We got off the bus at Toronto's Chinatown in search of Vietnamese food. We found a little place called Bun Saigon which didn't look all that special on the outside, but had a pretty good crowd even at 2:30 and we were the only non-Asians so two good signs. When the first plate of greens and herbs and the dipping sauce showed up, I was already happy. We had banh xeo, a favorite of mine that is like a crispy omelette with shrimp and bean sprouts that you wrap up in lettuce leaves with mint and Asian basil.
Next we had shrimp croquettes grilled on sugar cane, but with a twist. It came with a sort of summer-roll making kit where there are rice paper rounds and a semicircular container of hot water. You spin the rice paper in the water to soften it, add a piece of shrimp croquette, cucumber, rice noodles, mint and basil and then roll it like a burrito. Dip it in the dipping sauce, taste, and sigh.
Finished off with a plate of very fresh sauteed vegetables. Delish! We may have to go back again, but then the dilemma is repeat the same menu or venture further into the offerings?