A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

Relishing In The Crusty Delights Of ‘Banh Mi Saigon’ On Victoria Drive

Banh-Mi-Saigon

Banh Mi Saigon on Victoria Drive is a relatively new contender in the forever ongoing “which is best” banh mi debate (if Vancouver could ever have a great sandwich discourse, it would be over this simple Vietnamese wonder). Despite many worthy competitors, the sandwiches at this unassuming East Van corner spot off Jones Park are well worth the jaunt up the hill.

The sign of a quality banh mi begins with the bread, which is properly an airy baguette of the style appropriated by the Vietnamese (during the French colonial period). Its blend of rice and wheat flour gives it a uniquely crunchy, toothsome crust. Banh Mi Saigon has their bread game dialled, baking the stuff in-house and serving it fresh. I suggest their fully loaded banh mi dac biet (a house special) with ham, headcheese, meatball, Vietnamese meatloaf, cucumber, carrot, pickled radish, cilantro, a smear of spiced pate and a drizzle of soy. The crusty bread harmonizes and synthesizes the generous medley of cold-cuts — they don’t call it “special” for nothing.

It’s nearly impossible to eat a good banh mi sandwich without feeling a bit like Hansel or Gretel, leaving behind you a light dusting of baguette crust with every bite. Relish in the delicious mess, and if/when you commit to follow the crumbs back, be sure to get there early as they sometimes run out of bread well before closing time!

Banh Mi Saigon | 5397 Victoria Drive | EAST VAN | 7am – 7pm

  • Vietnamese cold cuts
  • Taking Orders
  • House Special
  • Fully loaded banh mi
  • Friendly staff
  • Freshly baked baguette
  • Drizzle of Soy
  • Banh Mi ready to go
  • Crumbs
  • Banh Mi Saigon

EXPLORE THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD 

There is 1 comment

Richmond’s Mr. Fish Man Wants to Fill Your Belly and Numb Your Face

Scout's "Never Heard of It" series continues with some delicious explorations at a Golden Village hotspot.

Curious About the Delicious World of Filipino Fried Chicken? Here’s a Great Place to Start…

Fernando Medrano continues the "Never Heard Of It" series with a dive into the deliciousness of Win Win Chick-N in Steveston Village.

Digging North Vietnamese Deliciousness at East Van’s New ‘Hanoi Old Quarter’

The new restaurant on Victoria Drive comes to us from Rose Nguyen and Hong Duong, the duo behind the award-winning Mr. Red Cafe.

Finding Deliciousness Next to a Sex Shop and Under a Confusing Awning

Though it might not be the easiest restaurant to find, the unassuming Chong Qing Xiao Mian on Kingsway is definitely worth looking for.