cá com . bánh mì . bar

"Billed as a “bánh mì bar,” Cà Com’s specialty is actually khao jee pate, a Lao breakfast sandwich that isn’t bánh mì but gets pretty darn close. The OG is a crumbly jungle-spiced pork sausage big on lemongrass, galangal, and garlic that comes stuffed into a crunchy long roll with mayo, jeow bong, pickles, and herbs. Five-spice pork belly and turmeric-coconut chicken fillings also appear regularly, and the chef makes her own cold cuts and fish sauce, too. A new courtyard helps manage overflow from the canteen-like space, or you can grab your sandwich and a Vietnamese iced coffee and head to Citizen’s Park nearby." - Ellen Fraser

"Melbourne’s long lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 led to the opening of this sandwich shop from the team behind Anchovy (a Vietnamese fine diner that’s since closed). Billed as a “bánh mì bar,” Cà Com’s specialty is actually khao jee pate, a Lao breakfast sandwich that isn’t technically a bánh mì but gets pretty damn close. The OG is jungle-spiced pork sausage big on lemongrass, galangal, and garlic, served on a crunchy long roll with mayo, jeow bong, pickles, and herbs. Five-spice pork belly and turmeric-coconut chicken also make regular appearances. The venue only seats six, so we like to grab a sandwich and Vietnamese iced coffee and head to Citizen’s Park nearby." - ellen fraser

"Be prepared for a lively debate if you ask Melbournians which place makes the best banh mi. You’ll hear about Bun Bun, Trang, Nhu Lan, and To’s, which are all solid options. But Ca Com Bánh Mì Bar is in a different league. Launched as a pandemic side project by the owners of lauded restaurants Anchovy and Jeow, Ca Com takes the Vietnamese sandwich to new heights. Inside the crusty baguette, you’ll find fillings like herbaceous pork sausage, sardines in tomato sauce, or roasted pumpkin in Manchurian spice. Also, keep an eye out for desserts like pandan chiffon cake and Kopiko canelé." - Audrey Bourget, Sharlee Gibb