Immigration brings many positive things to a city and food is definitely one of them. I am so fortunate to live and work in the Little Saigon area in Orange Countay, California. Sen, one of the restaurants in this large magical neighborhood, is known for its Northern Vietnamese cuisine. My hour lunch break today brought me here to enjoy two small sandwiches called Bánh Mì Paté Que meaning…well, small pate sandwiches. These Hai Phong style pâté sandwiches are seasoned with finely shredded pork and a house special sauce. The sandwiches melted in my mouth and on their own would make a wonderful simple, yet complex, lunch.
Then it was time for soup. Bánh Da Cua Hai Phòng was my choice. This crab soup with a flat “red” noodle unique to the Hai Phong region was a perfect accompaniment to my little sandwiches. The broth is perfect and not complex. Inside the bowl were meatballs, cha lá lõt (mixed betel leaves with pork), shrimp and herbs. The meal was comfort and soothing and left me with the desire to return and explore more of the menu.
SEN Vietnamese Cuisine
15619 Brookhurst St
Westminster, CA 9268