“Just my usual please.”
“So, a tofu summer roll and coconut coffee?” Janey answers.
This is my favourite kind of conversation - with a local takeaway who knows my taste and can rustle up healthy delicious food pronto. New Vietnamese eatery The Bami fills an important spot on Leith Walk. Previously Los Cardos, then a South American takeaway, this is a place for good quality food, fast. I met with owner and chef Phuong Dang who told me about some of his plans.
The Bami opened only three months ago and already has the feel of an established professional operation. Phuong moved from Vietnam to Edinburgh to complete a Business Studies degree. He supported himself whilst studying by cooking in commercial kitchens and came up with the Bami concept – simple, traditional Vietnamese street food served from a permanent location with exemplary ingredients. His cousin Janey (who studied marketing) joins him, running front of house and PR.
The Bami has a succinct menu focussing on Pho (noodle soup), Bahn Mi (traditional Vietnamese filled baguettes) and quality coffee. However, my favourite light lunch is the Tofu & King Oyster Mushroom Summer Rolls (Goi Cuon Chay) wrapped in rice paper and served with tangy peanut dipping sauce. I swear the Chicken Pho has medicinal qualities; I had a chicken noodle soup craving when I had a cold – the chunks of chicken, fresh herbs and lime with silken noodles soothed my sore throat and calmed my fever. So good!
After a heavy weights workout, I do like a steak sandwich, so I tried their BBQ Beef Banh Mi (Banh Mi Bo Nuong). The baguette is super soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside – after months of trialling authentic Banh Mi recipes The Bami have a dedicated bakery that makes the buns daily, especially for them. The filling is also a tasty mouthful of tangy pickled vegetables, succulent beef strips, coriander and something saucy. I’m already planning my next visit. Thank goodness it’s just across the road from my fitness studio. Fast and healthy, yes, please.
The Bami, 281 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 8PD - 0131 563 2868
Open daily 11:30 am – 9 pm. Closed daily 3pm - 4.30pm
