comes from the family that used to own Lanvin French Bakery on Southeast 82nd Avenue. Lucky for us, after finishing school he decided to go back to the family business of baking. His parents and other family members help out regularly at the bakery and deli.

Binh Minh is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

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I’ve also got dessert lined up for you, at least for Wednesday, July 12.

That day is Mio Gelato’s third anniversary, and to celebrate the occasion, single scoops are $1 all day at all three Mio locations (25 N.W. 11th Ave., 226-8002; 1517 N.E. Brazee St., 503-288-4800; 838 N.W. 23rd Ave., 503-241-9300). I tried the blueberry-strawberry-blackberry sorbetto last week at the Northeast location, and the sweet fresh flavor is wonderfully intense. Check it out.

Call individual locations for store hours.

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