We are on the search for the Best Banh Mi in Houston and BIG BOSS Banh Mi just became a favorite. The Bánh Mi Vietnamese sandwich has been around for over a hundred years, but I first tasted it a few years ago and I loved it when I tried it. Honestly, what is there not to love? It’s a perfect portable lunch with Vietnamese ingredients stuffed inside a French baguette. After trying it at different establishments, I have found my favorite Vietnamese sandwich at BIG BOSS Banh Mi. This tiny place has a huge taste! BIG BOSS Banh Mi is smack in the middle of Ashford Village Center on 1801 S Dairy Ashford Road in Houston, Texas.
Daniel visited BIG BOSS Banh Mi previously this week and called us on his way home from work with the news that he had found a Banh Mi we had to try as a family. We called and confirmed that they would be open as we left Katy around 6pm to make the drive there. As we walked in, people were picking up orders to go and the people inside the kitchen were busy cooking their specialties. On our right was an easy to read, simple menu. Surprisingly, I couldn’t believe the prices were incredibly low and reasonable. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen prices like that.
We ordered two grilled pork Bánh Mi sandwiches, one BBQ chicken Bánh Mi, two orders of Vietnamese egg rolls, one classic Boss Lady fried Chicken, and three Vietnamese coffees. I must not forget that each sandwich came with a small bowl of hot Pho. I have to say it was pretty original that it came with a side of pho.
First, our Vietnamese coffee came out. It was a tall shock wave of flavor! Vietnamese coffee is usually pretty strong, this coffee was perfectly sweet as well and even a bit more creamy than others.
Next, our small sides of pho came out. Wow! The chicken broth came piping hot and savory. I instantly felt I was getting a lot of minerals, nutritious herbs, and protein in a tiny bowl. I sat back and enjoyed eating my Pho.
Our Vietnamese egg rolls arrived and as we wrapped them in the fresh lettuce and dipped them in fish sauce we were all silent. Simply fantastic is the only way to describe them.
Soon after, our massive Bahn mi sandwiches came in their plastic containers. I ordered the grilled pork. I was in Banh mi heaven. At BIG BOSS Banh Mi, they are generous and load up a sizeable French baguette. With every bite, pork was falling out. The grilled pork was tender and full of flavor. It tasted so good with or without the bread. The veggies such as the cilantro, carrots, cucumbers, and jalapeños are so crisp and fresh. I still can not get over how lightly toasted yet soft the French baguette was. It was some high-quality bread.
Daniel had eaten the pork Banh Mi on his previous visit so this time he tried the BBQ Chicken Banh Mi. Here is what he said about it.
“When you pick up the BIG BOSS BBQ Chicken Banh Mi you grab that bread and hear that crunch and then your fingers dig into the baguette and feel that perfectly soft core. So they made the experience even before the bite GREAT because of the bread they chose. The bbq chicken is fantastic and I love the option of getting the chicken or pork without the traditional pate. With the juicy chicken and fresh vegetables it is perfect.”
Halfway through the Banh Mi and look at how it is Stacked with BBQ Chicken, so good!
After eating the Banh Mi we were simply stuffed but we forgot about the classic Boss Lady fried Chicken we had ordered. We saw in some reviews that it was a must try. The owner Brian Chen actually brought it out to us and asked how the food was. As we sat and talked food and travel Daniel chomped on the Boss Lady Fried Chicken. He then passed it around to all of us to try. You simply can not understand how large this Boss Lady Fried Chicken is so its not a side item, plan to share it. The taste is great and it comes hot so take your time to enjoy it.
We were lucky to meet Brian Chen and soon found out that BIG BOSS Banh Mi is actually his latest restaurant concept. Brian and his wife Molly are actually one of the first restaurateurs to bring the authentic Ramen to Houston with their restaurant Ramen Jin in 2013. They are beyond foodies as we learned talking to him and sharing places we have found around town, he knows a ton of places and Daniel tried to write down as many suggestions as possible. We spoke about his menu as well and his target to have items under $10 which is really awesome in this economy.
I look forward to telling some friends about this place and we are lucky we had the opportunity to try BIG BOSS Banh Mi before the word spreads and it becomes the destination spot we know it will.