The Charlottesville 29

The Bánh Mì

Julie Vu Whitaker’s cooking is like magic. Though her menu at Vu Noodles is almost fully vegetarian (a fish sauce option is the one exception), she is capable of converting even the most skeptical carnivore, with umami-rich ingredients to ensure that meat-lovers won’t miss a thing.

Among the most improbable tricks she pulls off is a vegan bánh mì. While the famous Vietnamese sandwich typically relies on brawny ingredients like pâté and grilled meats, Whitaker’s version steers clear of animal products altogether. First, she toasts a hoagie roll to give the sandwich its signature crunchy exterior. Atop that she piles five spice lemongrass tofu, cucumber, pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro, light soy sauce, and a healthy smear of light vegan mayo. Add chili oil, and few Charlottesville sandwiches are as satisfying.

#6: Bánh Mì – Vu Noodles
The Charlottesville 29 of Sandwiches

Others of Note: Bánh Mì at Chimm Street. Vegan: Vegan Bahn Mi (sp.) at Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery