Spice level warning — Com Tam is not what I expected

I underestimated Com Tam. The clean and deeply savoury description didn't prepare me for the reality. fish sauce brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

fresh herbs added at the table are a defining characteristic. The a street banh mi counter setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. Vietnamese iced coffee cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.