Ba-Le Deli and Bakery

Ba-Le is a relatively well-known chain in Vancouver that mostly serves bánh mì. This is my first time going, so I wasn’t coming in with any preconceived notions.

Upon entry, it looked like most other bánh mì establishments - a pretty gaunt interior, devoid of anything that might make this a good place to stay and enjoy your meal. Get your food and get out. There were a couple fridges containing ingredients for sale, including the pate - a good sign.

The Components

Bread

The bread was decent! While not hot-out-of-the-oven fresh, they did reheat the bun for me, and being a bakery, it would not surprise me if they baked it there themselves. It was crispy on the outside, and while not lovely and pillowly, soft enough on the inside.

Veg

Cilantro - check. Fresh and in a reasonable quantity.

Jalapeno - I didn’t actually think to check this, but they asked if I wanted it spicy and I said yes, so I assume they did include it. However, I will note that it wasn’t particularly spicy.

Pickled veg - A bit of a letdown. I think this can be traced to the way they cut their veg, or at least their carrots - they were large batons, rather than little matchsticks. This meant less surface area exposed, and less vinegary goodness aborbed for flavor. Present, but not flavorful enough for me.

Spread

The mayo spread was a bit thin, and it was tough for me to discern the pate. Middling.

Meat

I got the #4, viet bacon. They provided enough meat, though it was more deli-like than pork belly-like, which is a departure from my past experience with viet bacon bánh mì. It was still excellent though.

Overall Impression

Ba-le offers a pretty standard bánh mì experience - Fresh ingredients on decent bread at a low price.

Recommendation

Thumbs up.