Residing in HCM City for over four years, Max has become a familiar face in the backpacking community, renowned for his explorations of local cuisines and cultural treasures.

In a recent video that garnered widespread attention, Max unveiled a culinary marvel: a mammoth sandwich priced at over 1.2 million VND. His journey led him to a bustling roast meat shop in Tan Binh district, where a sandwich described as "larger than life" beckoned him inside.

"The aroma of the bread was irresistible, with a hint of butter that made it incredibly fragrant," Max recalled as he held the sandwich in disbelief.

Max's curiosity drove him to enhance the sandwich further by adding 1kg each of roast pork, roast duck, and offal. The task of assembling this gastronomic giant required the assistance of three restaurant employees, who meticulously layered cucumber, special meat sauce, roasted meats, onions, and chili within the immense loaf.

Weighing over 5kg upon completion, the sandwich posed a logistical challenge due to its size and weight. Max disclosed that the total cost amounted to 1,260,000 VND, primarily attributed to the generous 3kg of meat used, priced according to the restaurant's menu.

Sampling the roast meats, Max remarked: "The exterior was wonderfully crispy and rich with flavor," affirming why the shop has maintained its popularity over the years.

In a gesture of community spirit, Max decided not to indulge in the sandwich alone but to share it with others. After carefully packaging the oversized creation, he generously gifted it to a sanitation worker he encountered on the streets.

"My intention was to cut and share it with many people, but I trusted she would spread the joy among her friends and family," Max explained.

The shop, specializing in roast duck and roast pork, has been a staple in Tan Binh for more than two decades. The enormous sandwiches, imported from a family-owned factory, are displayed daily across four locations, ensuring freshness and quality.

Leftover portions of the oversized bread are either distributed among customers or donated to charitable causes, reflecting the shop's commitment to community welfare.

While some diners praise the shop's innovative approach to attracting patrons, others express concerns about maintaining the traditional qualities of bread at such a scale.

The oversized bread captured in awe by Max McFarlin during his culinary exploration in HCM City. Photo by Max McFarlin

Three employees collaborate to assemble the gigantic loaf at the renowned roast meat shop. Photo by Max McFarlin

Each loaf measures over 60cm in length and weighs more than 2kg.

Linh Trang