Bangkok has a significant amount of Vietnamese restaurants, and while bread isn’t one of our main food groups, there are a few spots that serve up a mean banh mi, too. Homemade bread, fresh pickles, and plenty of pate: here’s where to find the best banh mi in Bangkok.
In a city that often defers to noodles and rice over baguettes, banh mi is a sight less common. You can get good pho in a lot of Vietnamese restaurants or even street spots, and you can get summer rolls, naem nueng, and spring rolls very easily, too. Banh mi, however, presents a bit more of a challenge. While we know and love a lot of Vietnamese spots in the city, we sought out to see who makes the best fresh bread rolls and a mean banh mi. A lot of them serve some real Vietnamese drip coffee, too.
First things first: What is banh mi?
Banh Mi is a type of Vietnamese sandwich, consisting of a light baguette that is most commonly filled with meats and pate. These are contrasted with pickles (often carrots, cucumber, and daikon), as well as fresh herbs like cilantro or fresh chilies. The sauce that brings it all together may vary, whether it be a chili sauce, mayonnaise, or even Maggi.
Banh Mi is beloved for its harmony of flavours, bringing together fatty, rich, and savoury meats with fresh, tangy, and spicy herbs. A good banh mi is defined by a good balance of these elements, as well as a thin and airy baguette to hold it all together. If it is slightly crumbly and cracks when you bite into it, this is just right.
[Hero and Featured Image Credit: Song Viet at Song Wat]
Where to find the best banh mi in Bangkok
Pho 14
Pho 14 Original Viet Cuisine and Coffee Shop is known among friends as ‘Pho 14,’ and rather famous for their banh mi sandwiches. A reliable Vietnamese restaurant that has been open for years, here you can choose between French or Vietnamese bread for your banh mi. Fillings range from the classic pork sausage and pork belly, over to beef, chicken, plant-based, or even pho. Not sure what that is? It’s time to find out.
Location: 297, 437 Sathu Pradit 19, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok
Opening times: Daily, 10am-10pm
Price range: THB 200-260/sandwich (RM26 – RM34)
More Info: Pho 14
Song Viet at Song Wat
There’s hardly anywhere more trendy to be than Song Wat, and if you’re in the area with a hankering for banh mi, check out Song Viet. The colourful ambience delivers a lot in good branding points, with small plastic stools and tables for seating. The banh mi menu spans stir-fried beef, char siu pork, and fish cake, as well as a dessert version that comes with classic sweet dipping sauces.
Location: 819 Song Wat Road, Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Opening times: Tues-Sun, 11am-9pm
Price range: From THB 159/sandwich (RM20)
More Info: Song Viet at Song Wat
Pho Aroi
Their pho may be aroi, but their banh mi is pretty solid, too. Located in Bang Na, Pho Aroi serves up authentic Saigon-style dishes, from a special XL beef pho over to egg rolls, pancakes, and broken rice. Their banh mi is popular, and options include ham or grilled pork.
Location: 224 Debaratna Road, Bang Na, Bangkok
Opening times: Daily, 9.30am-8pm
More Info: Pho Aroi
Kao Piak Sen
After you’ve tried the kao piak sen at Kao Piak Sen, leave some space for the banh mi, too. Their banh mi sandwiches can be made with regular or panini bread, and each option also boasts a mini version. Toppings are more adventurous here, from the pulled pork or pate traditional, over to a fiery picanha version. To pair, you can opt for Hanoi Egg Yolk Coffee or Hue Iced Salted Coffee, too.
Location: There are two branches in Bangkok: Ekkamai Corner and Gaysorn Amarin
Price range: From THB 279/sandwich (RM36)
More Info: Kao Piak Sen
Non La
Newly opened at theCOMMONS Sala Daeng, Non La is a vibrant and casual eatery that showcases Vietnamese flavours through a slightly more modern lens. Their banh mi selection includes spicy pork patties, crispy chicken, beef, and lemongrass chicken, and can be ordered easily for delivery, too.
Location: 126 Sala Daeng Road, Silom, Bangkok
Opening times: Daily, 11am-10pm
Price range: From THB 290/sandwich (RM38)
More Info: Non La
Banh Mi Nem
The other side of the river sees quite a few Vietnamese restaurants, and while mostly casual, they pack a fine flavour. At Banh Mi Nem, diners commend the fresh bread rolls, and banh mi options include the ‘full topping’ (pate, pork floss, steamed sausage, ham, roasted pork, and fried egg), a mixed ham version, and a fried fish version. Adorable mini sandwiches are also available, priced from THB 60 for three mini banh mis.
Location: 186, 10 Thoet Thai 33, Dao Khanong, Thonburi, Bangkok
Opening times: Daily, 11am-2pm, and 3-9.30pm
Price range: THB 70-100/sandwich (RM9 – RM13)
More Info: Banh Mi Nem
Pho Nakhon Phanom
While pho is also mentioned in the name of this beef noodle spot, their banh mi is among the best in Bangkok. A tell-tale sign? The rows of fresh baguettes in the storefront, just like in Vietnam. In fact, the bread is highly commended at Pho Nakhon Phanom, and is definitely a highlight. There are four different variations available here, too.
Location: 126 Sukhonthasawat Road, Lat Phrao, Bangkok
Opening times: Daily, 7.30am-5.30pm
Price range: THB 50-70/sandwich (RM7 -RM9)
More Info: Pho Nakhon Phanom
Bun Me & More
This one’s more like a banh mi version of a fast food restaurant, and you can even get nuggets, fries, and egg rolls to accompany your banh mi. It’s a good choice for those who like options, because they’ve got plenty. Traditional, pork belly, grilled beef, lemongrass chicken, and tuna make up some of the main choices, all of which can be ordered in a set menu with soda to pair.
Location: 59 Sukhumvit 56, Phra Khanong, Bangkok
Opening times: Daily, 10am-7.30pm
Price range: From THB 244 (RM32)
More Info: Bun Me & More
This story first appeared here.