Ana B.Between the satisfyingly crunchy crust, juicy marinated meat and aromatic coriander, is there anything not to like about bahn mi?
Other than being supremely delicious and notably cheap, this baguette-sized bite is a great way to pick up your energy levels after a long day of sightseeing. As one of the most ubiquitous Vietnamese dishes, you won’t have trouble finding bahn mi regardless of where you find yourself in Ho Chi Minh City.
Still, it might be helpful to know where to go when you want to experience this mouthwatering Saigon snack at its finest.
1. My Bahn Mi
Image credit: My Bahn Mi
Despite being located smack in the middle of HCMC’s busiest tourist area, My Bahn Mi offers a cosy atmosphere, where you will likely be munching on your banh mi to the sounds of wistful 1960’s Asian pop tunes. The sandwich comes with different types of meat and toppings, which mean you can order your banh mi with slow-cooked beef striploin, teriyaki chicken or even pork kimchi.
Address: 57 Nguyen Du Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa
A favourite among backpackers and locals alike, the Huynh Hoa is great if you’re looking for something simple and easy. Filled with refreshing vegetables and yummy cold cuts, a tasty bahn mi from this authentic stall is a great option for those looking for a quick bite on the go. They also make their own chilli, so be sure to ask for it if you want an extra kick to your sandwich.
Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3. Banh Mi Hong Hoa
Image credit: Banh Mi Hong Hoa
If you happen to be feeling particularly hungry, head over to this authentic little banh mi joint and you won’t have to ask for seconds, since the portions tend to be more generous than in most places. At Hong Hoa, they bake their own bread, so you can rest assured that your sandwich will be extra fresh and crunchy.
Address: 62 Nguyen Van Trang Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
4. Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai
You will always find a line in front of this iconic bahn mi stand. And for good reason too – their baguettes are always fresh and the toppings seem to be tastier and more varied with every bite. Their key ingredient are the small patties of flavorful meat grilled on the spot, which will definitely make this bahn mi worth the wait.
Address: 37 Nguyen Trai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
5. L’Usine
Image credit: L’Usine
Bahn mi might be a street food staple in Ho Chi Minh City, but sometimes you just want to experience that upmarket feel. In this case, head over to L’Usine, a concept store-meets-restaurant where you can feast on delicious baguette sandwiches and Vietnamese coffee in both comfort and style.
Address:
L’Usine Le Than Ton: 19 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
L’Usine Dong Khoi: 151/5 Dong Khoi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
L’Usine Le Loi: 70B Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
