A Taste of the World – Part 4

Lu’s Cafe & Bakery

My first introduction to Vietnamese cuisine was a banh mi and a Vietnamese coffee. Banh mi is the Vietnamese word for bread, but it generally refers to a type of baguette with filings that can be eaten for breakfast or as a snack. I have made it my mission to try as many as I can from a variety of restaurants. Lu’s Cafe & Bakery in Lawrence offers up a wonderful option with crispy toasted bread and packed with traditional fillings like pickled daikon, pate and cilantro. This sandwich is life-changing and perfect for any time of day.

Vietnamese coffee, or ca phe da, is a traditional coffee recipe. The brewing method is what really sets this drink apart. Coarsely ground, dark roasted Vietnamese-grown coffee is used, brewed with a drip filter. The hot water slowly releases during the brew cycle, and it is finished with ice. A popular version includes sweet condensed milk — heaven in a cup. 

If you visit Lu’s, make sure to try the iced Vietnamese coffee and the chicken banh mi. Also try their egg roll of the day. When I visited, it was unforgettable barbecue chicken.

Check back for the next part of Timna’s series on global cuisine offerings in the MV!

Lu’s Cafe & Bakery
Lawrence, Mass.
(978) 655-8456
LusCafeAndBakery.com