What can you get to eat for $2.25 these days? Not a hot dog. Not a shawarma. Nothing outside of the value menu at fast food restaurants. Not much outside a Vietnamese sandwich shop! I’m sure by now you’ve all heard of the widely known Vietnamese sub sandwich, or banh mi. But have you tried some of the better ones in Toronto?
I stopped by just a little before they opened
I recently made a return trip to one of my favourite sandwich shops in town, Ba Le Sandwiches. Located in Chinatown, on Dundas Street just west of Spadina, this little shop boasts of a true “French style”. The setting is of a typical Vietnamese operation: small space, few tables and chairs, moderately decorated interior, and an assembly line of Vietnamese ladies working robotically away behind the counters. But the expertise behind this mom and pop operation is of French background and influence. I spoke with the owner, Christine, who told me that her inspirations have roots in France, where she was a former resident and restauranteur. The occasional Francophone customer enjoys a small chit chat with this delightful lady.
If you are curious, ask them about choices number 2, 9, and 10
What makes this place special? Everything here is made fresh and from scratch every morning! Evertything from the baguette, to all the ingredients, including bbq pork, chicken, shredded pork, veggies and herbs. The baguette here has a thinner and crispier crust, and less chewy filling than most Vietnamese breads. They even toast it for you if you wish.
tofu, shredded chicken, bbq pork, cold cut meats
I was told that the runaway favourites are the cold cut combo, bbq pork, and tofu sandwiches. My personal favourite is the tofu in tomato sauce. Being used to the firmer texture of pork and chicken, I was amazed at how well the soft texture of tofu mixed with the crispy baguette and crunchy vegetables. Also, the coolness of the tomato sauce allows the tofu to be readily detected, and its flavours isolated and savoured!
For $2.25, this is a great choice! In addition to the sandwiches, Ba Le also offers a moderate selection of desserts and prepacked heat-and-eat foods. Stop by on the weekend and you’ll find even a larger range of choices!
Ba Le Sandwiches
538 Dundas St West
Toronto, ON M5T 1H3
(416) 977-2168
LOVEEEEEEE this place! I’ve never tried the tofu, but the bbq is really good!
Does anyone know what numbers 2 9 and 10 are? I also like the bbq pork. didn’t know tofu could be so tasty..?
Erica- Numbers 2 and 10 are hard for me to explain. You’ll have to ask the ladies to show you when you’re there. Number 9 is shredded pork. And yes, the tofu is THAT good!
lol is that a big bowl of mayo in the last photo?
I tried the bbq pork today. It was pretty good. My friend liked the tofu too.
There’s one in mississauga that’s pretty good too. it’s on dundas east somewhere