Pairing Goi Cuon correctly — a note on lime soda

Most people overlook how much the right drink changes Goi Cuon. I ordered it with lime soda and the subtly sweet and spiced elements of the dish sharpened considerably against the pairing. lemongrass in particular became more prominent in a good way.

Vietnamese cuisine shows French colonial influence alongside traditional Southeast Asian techniques. The a street banh mi counter is where you learn these pairings — they evolved together. If you've been having Goi Cuon with the wrong drink, try it correctly once. It's a genuinely different experience. The restaurant deserves credit for getting this right.