This banh mi shop is incredibly popular with locals, with a constant stream of orders. The menu includes English translations, so it seems foreigners visit often as well.
First, you order, but Vietnamese people, unaware of the custom of queuing, often arrive late and shout out their orders. Furthermore, even after ordering, they don't deviate from the order line, waiting at the same spot, making it difficult to tell if they're waiting for their order or their food.
The shop and its customers are a microcosm of the congested streets of Vietnam right in front of the store (lol).
You can either cut in front of the unwell-looking elderly gentleman sitting on a chair to order, or wait until a young male staff member comes outside. People with a strong sense of etiquette might be confused if it's their first time and ordering during a busy time. They'll ask if you want chili peppers when you order. They're quite spicy, so if you don't like spicy food, be sure to mention that when ordering.
We ordered the 35k "Special Banh Mi" and the 25k "Grandma Lan's Banh Mi."
The fillings were mostly the same, but the special had more liver pâté and a generous amount of thick-cut ham. Aunt Lan's banh mi was piled high with cilantro, giving it a wonderful aroma, and the balance between the bread and fillings was excellent, making it easy to eat.
The flavor was mild, just the way I like it, and it was elegantly made so that I could taste the flavor of each ingredient.
The next day, I ordered "Grandma Lan's Banh Mi" again, and the process from ordering to receiving the item was smooth.
Please try this elegant banh mi, which is different from the banh mi in Hanoi with its wide variety of toppings and the voluminous banh mi in Saigon.
