The Spam and Egg "Banh Mi" from Cali Banh Mi (Convoy)

Last weekend I went about doing my "Sunday" rounds which involved a stop at Sprouts and Lazy Acres (both open at 7), then Target and 99 Ranch Market (both open at 8), then ending things at Nijiya (open at 9). I must have had some major momentum on this day because there I was heading out of 99 Ranch Market at 820! Now how did that happen? One thing for sure, all that shopping sure did make me hungry. I still had quite a bit of time before Nijiya opened, so I thought I'd grab something quick for breakfast. And then I realized that my options in the area, unless it was for a sit down breakfast or something from a taco shop were really limited. Phuong Nga Bakery and Cafe would be an obvious choice, but they are closed on weekends, Sau Voi Deli has closed, and Grab & Go on Convoy Court is closed on weekends as well. I recall places in the area that used to be open before 10am but think that "Covid" times have changed things.

Well, there was one option left; Cali Banh Mi.

I used to drop by every so often when this was Cali Baguette Express, I'm not sure what the story is, but this location became Cali Banh Mi, along with a location on Garnet and things have just not been the same. Especially the bread. Now, I had visited this location back in June of 2020 and left unimpressed. But heck, it had been over two years since that visit, so I thought "why not"?

The last time I visited there was no indoor dining allowed, now the place looked alot more "normal".

What was not a nice change was the price of the banh mi I wanted. The Spam and Egg is now $9! Whoa! When I last ordered that at the Garnet location it was six bucks and I thought it expensive then! The jumbo size Banh Mi Dac Biet I got from Phuong Nga in August was $6.19, later that month I got one from Avian Sandwiches that was $6.95.

Anyway, I got my banh mi and drove down to the Nijiya parking lot. Yep, this was going to be one of those "eat on the hood of your car" kinda thing. I opened things up to reveal this nine-dollar banh mi.

 So, I peeled back the bread to reveal watery, runny, flavorless eggs, and though the Spam slices were fairly thick they lacked color. I recall trying to order a Banh Mi Op La here and the young man working had no idea what I was saying...probably my (mis) pronunciation though.

The jalapenos lacked heat, though maybe I just got the "luck of the draw" with that. The pickled veggies were fine, but the bread was terrible. The crust was too soft, the bread too doughy. It lacked the light crisp-crusty exterior and the interior was mushy and doughy instead of airy and yeasty.

This was just not very good, even for an "Americanized" banh mi.

Well, at least I gave them another try. I should have just waited and got something from the deli at Nijiya. Live and learn, I guess.

Cali Banh Mi
4425 Convoy Street
San Diego, CA 92111
Hours:
Daily 8am - 7pm

Comments

[Som Tommy]

The sandwich doesn’t look good

[Kirk]

It wasn't ST!

[Dave]

Funnily enough, I grabbed a sandwich from there just yesterday for the first time in... several years? I happened to be in the area for an appointment and was hangry.

First, I couldn't remember where it was exactly, so I looked on google maps for Cali Baguette Express, but then was confused when I found Cali Banh Mi. I just thought I had misremembered the name.

Second, when the guy handed me the sandwich my first thought was "WHY IS IT SO SQUISHY?". That bread sucks. I am crossing that place off the list.

[Kirk]

Hey Dave, it's great to hear from you! What's not so great was that both of our sandwiches weren't good. Hope all is well!

[kat]

:(

[Kirk]

Yes, very disappointing Kat!