Thien Huong Revisited

Recently, I waned something a bit “different” for breakfast. It was a Sunday and JJ’s usual breakfast stop doesn’t open until a bit later. So, we walked up to get coffee and I took JJ to the park after, all the while contemplating where I should get breakfast. Being quite hungry on this morning, a place popped into my head; Thien Huong. My goodness, how long had it been since I last visited. A quick check reveals that it was back in 2023! So, I settled JJ in for his morning nap and drove on up to Mira Mesa.

Since it was just past 8am, the place was pretty quiet.

Based on my previous visits; there was just one item I was interested in…..

My favorite item based on my previous visits was the Banh Cuon Trung. I loved the softer texture and the additional flavor egg brings to the usual rice flour wrap. So, I ordered the #7, which was priced at $17, which I thought was quite reasonable for these days.

The drill was the same; order and pay at the counter, if dining in, you’re given and number. You go ahead and have a seat. After a short while, one of the folks working will do their rounds and drop off some water. And eventually, your order will arrive.

The portion size is still quite generous; though I did notice that the banh cuon seemed to have less egg than before? Perhaps I’m imagining things?

I do like the Cha Lua with the black peppercorns, it’s meaty, though not overly rubbery, and the black peppercorns adds a nice sharpness when you crack your teeth on one!

The nuoc mam cham seems to have changed from before as well….though the change seemed quite positive for me.

Even though it edges on the sweeter side; it wasn’t as cloying as before. It also had more chilies, which provided a decent “kick”.

As for the banh cuon.

It’s not quite as fluffy as before, but still not overly stretchy and sticky. I enjoy the fried shallots as well.

Not a whole lot of pork in this, though it was still decently savory.

And I got all my carbs for the day, right? Breakfast of champions…..

It’s still my favorite version of banh cuon in San Diego. And the prices seem quite reasonable. Funny thing, to me it seems like Thien Huong just opened yesterday….but man, they’ve been here for over three years already! Crazy!