I’ll never forget the first time I tried a banh mi in Vancouver. I was skeptical at first, not knowing what to expect. But as soon as I took a bite, I was hooked. The crisp baguette, the fresh vegetables, the savory protein—it was a flavor explosion in my mouth.
From that day on, I’ve been on a quest to find the best banh mi in the city. In Vancouver, we’re absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to these Vietnamese gems!
Just a warning: after this list, you’ll be daydreaming about pickled carrots and pate for days. Let’s get started!
DD Mau
– Media from ddmau_chinatown
Address: 145 E Pender St
Contact details: +1 604-558-4641
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-9PM
Pricing: $$
DD Mau opened its doors in 2018, bringing the vibrant flavours of Vietnam’s streets to Vancouver. This place took off from its Yaletown beginnings, and now with an expanded menu in Chinatown, it’s become the go-to for both classic and creative banh mi.
Their baguettes are baked fresh daily, ensuring that signature crunch with every sandwich. Plus, DD Mau offers gluten-free and vegan options, making it accessible for all types of eaters.
If you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, their rice bowls and salad rolls are equally flavour-packed alternatives. The fresh pickled veggies and house-made hot sauce elevate every bite, and the chic, modern vibe makes it a great spot for a quick meal.
Pro tip: That lemongrass chicken banh mi will be stuck in your food memory, so make sure you try it. Get the extra hot sauce, if you dare! |
Viet Sub Vietnamese Cuisine
– Media from vietsub.robson___
Address: 520 Robson St
Contact details: +1 604-569-3099
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-8PM
Pricing: $
If you’re stumbling out of downtown Vancouver after a night of fun, you’ll find yourself grateful for Viet Sub. The Deep-Fried Chicken Sub is a must – a crispy, juicy patty tucked into a soft, yet satisfying crunchy baguette.
It’s the kind of sandwich that’ll have you wondering why you don’t eat it for breakfast too. Their menu also features vegetarian-friendly options, including a tofu banh mi that’s just as flavourful as the meaty ones.
That first bite might just make you rethink your priorities for the day. With quick service and a solid variety of protein options, this is the place to fuel up without breaking the bank.
Pro tip: And if you’re in a hurry, don’t worry, as they have grab-and-go options for a speedy lunch. The BBQ pork banh mi is another surefire hit for those seeking a flavour-packed punch in their lunch. |
Banh Mi Saigon
– Media from banh.mi.saigon
Address: 5397 Victoria Dr
Contact details: +1 604-876-2222
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-7PM
Pricing: $
At Banh Mi Saigon, simplicity and flavour reign supreme. You’re greeted with freshly baked baguettes and a menu that’s straight to the point, but packed with goodness.
Their sandwiches, like the Grilled Pork Banh Mi, come with all the trimmings—homemade mayo, pickled veggies, cilantro, and a cheeky slice of jalapeno for that kick. It’s a bite of Saigon right here in Vancouver.
The baguettes are baked fresh daily, ensuring each bite has that perfect crunch, and the portions are generous enough to keep you satisfied without breaking the bank. For those with a sweet tooth, the Pandan Jelly (Chè Bánh Lọt) is a refreshing way to end your meal.
And if you’re looking to take your lunch on the go, they offer quick, efficient service for grab-and-go orders.
Pro tip: Make sure to grab a Steamed Pork Bun along with your banh mi, the perfect combo of savoury and satisfying. |
Pho Goodness
– Media from phogoodness604
Address: 3079 Main St
Contact details: +1 604-559-9511
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-10PM
Pricing: $$
Website
Menu
Pho Goodness has been warming bellies in Vancouver since 2011, bringing homestyle Vietnamese cooking to Davie Street. What started as a humble spot serving pho and banh mi has grown into a local favourite.
It’s no wonder they’ve been featured in the Best Of City Westender Magazine for their top-tier pho and Vietnamese cuisine multiple times. This place nails the comfort food vibe, serving hearty bowls of pho, banh mi, and rice dishes that hit the spot every time.
With a second location on Main Street, they’ve cemented themselves as a go-to for West End residents and beyond.
Pro tip: Their pho has earned serious bragging rights, so don’t leave without slurping up a bowl of their beefy goodness. |
Linh Café
– Media from linhcafe_yvr
Address: 15 Granville Bridge
Contact details: +1 604-559-4668
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-10PM
Pricing: $$$
Linh Café has moved on from its humble Kitsilano roots to its new upscale digs at Vancouver House, bringing along its famed French-Vietnamese fusion with a modern twist.
The menu here runs the gamut, from affordable favourites like their spicy Bánh Mì Cay Hải Phòng – crunchy baguette sticks slathered in pork liver pate and hot sauce – to the more extravagant dishes like a $99 lobster.
If you want something light, their Gỏi Cuốn, or shrimp salad rolls, are a fresh and herby option. But for a more indulgent bite, their Bánh Mì Cay Hải Phòng, with a minimum order of three sticks, is a must for those craving a spicy kick.
Pro tip: For a balance between French elegance and Vietnamese street food, start with the spicy Bánh Mì Cay Hải Phòng and round off with their indulgent Nem Spring Rolls. |
The Bliss Banh Mi
– Media from theblissbanhmi
Address: 1612 W 1st Ave
Contact details: +1 604-555-2525
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-8PM
Pricing: $
The Bliss Banh Mi lives up to its name, delivering delicious Vietnamese sandwiches. With a wide selection of classic options like Crispy Roasted Pork and unique offerings like their Beef Stew Banh Mi, there’s something for every kind of sandwich lover here.
Prices range from a wallet-friendly $7.50 to $12.50, making it one of the most affordable Vietnamese sandwich spots in Vancouver without sacrificing taste or quality. But the magic doesn’t stop with banh mi.
The Bliss Banh Mi also offers a variety of other dishes, including Hainanese Chicken Rice, Vietnamese coffee (served both hot and iced), and salads, giving you plenty of options if you’re in the mood for something different.
And if you’re planning a special event, their catering service provides gourmet versions of their favourites, ensuring your guests can indulge in all the Vietnamese flavours they love.
Pro tip: For a hearty and flavour-packed option, go for the Crispy Roasted Pork Banh Mi, and be sure to try their Hainanese Chicken Rice on your next visit. |
Banh Mi Bar
– Media from downtownnewwest
Address: 722 Carnarvon St, New Westminster
Contact details: +1 604-558-1178
Operating Hours: Mon – Fri 9AM-5PM
Pricing: $
Website
Banh Mi Bar has one thing on its mind – delivering banh mi that satisfies both the belly and the soul. Even your friend from Vietnam would give it a thumbs up.
Their bread has the perfect crunch-to-softness ratio, making it a bite that doesn’t hurt your mouth but leaves you craving more. The fillings? Generous with the meat, pate, and a secret sauce that elevates it beyond your average sandwich.
And if you’re feeling extra peckish, you can add extra meat for $1.50 or splurge on more pate for just 50 cents.At $6.75, these sandwiches are a steal, though some say the fillings have become a bit leaner.
If you’re picky about your portions, the add-on options will help keep things delicious and balanced.
Pro tip: For just a bit more, the extra pate is totally worth it! |
Obanhmi
– Media from obanhmishop
Address: 2250 Kingsway
Contact details: +1 604-423-3388
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-9PM
Pricing: $$
Website
Menu
Obanhmi brings the taste of Vietnam’s streets straight to Vancouver. This is where you’ll find signature banh mi sandwiches, rolls, and iced coffee – all served up with a smile.
The Deluxe Classic, stuffed with house-made pate, Vietnamese mayo, jambon, and extra-lean pork belly, is one for the books. But they don’t stop there. Obanhmi caters to everyone, offering options for meat lovers, vegetarians, vegans, and even halal-friendly bites.
Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying the Deluxe Classic, it’s the epitome of what makes a banh mi legendary! |
Saigon Bites
– Media from foodiecole
Address: 1673 Renfrew St
Contact details: +1 604-555-1212
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-8PM
Pricing: $
Saigon Bites may look like your typical fast-casual Vietnamese joint, but one bite of their signature banh mi will tell you there’s something special going on here. Known for their take on the Vietnamese meatball sandwich, the Xíu mại variety is a local favourite.
These tender, flavour-packed meatballs are nestled into a crunchy baguette and paired with fresh veggies and their house-made sauces, offering a taste explosion that makes every bite better than the last.
If you’re after something lighter, Saigon Bites has you covered with their mini, “breakfast-size” banh mi, perfect for a quick snack or lighter lunch. But the sandwich offerings are just the beginning.
Their drink menu boasts creative twists like pandan and ube lattes that add a hint of sweetness and colour to your caffeine fix, while the Vietnamese egg coffee is a rich, velvety treat. And if you’re looking for a cool refreshment, both locations now offer bubble tea in a range of flavours.
Pro tip: The Xíu mại banh mi is a must-try for those seeking a heartier, more indulgent experience, and be sure to pair it with one of their signature lattes for a perfect meal. |
Ba Le Sandwich Shop
– Media credit: valiciouskitchen
Address: 638 Main St
Contact details: +1 604-872-3373
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-7PM
Pricing: $
Ba Le Sandwich Shop is a true institution in Vancouver, with over three decades of serving up banh mi that locals swear by. Their success comes down to two things: keeping it simple and keeping it fresh.
You can practically hear the crunch as you bite into the bread, while the flavours inside are perfectly balanced between savoury meats, tangy pickled veggies, and creamy pate.
The signature sandwiches at Ba Le are their calling card.
Viet ham, cold cuts, and their secret house-made pate create a unique sandwich experience that brings people back time and again.
Pro tip: The signature Viet ham and cold cuts banh mi is the sandwich to order if you want a taste of their decades-long tradition of perfecting this classic Vietnamese delight. |
Bonjour Banh Mi
– Media credit: seefoodstagram
Address: 5556 Cambie St
Contact details: +1 604-555-1212
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-6PM
Pricing: $
Bonjour Banh Mi may not shout for attention, but its flavours speak loud and clear. This small, cosy spot is a favourite among locals who crave authentic, no-frills Vietnamese banh mi, and it’s easy to see why.
Their classic grilled pork banh mi is a hit, featuring perfectly marinated pork, pickled daikon and carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeno to give it just the right amount of kick.
The in-house made pate and mayo elevate these sandwiches from good to great, adding that creamy richness you want from a proper banh mi.
Pro tip: First-timers should go for the grilled pork banh mi, it’s a crowd-pleaser, and for the best experience, visit during off-peak hours to avoid the lunchtime rush. |