Best Banh Mi In Hoi An Vietnam That You Must Try

Banh mi Hoi An is known as the “best banh mi in the world” and is a popular street food among tourists in Vietnam. However, have you known the original addresses to taste authentic Hoi An banh mi? If not, take note of the following addresses. These places offer the true taste of Hoi An, and I’m confident they won’t disappoint you. Discover them now!

The history of Banh Mi in Vietnam

Banh Mi is a sandwich with a fascinating history. It originated in Vietnam during the late 19th century when the country was under French colonial rule. The locals put their own spin on French bread by making it thinner and lighter, using rice flour instead of wheat flour. They added unique ingredients like pate, butter, cheese, ham, and pickles, creating a special culinary fusion.

In the 1950s, after gaining independence, Banh Mi gained popularity, especially in southern Vietnam, particularly in Saigon, known as Ho Chi Minh City today. It became a beloved street food with a wide variety of meats, vegetables, and flavorful sauces.

Today, Banh Mi has become a beloved sandwich worldwide, cherished for its exceptional quality. It serves as a wonderful representation of Vietnamese culture, history, and diversity.

What is Banh Mi Hoi An and why is it so popular?

Recognized as “the best sandwich in the world” by CNN in 2018, Banh Mi Hoi An is a special dish made with a crusty baguette filled with a delightful combination of meats, vegetables, herbs, sauces, and condiments. A delicious Banh Mi loaf achieves a perfect balance of sweetness, sourness, saltiness, bitterness, and spiciness.

What makes Banh Mi Hoi An so special is not only its mouthwatering taste, but also its affordability, convenience, and versatility. You can easily come across Ban Mi stalls throughout Hoi An, whether in bustling cities or charming little villages, on street corners or in markets. It’s a dish you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and even as a snack anytime during the day.

Where To Find The Best Banh Mi In Hoi An?

No matter what your taste and budget are, you can find a banh mi shop that suits you in Hoi An. Here are some of the best places to eat banh mi in Hoi An that I recommend:

Banh Mi Phuong

Banh Mi Phuong is probably the most famous banh mi shop in Hoi An, if not in Vietnam. It was praised by Anthony Bourdain, the late celebrity chef and travel writer, who called it “a symphony in a sandwich” on his show No Reservations. Since then, Banh Mi Phuong has attracted many tourists and celebrities who want to try the legendary banh mi.

The most popular banh mi at Banh Mi Phuong is the mixed one. It’s packed with delicious ingredients like pork, ham, pate, cheese, egg, cucumber, carrot, radish, cilantro, chili sauce, soy sauce, and mayonnaise.

If you’re ever in Hoi An, you absolutely have to try Banh Mi Phuong. Just be prepared for a potentially long wait, especially during busy times. Also, keep in mind that not all the staff members may speak English fluently, but don’t worry, you can simply point to the menu or use gestures to place your order.

Address: No. 2B, Phan Chau Trinh street, Hoi An city
Opening hours: 6 am – 10 pm
Price: 12 types of banh mi, ranging from 15,000 VND to 35,000 VND (about 0.65 USD to 1.50 USD)

Banh Mi Queen

Banh Mi Queen is a well-known banh mi shop in Hoi An that has been delighting customers for over 30 years. It’s owned by Madam Khanh, who is lovingly called the “Queen of Banh Mi”. She began her business as a street vendor at the age of 17, and now she has her own charming shop on Tran Cao Van Street.

What truly sets Banh Mi Queen apart is Madam Khanh’s secret recipe for her fillings and sauces. She crafts her own pate using pork liver and a blend of spices, makes her own mayo from eggs and oil, and creates her own chili sauce using fresh chilies and garlic. Additionally, she adds special touches to her banh mi, such as green papaya salad and fried onions.

The result is a mouthwatering banh mi with a creamy and flavorful taste complemented by a satisfying crunch and a spicy kick. The bread itself is always fresh and crispy, and you’ll be pleased with the generous portion that’s sure to leave you feeling satisfied.

Address: No. 115, Tran Cao Van Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An
Opening hours: 6.30 am – 7.30 pm
Price: only four types of banh mi available: pork (20,000 VND), chicken (25,000 VND), egg (15,000 VND), or vegetarian (15,000 VND).

Banh Mi Lanh

Banh Mi Lanh is a long-standing banh mi shop in the ancient town of Hoi An. It is located on Le Loi Street, near the central market. But it is not easy to find it because it does not have a sign or a name. You have to look for a small alley next to a pharmacy store, where you will see a lady selling banh mi from a cart.

Her banh mi is memorable for its enticing fragrance, which comes from the combination of char siu, grilled meat, and distinctive pate, prepared according to a traditional family recipe.

Banh Mi Lanh is a spot for people who appreciate authentic and simple banh mi. You can savor a delightful sandwich at very cheap price and get a taste of the local life in Hoi An. Just keep in mind that Banh Mi Lanh may run out of bread or pork rapidly, so it’s best to come early or late to avoid disappointment.

Address: No. 430, Cua Dai Street, Hoi An
Opening hours: 6.00 am – 10.00 am
Price range: 10,000 – 25,000 VND/ loaf

Banh Mi Minh Thu

Different from other bakeries, Minh Thu bread specializes in selling roast pork bread. Initially, the shop was a traditional family roast pork oven passed down through more than 3 generations, so the roast pork at Minh Thu has an irresistible, delicious taste.

The pork meat is seasoned to perfection, roasted to a golden crisp, with crunchy skin and tender, sweet meat. All of this creates a mouthwatering roast pork bread, Hoi An style, enjoyed with fresh herbs, cucumber, and a touch of fragrant salt and pepper.

Address: No. 248 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoi An
Opening hours: 7am – 8pm
Price range: 15,000 – 25,000 VND/loaf

Banh mi Ba Bua

I’m sure you won’t find a special banh mi shop like Banh mi Ba Bua in Hoi An. Apart from the familiar traditional banh mi, Banh mi Ba Bua is famous for a dish that many tourists might not have had the chance to taste: “Bánh mì xôi.”

Surely, the name of this dish is making you very curious, isn’t it? “Bánh mì xôi” is a dish consisting of a fragrant, hot, and crispy bread, served with a bowl of sticky rice. Just hearing about it already sounds enticing and unique, doesn’t it? If you come to Hoi An, look for Banh mi Ba Bua to savor this one-of-a-kind and exclusive dish.

Banh mi Hoi An is not only famous in Vietnam but also well-known globally. It features consistently hot and crispy bread, a satisfyingly chewy interior, a range of tasty fillings, fresh vegetables, and homemade sauce. Banh mi Hoi An has captured the hearts of travelers in a simple yet perfect way. Don’t miss this delicious specialty when you visit the city.