Best Banh Mi in Saigon: 7 Places For Authentic Experience

One of the traditional, characteristic dishes of Vietnam, Banh mi has long become familiar and is a popular dish that many people love. The combination of bread with meat, vegetables, sauce, and various other ingredients has created a distinctive Vietnamese Banh mi that is incredibly delicious. Let’s follow in my footsteps all over Saigon to find the top 10 best Banh Mi shops!

Banh Mi Huynh Hoa:

Located on Le Thi Rieng Street in District 1, Banh Mi Huynh Hoa stands out as a must-visit for banh mi enthusiasts. Renowned as one of Saigon’s most famous banh mi shops, it offers a diverse range of fillings, including pork floss, cold cuts, and special sauces. What sets Banh Mi Huynh Hoa apart is its fragrant and rich pate, coupled with a generous amount of fillings which includes up to 10 types of meat, such as ham, pork belly, pate, sausage, and cha lua.

Despite the relatively higher prices, starting from 38,000 VND per loaf, the unique taste and quality draw crowds of patrons daily. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is often crowded and busy, especially during peak hours, so be prepared to wait in line and pay in advance.

Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price Range: From 38,000 VND (about 1.7 USD) per loaf

Nguyen Sinh Banh Mi:

Established in 1982, Nguyen Sinh Banh Mi, named after the owner’s second son, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Vietnamese street food. The unique experience at this banh mi haven involves a plate of mixed fillings, featuring pate, liver sausage, ham, smoked pork, and pickled vegetables.

The restaurant’s signature dish is a delectable combo featuring an array of premium ingredients, including chả lụa (Vietnamese pork sausage), chả bông (shredded pork), and assorted cold cuts. What sets this banh mi Nguyen Sinh apart is the inclusion of a distinctive pâté crafted from chicken liver, bestowing a rich and unparalleled flavor. The exceptional quality of the ingredients, with the chicken liver pâté as a standout, has played a pivotal role in cementing the restaurant’s esteemed reputation.

Address: Located at 141 Tran Duy Xuong, District 1,
Opening Hours: Nguyen Sinh Banh Mi opens its doors from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily

Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai:

Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai stands as a venerable and traditional Banh Mi spot in Saigon. Located at 37 Nguyen Trai, District 1, it distinguishes itself from other Banh Mi vendors on Nguyen Trai Street. This cart has been serving since 1980, gaining renown for its exceptional grilled pork Banh Mi.

Crafted with marinated pork, onions, cucumber, cilantro, and soy sauce, the pork is expertly grilled over charcoal, imparting a delightful smoky and charred flavor. The bread is toasted to perfection, boasting a crisp texture that complements the juicy and savory filling. With a satisfying medium-sized portion, it proves ideal for both lunch and dinner. Given its popularity, Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai tends to sell out by evening, emphasizing the importance of arriving early to relish their fresh and piping-hot Banh Mi.

Address: Located at 37 Nguyen Trai, District 1
Opening Hours: 16:00 – 21:00
Price Range: The price is 20,000 VND (about 0.9 USD) per Banh Mi, which is fair and reasonable.

Banh Mi Bay Ho:

With a history of over 80 years, Banh Mi Bay Ho seamlessly fuses tradition with modern tastes. This timeless establishment has perfected the art of banh mi, offering a crispy crust, a soft and moist interior, and a flavorful filling that includes ham, vegetables, and the secret pate.

The specially ordered banh mi boasts a pleasantly crispy crust and a soft, moist crumb. The aromatic, tender meat filling carries the delicate essence of expert cooking, with attention paid to time and flame to capture the authentic taste of a cherished family recipe. As for the pork roll, its irresistible crunch and savory flavor make Bảy Hổ a name you won’t soon forget.

Address: 19 Huynh Khuong Ninh, District 1
Price Range: Despite its age, Banh Mi Bay Ho remains affordable at 15,000 VND per loaf.
Opening Hours: from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM to savor this culinary gem.

Banh Mi Pew Pew:

Bánh Mì PewPew is a familiar name to the young Vietnamese generation. With its authentic Vietnamese sandwich flavors, combined with hygienic processing and environmentally friendly packaging, PewPew has become one of the outstanding banh mi brands, specializing in breakfast items in Vietnam. The highly recommended items by PewPew customers include grilled chicken with honey, Japanese-style chicken, minced beef pate, and beef with black pepper sauce.

An additional positive aspect of PewPew’s banh mi is the attractive paper packaging and glass wrapping, making it aesthetically pleasing for customers and photography.

However, during peak hours, the shop tends to get crowded, with long lines of customers and delivery drivers waiting to pick up orders. The early opening hours make it convenient for customers to enjoy a PewPew banh mi at any time of the day—whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Address: 84 D5 Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 06:00 AM – 09:00 PM

Papa Banh Mi:

Papa Banh Mi stands as one of the pioneers, with a history spanning over 60 years, making it a beloved establishment in Saigon. This shop is celebrated for its harmonious blend of various ingredients, including pate, butter, fresh cold cuts, and sweet pickles.

The signature mixed filling in a small pan features fried eggs, bologna, pork sausage, and bacon seasoned with pepper, soy sauce, and chili, providing a traditional Saigon banh mi flavor.

Address: 53 Cao Thang, District 3
Opening Hours: 06:00 am – 10:00 pm

Banh Mi Ba Le:

Established in 1985, Banh Mi Ba Le has built a reputation for offering a wide range of high-quality Banh Mi options, including pork, chicken, beef, fish, vegetarian, and vegan varieties. The fillings are fresh, flavorful, and well-seasoned, complemented by crispy yet tender bread.

The portions are generous, making it a satisfying meal or snack. With a focus on cleanliness and modern facilities, Banh Mi Ba Le also excels in customer service with its friendly and helpful staff. Priced at 30,000 VND (approximately 1.3 USD) per Banh Mi, the affordability is justified by the quality and quantity offered.

Address: 93A Cach Mang Thang Tam, District 1
Opening Hours: 07:00 – 21:00

I hope that this article has given you a deeper appreciation and understanding of Saigon’s iconic Banh Mi culture. I also hope that you will explore and savor the best Banh Mi in Saigon, and discover your own favorite and memorable Banh Mi experience. Thank you for reading and happy eating!