Best Bánh mì in Ho Chi Minh City – Top Locations & Local Favorite
Bánh mì is a must-try street food in Vietnam, and you’ll easily find the best bánh mì in Ho Chi Minh City, where it’s known for its crispy crust, soft interior, and flavorful fillings. In this article, Lua Viet Tours will guide you through highlights of the top bánh mì spots, must-try variations, and expert tips to help you enjoy this Vietnamese classic. Whether you’re a street food lover or a first-time visitor to the city, get ready to explore Saigon’s top bánh mì experiences!
You should try best banh mi of Ho Chi Minh City (Image Source: 86m2)
What Makes Bánh mì in Ho Chi Minh City Special?
Bánh mì has become more than just a sandwich, it is now a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine recognized worldwide. Alongside pho and ao dai, “bánh mì” has been officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary since March 24, 2011.
Moreover, Ho Chi Minh City is known for its vibrant street food culture, and bánh mì is one of the most accessible dishes. You can find bánh mì stalls on nearly every street corner, from small vendors to well-established bakeries. Unlike in Hanoi, where bánh mì is often seen as a quick breakfast or snack, in Ho Chi Minh City, it is enjoyed throughout the day, making it a go-to meal for both locals and tourists.
Banh mi is listed in the Oxford English Dictionary (Image Source: Internet)
Where to eat the Best Bánh mì in Ho Chi Minh City
Whether you prefer a classic cold-cut bánh mì or something more unique, here are some must-visit bánh mì shops in Saigon, complete with addresses, opening hours, and prices. In particular, you can easily find the best bánh mì in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
1. Bánh mì Huynh Hoa
Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: 58,000 VND ($2.50 USD)
Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa is the most well-known bánh mì shop in Ho Chi Minh City, famous for its overloaded sandwiches packed with layers of cold cuts, pâté, pork floss, and rich butter sauce. Although it’s pricier than other bánh mì stalls, the size and flavor make it worth every penny. Be prepared for long lines, especially during peak hours!
You could be surprised by the crowded queue at the famous banh mi shop (Image Source: Internet)
2. Bánh mì Bảy Hổ
Address: 23 Huynh Khuong Ninh, Đa Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Price: 15,000 – 20,000 VND ($0.60 – $0.80 USD)
Bánh mì Bảy Hổ is one of the oldest and most iconic bánh mì stalls in Ho Chi Minh City, serving authentic Saigon-style bánh mì for over a century. Bánh mì Bảy Hổ is one of the oldest and most iconic bánh mì stalls in Ho Chi Minh City, serving authentic Saigon-style bánh mì for over a century.
Despite its small size and no-frills setup, Bánh mì Bảy Hổ remains a local favorite and a must-visit spot for those wanting to try a classic, time-honored Saigon bánh mì.
Bánh mì Bảy Hổ (Image Source: Internet)
3. Bánh mì Như Lan
Address: 50 Ham Nghi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price: 30,000 – 45,000 VND (~$1.20 – $1.80 USD)
Bánh mì Như Lan is one of the oldest and most respected bánh mì bakeries in Ho Chi Minh City. It offers a wide variety of bánh mì fillings, from traditional cold cuts to grilled pork and seafood options. The bread here is always freshly baked, making it a great choice for those who appreciate quality bread.
The favorite Như Lan banh mi shop of most locals here (Image Source: Internet)
4. Bánh mì Hòa Mã
Address: 53 Cao Thang, Ward 3, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Breakfast only)
Price: 50,000 VND ($2 USD)
The only “candidate” in our list that originated from District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, is Bánh mì Hòa Mã. Unlike traditional bánh mì stalls, the bánh mì shop serves bánh mì chảo – a plate of sunny-side-up eggs, Vietnamese sausages, ham, and a crispy baguette on the side. It’s a popular breakfast spot for those looking for a hot, sit-down meal instead of a grab-and-go sandwich.
Bánh mì Hòa Mã – The top destination for breakfast at Saigon (Image Source: Thanh Nien)
5. Bánh mì Thịt nướng hẻm 39
Address: 39 Nguyen Trai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND (~$0.80 – $1.20 USD)
If you love grilled meat, this hidden street stall in an alley off Nguyen Trai Street is a must-visit. The marinated pork is grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky, slightly sweet flavor, perfectly complemented by a crispy baguette and fresh herbs.
The hidden but popular banh mi street stall located at Nguyen Trai Street (Image Source: Internet)
Different Types of Vietnamese Bánh mì in Ho Chi Minh City
Whether you grab a quick bite from a street-side vendor or indulge in a sandwich from a renowned bakery, finding delicious bánh mì in Ho Chi Minh City is effortless.
Bánh mì thịt nguội (Traditional cold cut bánh mì)
This is the most classic and widely recognized version of bánh mì in almost every corner of the country, featuring a delicious combination of Vietnamese cold cuts, pâté, and fresh vegetables. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the richness of the meat and pâté complemented by the crunch of pickled vegetables and crispy bread.
Bánh mì heo quay (Roast pork bánh mì)
If you love crispy, flavorful pork, bánh mì heo quay is a must-try! This version features crispy-skinned roast pork (heo quay), paired with fresh herbs and a sweet-savory sauce. The contrast between the crunchy pork skin and the soft, chewy bread makes it an unforgettable experience.
Roast pork banh mi will complete the exotic experience for any traveler! (Image Source: Internet)
Bánh mì xíu mại (Bánh mì with meatball)
For those who love rich, saucy sandwiches, bánh mì xíu mại is the perfect choice. This version includes juicy, Vietnamese-style pork meatballs (xíu mại) coated in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. The sauce soaks into the bread, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Meat balls with tomato sauce, pairing with banh mi (Image Source: Internet)
Bánh mì chả cá (Bánh mì with fried fish cake)
A specialty in coastal regions and Ho Chi Minh City, bánh mì chả cá features crispy, deep-fried fish cakes (chả cá) as the main filling. This is a great alternative to meat-based bánh mì, offering a light, flavorful taste with a crunchy texture.
Fried fish cake banh mi (Image Source: Internet)
Bánh mì phá lấu (Braised pork offal bánh mì)
For adventurous eaters, bánh mì phá lấu is a rich, flavorful variation filled with braised pork intestines, stomach, and ears cooked in a fragrant coconut milk-based sauce. This version has a bold, umami-packed taste that pairs perfectly with fresh herbs and bread.
Braised pork offal banh mi (Image Source: Internet)
Bánh mì Kebab (Turkish-Vietnamese fusion bánh mì)
A unique fusion of Vietnamese and Middle Eastern flavors, bánh mì kebab combines shaved doner kebab-style meat with fresh herbs and sauces, served in a Vietnamese baguette. This modern twist on bánh mì is a favorite among young locals and travelers.
Turkish-Vietnamese fusion banh mi (Image Source: Internet)
Vegetarian bánh mì
For those looking for a meat-free option, vegetarian bánh mì (bánh mì chay) is a delicious alternative. It swaps out meat for tofu, mushrooms, or mock meats while still keeping the classic fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and bold flavors.
A typical vegetarian in Ho Chi Minh City (Image Source: Internet)
>>> Read more: Top 10 Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
FAQs about Bánh mì in Ho Chi Minh City
What is the best time to eat bánh mì?
Bánh mì is available throughout the day, but it’s best in the morning (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM) or evening (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM) when the bread is freshest. Some stalls, like Bánh mì Hòa Mã, only serve in the morning.
What should I drink with bánh mì?
Pairing your bánh mì with the right drink enhances the overall experience, balancing its rich flavors and crispy texture. A popular choice is Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá). You could try it with sugarcane juice, served best with a squeeze of kumquat for extra zest. Or simply pairing bánh mì with iced tea to balance the bold flavors of the dish.
Sugarcane juice, iced coffee with condensed milk, and iced tea, from left to right.
Where can I find halal bánh mì in Ho Chi Minh City?
If you’re looking for halal-friendly bánh mì, try stalls in District 1 or District 5, where many vendors offer chicken, beef, or vegetarian options. Halal Bánh mì is an excellent option near Ben Thanh Market.
>>> Read more: 17 Halal Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City for Muslim Travelers
Is bánh mì in Ho Chi Minh City better than in Hanoi?
Both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offer delicious takes on bánh mì, but the experience differs depending on where you try it. The bread in Ho Chi Minh City is typically softer and airier, while Hanoi’s version is denser and crunchier, giving it a heartier texture. If you enjoy bold, flavorful street food with a variety of fillings, you’ll likely prefer the bánh mì in Ho Chi Minh City!
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh City offers a diverse range of bánh mì options, from the famous Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa with its generous fillings to hidden street stalls serving grilled pork, meatball, and fish cake variations. Your bánh mì taste becomes more delicious when pairing with Vietnamese iced coffee or sugarcane juice for the complete experience. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a returning traveler, exploring the best bánh mì in Ho Chi Minh City is essential.
