Double Dragon: Portland-style bahn mi

This year’s Taste Of The Nation offered bites from over 60 of the area’s top chefs and restaurants. One of my stand-out favorites was a surprisingly delicious sample from Double Dragon. This underdog stole the show by serving an open-faced version of it’s Portland-style bahn mi sandwiches.

Sam and I couldn’t wait to try the real deal, and arranged a double-date with one of our favorite couples to see what these sandwiches were really about. Double Dragon did not disappoint in delivering “crazy” bahn mi sandwiches as promised on the website.

The signage and decor was adorable, but the sandwiches were the clear visual take away:

{Chicken Chorizo Bahn Mi}

{Veggie}

{Meatball Bahn Mi}

Sam's Chicken Chorizo actually tasted like chorizo. The Veggie Bahn-Mi was like eating a fresh, spicy salad. But the group winner, which is also apparently the staff pick – was the Meatball Bahn Mi. It's not the most traditional, but the homemade meatballs, aioli, jalepeno and pickled vegetables were a killer combination. It was spicy but balanced. Although I loved the heat, I'd recommend requesting light sauce if you're a spice wuss.

Speaking of spicy, each of the sandwiches came with a side of spicy-potato chips. And speaking of being a wuss, I was glad that we had also ordered the jicama salad to cool the fire in my mouth. Don't get me wrong – I'm not complaining. It was totally worth it.

You know what else was totally worth it? The toasted coconut cookie (from Le Cookie Monkey), and a glass of homemade sweet tea. The crew at Double Dragon nailed this savory/sweet drink made of house-made black tea infused with lemongrass and basil.

The reviews of Double Dragon in Portland have been mixed, but here's my two cents. I've never been to Vietnam, and I'm sure these are not traditional Vietnamese sandwiches (per the sign at the door). But, any sandwich that packed with flavor is definitely worth $7.50 in my book. Add in the cute decor and patio – and this seriously might be my new summer hang out.