"Not Vietnamese, but Vietnamese." The mission statement at Stand Banh Mi is nothing but enigmatic. That is, until you actually arrive, sit down and order at this buzzy little counter restaurant on the residential fringe of Meguro Ward. Then it all starts to make sense.
Obviously banh mi sandwiches and pho noodles are quintessential street foods in Vietnam, found virtually everywhere from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. But for owner Eri Shirai, the primary inspiration comes just as much from France and its cuisine. Factor in some strong local Japanese influences and the result is some of the most satisfying Vietnamese food in all of Tokyo.
