The dish uses tofu bars that are lightly fried beforehand giving an appetising golden glow and allowing them to be preserved longer.
For the dish, the tofu bars can be steamed or deep-fried to a crisp.
Other ingredients include chilli and salt, as well as coriander, a common herb used for salads, fresh spring rolls and many other Vietnamese dishes. A squeeze of lime or kumquat is added to give the dish a light sour tang.
A tofu bar is sliced open in the middle and ingredients are simply added before the two tofu slices are closed together, forming a sandwich.
A bite of the sandwich quickly reveals why this dish has become so popular. The soft-textured tofu is light yet rich with soya flavour, and the spicy chilli and salt really make the tofu stand out.
The light sour touch of lime or kumquat stimulates the tongue, while the aromatic coriander lends tofu sandwiches a refreshing taste.
Some vendors serve additional toppings, such as meat jerky and eggs, as well as a dipping sauce to go with the sandwiches.
