Banh Mi Boys

Banh Mi Boys, located at 399 Yonge St, just North of Gerrard, and also at 392 Queen St West. For this review we visited the Yonge Street location. We rolled up to the doors on Sunday at exactly noon, as they flicked on the 'Open' Sign. Awaiting us inside was a fully staffed, and rocking kitchen that despite being open for all of 30 seconds was running full out. This Asian Fusion blend of Vietnamese and Korean style dishes does not disappoint. A well oiled machine of friendly staff take your order, with name to identify you at the next stage. From there you slide left to the counter, where there seems to be a lot going on. Your name is called, and additional info is plugged into your order such as 'desired level of spice' and 'for here or go"? Always waiting for that radio on my shoulder to squawk out a new call... I take the 'Go' option.

Today's order... the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. This dish is simplicity in all its perfect glory. Starting with a still warm, in-house made 8" baguette  they add their signature grilled chicken with a creamy delicious sauce. Topped with simply shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and cilantro... the blend of flavours and textures is bang on. For about six bucks, I could ask for nothing more. It is wrapped, and we are out the door ready to enjoy on the move. Lucky for me on this visit, my on the move is from the comfort of the passenger seat, as Morgan dines from the drivers side on his Banh Mi choice.

Usually, I get the sandwich.  It is portable, travels well, relatively unmessy to eat and still tastes good cold, but for the sake of variety for this review, I ordered the chicken taco.  Oh, what a wise decision that was. The taco is smaller (although I think the major size difference is less bread, so depending on how you feel about carbs, this could be ideal) and a dollar less, but even more flavourful and juicy.  The mess factor goes up, but so does the delicious factor.  Still manageable from the driver's seat, but just barely.  When asked how hot I wanted it, I replied 'very hot', which means hot sauce and jalapeños. It wasn't painful hot, I'd say it was perfect. Enough bite to wake you up, but not be overwhelmed. The taco shell is the soft kind and it is filled with tender chicken, cilantro, and other wondrous ingredients that I wish I had written down.  They really had me at the sauce. The more I think about it, the more I'll be coming back to the taco.

The kimchi fries are a glorious invention of Banh Mi Boys.  Think of it as an Asian-fusion poutine.  French fries, mayonnaise, pulled pork and kimchi.  Kimchi is a Korean dish composed of fermented cabbage.  I believe the historical/cultural role of kimchi is to provide a pro-biotic boost to digestion.  Soooooo delicious.  Make sure you stir it up and don't daintily stab at it. The flavours need to mix together.  It is large and filling.  I could, and have, eaten an entire kimchi fries and a sandwich alone, but then I hate myself afterwards and swear to start jogging. Personally, I find the ideal plan is to share the fries, but I leave that to you. 

Today the Gods who control the entertainment from the street lit us up with a live band "The Sidewalk Crusaders" performing rather they were 'Absolutely Killing It' at Yonge and College to fully highlight our day. With several dudes blasting on drums, sax, tuba, and guitar, rocking Psy's Gangnam Style, we sat filling our faces with Vietnam-Style food-fare. Needless to say to all my past English teachers, I learned how to spell 'Perfection".

As usual our meal was interrupted by a call to service the public of Toronto, but fortunately it still re-wrapped well and was still delicious cold.

I would gander that the chances of getting the same musical accompaniment to take this meal to the highest level again is slim to none... but that being said the food really does stand apart and is ideal for that bite on the go. 

The only downside to our needs is the hours of operation... as they close at 10pm Mon-Fri, 9pm on Sat, and 7pm on Sun. That being said, if you find yourself on Days they open at11am everyday but Sunday which is Noon.

A little shout out to "The Sidewalk Crusaders" @sidewalkcrusade - Check them out.
Jon Harper
Paramedic
Founder and Writer for Emergency Fuel

Morgan Jones Phillips

Paramedic

First Mate and Writer for Emergency Fuel