小辣椒越南麵包

小辣椒越南麵包 sits in a stall in Taichung's Third Market in the South District, its signature the made-to-order Vietnamese baguette (bánh mì). The bread is crisp outside and soft inside, generously stuffed with flavorful braised pork, cucumber, cilantro, pickled radish, and chili; the shop's name means “little chili,” and regulars all say you “have to add chili” for the full effect — a Vietnamese condensed-milk coffee on the side cuts the richness nicely. One diner said “crispy bread, tasty sauce, killer fillings,” another “delicious and a huge portion.” For something lighter you can order a meatless version for NT$50 off — just as good.

The stall is a one-person operation, and made-to-order takes time — one diner warns “whether early morning or noon, you'll queue, since it's a one-person operation.” There's even a sign on the stall reading “no cutting in half,” so grabbing the baguette and eating it on the go is the norm. Closed Tuesdays, selling 7:30am to 2:30pm — come ready to wait.