It seems that nearly every country has its own version of a savory, stuffed pastry. There are turnovers, empanadas, pasties, piroshkis and calzones, to name just a few. But the Vietnamese, whose cuisine is heavily influenced by the French, have a true stuffed standout. It’s called pâté chaud, or “hot pastry,” and you’ll find them for $1 each at the Vietnamese-run Parisian Bakery 2 & Café (8200 Wilcrest, 281-495-8150). The flakiest of pastry is formed into the shape of a hat with a large semicircle on top, similar to the French vol-au-vent. It’s brushed with an egg glaze and then baked. Served warm, the pâté chaud crumbles as you eat it. Stuffed with a gently spiced filling of pork, onion and garlic, it’s reminiscent of an English pork pie, making it an even more multicultural snack.
This article appears in Jan 31 – Feb 6, 2002.