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The Folks Behind Taco Bell Launch A Banh Mi Experiment
The Banh Mi (Photo by Pleasure Palate via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
Taco Bell is the mad scientist of fast food, always coming up with ridiculous crap we don’t need (but occasionally want) to eat—like the Waffle Taco and the Quesadilla with Flamin' Fritos Dip.But now, Yum! Brands (that's Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut) is trying its hand at something completely different: Banh Mi. While Banh Mi simply means 'bread' in Vietnamese, we Americans ordinarily use the term to refer to a meat sandwich on a baguette. The most common variation includes Vietnamese cold cuts, pate and picked vegetables.
The first phase of this experiment will be an eatery in Dallas, TX called The Banh Shop, Escape Hatch Dallas reports.
What will come of this Yum! Banh? Is it possible that the minds behind the Double Down could make a decent Banh Mi that people ate when it wasn't after 2 a.m? Or will they take the sandwich down into their lair and create another monstrous fusion? Nacho cheese instead of head cheese? Onion rings instead of pickled veggies? Two tacos instead of bread? Given that they made a Mountain Dew/orange juice breakfast drink, anything's possible.
This summer, Taco Bell is opening a fancy taco joint in Huntington Beach specializing in tacos for gringos. The U.S. Taco Co.'s menu includes craft beers, alcoholic milk shakes and Philly Cheesesteak and fried chicken tacos.
Many people on the Internet seem to fear that Yum! will 'ruin' this sandwich forever! Let us reassure you that just because a major fast food chain appropriates something, it doesn't mean you suddenly can't get your favorite authentic item somewhere else. Like here, here or here.
Related:
Your Guide To Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwiches In The San Gabriel Valley
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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