I'd been craving Bun Mam from Com Tam Nhu Y for a while. I finally got a chance last week. Funny thing, Calvin had never heard of Bun Mam, neither had his wife who grew up in Westminster! He had to ask his mother-in-law.... So I made sure to invite him to try some Bun Mam.
It seems that Bun Mam here is evolving. This version was sweeter than what I had last time, rich, lots of shallot and garlic tones, definitely not as spicy, nor nearly as pungent as what I had at the original incarnation of Nhu Y. Still, the flavors are complex, there's a ton of greens and herbs and bun. It's quite a savory concoction......you want to make sure that you don't spill any of it on your clothes. Sammy will often follow me around the house after I eat this....must smell great to him!
Not a fan of the catfish, it was way too bony and muddy this time. The eggplant was fine, the portion size generous, and like mentioned above, it's not nearly as potent as it used to be, but you can't say it's bland. Not a huge fan of the tough pork and shrimp as well.......but, that's not why I order this. It's that broth that keeps me coming back.
Calvin finished all his bun and soup....I guess he liked it! I have a feeling he'll be back, as will I, when I get that itch....
Com Tam Nhu Y
4712 El Cajon Blvd Ste A
San Diego, CA 92115
glad you filled your craving!
Posted by: kat | Monday, 28 December 2015 at 02:13 AM
Ha...i was thinking about going there today for lunch!
Posted by: jack | Monday, 28 December 2015 at 10:17 AM
Me too Kat!
Hope you got the chance to get soem Bun Mam Jack!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 28 December 2015 at 02:06 PM
Sometimes you just needs some bun mam; it's good when you get some that scratches that itch.
Posted by: Ed (from Yuma) | Wednesday, 30 December 2015 at 08:01 PM
It sure is Ed!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 31 December 2015 at 07:35 PM