The Goi Cuon I grew up eating — memory as a review

I grew up eating Goi Cuon and have strong opinions shaped by memory. The version here triggered that recognition in the first bite — the clean and deeply savoury was right, rice paper was handled the way it should be.

fresh herbs added at the table are a defining characteristic. Growing up it was always a street banh mi counter, which shaped my reference point entirely. fresh sugarcane juice alongside it is the only way it makes sense to me. It's hard to be objective about food you have emotional history with, but objectively: this is very good.