Duffin’s Donuts

Oh Duffin’s. I was looking forward to this review.

Look, I’m not expecting perfection from Duffin’s. Duffin’s does not exist to be perfect. I do expect deliciousness though.

The Components

Bread

It’s not a french baguette. It’s not crusty on the outside with an ultra-light and just-soft-enough interior. Duffin’s viet chicken bread is more like the bread that you’d expect to find at Subway, soft all the way through. It’s good enough. It’s easy to eat casually without getting crumbs all over.

Veg

This, in my opinion, is the area in which they could improve the most. There was no cilantro, which was a disappointment. This appeals to a broader audience, but not to most people who love bánh mì.

The rest of the veggies are great. Well seasoned and fresh tasting carrot / daikon shreddies, fresh jalapeno, and fresh carrot. Well done.

Spread

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure there’s mayo on it? Probably. But they definitely put pate on it. Plenty of it, and it’s delicious.

Meat

The chicken is pretty standard for what you’d expect from a fast casual joint. A little bouncy, flavoured but neither offensively or excitingly so. Some people might say it has a hammy texture. In any case, it works for me.

Overall Impression

Duffin’s is to bánh mì as McDonald’s is to hamburgers. They do their own thing (and they do it well), and I love it for that. They’re not trying to be the quintessential bánh mì, they’re just trying to be delicious, and they’ve definitely succeeded on that front.

Recommendation

Get the viet chicken from Duffin’s. It’s delicious. Just don’t go expecting the perfect example of “authentic” bánh mì. While you’re there, get some spicy fried chicken and a spring roll. Maybe a donut too, if you’re feeling crazy.