When it comes to sandwiches, nothing hits the spot quite like a delicious, refreshing, savoury and umami inducing Bánh Mì.
The Bánh Mì, or Vietnamese sub, can be many things and be made with different ingredients, however there are rules that separate a pretender sandwich from an authentic Bánh Mì.
During the time in which Vietnam was under French settler colonial rule, from the late 1800s to 1954, they introduced the Vietnamese to their cuisine which included baguettes, butter, cheese, French cured meats and pâté.
Following French rule, the Vietnamese took all these things and made them better by introducing some of their own favourite staples including mayonnaise, chilis, daikon, carrots, cilantro and more.
Now, the modern day Vietnamese sub must have a combination of these two cultures’ ingredients in order to be a true Bánh Mì.
It must be on a baguette, and typically contains mayonnaise, pickled carrot and daikon, fresh cucumber soy or maggi seasoning, pâté and some kind of pork protein (although they can be made with any protein or vegetarian) and a healthy dose of cilantro as a garnish.
Victoria Buzz posed the question to our followers as to who makes the best Bánh Mì in the region and between numerous suggestions, seven restaurants came up frequently.
Here are seven places to get yourself an amazing Bánh Mì Vietnamese sandwich in Greater Victoria:
Banh Mi Ba Le
This was the number one voted place to get a Bánh Mì in Victoria according to those who contributed to our poll.
Right in the heart of downtown, Banh Mi Ba Le is thought to be the most true-to-form Vietnamese sub spot in town.
They have plenty of options, some of which are innovative and happen to be vegan!
- Where: 774 Fort Street
- When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday
- Approximate cost: $8.50 to $11.25
Saigon Char-Broil
Another heavily suggested location for Bánh Mì in Victoria and with several locations to boot!
They are serving classic Bánh Mì from Esquimalt, Tillicum and even Hillside Mall and are among some of the cheapest subs on this list with a range of options.
- Where:
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- Tillicum – 3170 Tillicum Road
- Esquimalt – 1205 Esquimalt Road
- Hillside Mall – 1644 Hillside Avenue
- When: Hours vary depending on location
- Approximate cost: $12
Alyssa’s Pho & Bahn Mi Diner
The number two most suggested Bánh Mì spot in town, Alyssa’s is well-known to anyone looking to get their Bánh Mì or pho fix.
They make a mean classic Bánh Mì and also have an extensive list of other Vietnamese subs, all on the crunchiest, best baguette available in the city.
- Where: 2630 Quadra Street A
- When: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily
- Approximate cost: $11.45
Le Pho
Le Pho has a wide array of Vietnamese dishes which includes a variety of Bánh Mì and other sub sandwiches.
Pick from a classic Vietnamese cold cut, grilled lemongrass chicken, garlic pork patty, lemongrass pork or crispy tofu, all topped with the classic Bánh Mì fixings.
- Where: #103, 1990 Fort Street
- When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
- Approximate cost: $11
Tombo
Tombo is a new spot in town that was opened by one of the owners of Crust Bakery, so you know their baguette is going to be on point.
Theirs is done with all the classic toppings of a Bánh Mì, which includes one of the best pâtés in the city. However, for protein they do a contemporary take on the Bánh Mì with a house-made grilled pork sausage.
- Where: 732 Yates Street
- When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
- Approximate cost: $19
Phonomenal Cafe
A stone’s throw away from UVic, Phonomenal serves Saanich Vietnamese classics with pride and joy.
They have a handful of options in the way of Bánh Mì. They have a classic cold cut option, veggie, grilled pork, grilled beef, grilled pork or BBQ pork.
- Where: 3749 Shelbourne Street, Suite 219
- When: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
- Approximate cost: $9.50
Pho Tru
Definitely the cheapest option for a Bánh Mì, or a Saigon sub as they call it and no quality is sacrificed to make these subs delicious.
Their subs are topped with pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, jalapenos, cilantro, white onion and lime sriracha aioli and come with your choice of protein.
Here, customers have eight options which include, cold cuts, shredded chicken with pâté, grilled lemongrass pork, lemongrass chicken, lemongrass steak, garlic pork sausage, tofu or BBQ brisket.
- Where:
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- Downtown – 1012 Blanshard Street
- Mayfair Mall – 3147 Douglas Street
- When: Hours vary depending on location
- Approximate cost: $8.50
Did we miss one of your favourite Bánh Mì or Vietnamese sub destinations in Greater Victoria?
Let us know in the comments!
