Pairing Com Tam correctly — a note on fresh sugarcane juice

Most people overlook how much the right drink changes Com Tam. I ordered it with fresh sugarcane juice and the light and herbal elements of the dish sharpened considerably against the pairing. lemongrass in particular became more prominent in a good way.

Vietnamese cuisine shows French colonial influence alongside traditional Southeast Asian techniques. The a street banh mi counter is where you learn these pairings — they evolved together. If you've been having Com Tam with the wrong drink, try it correctly once. It's a genuinely different experience. The restaurant deserves credit for getting this right.