Hanoi, the bustling city and also the capital of Vietnam, is famous for its rich culinary scene. And among the myriad of delicious dishes, it’s no brainer that Banh Mi is the true king. Its perfectly crispy crust, savory fillings, and harmonious blend of ingredients make it itself a must-try for anyone visiting the city.

In this article, Vietnam Adventure will take you on a flavorful journey to the top Bánh mì spots for the best Banh Mi in Hanoi. Give one of some of them a try, and you’ll be done with those McDonald’s hamburgers!

What is Banh Mi?

Right off the bat, Banh Mi, the Vietnamese sandwich, is made with a French Baguette. Introduced to Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) during the French colonial period, Baguette quickly gained popularity in southern cities. Then it didn’t have to wait too long to spread to the north and become a national favorite.

Vietnamese Sandwich - a gem in Vietnamese cuisine
Vietnamese Sandwich – a gem in Vietnamese cuisine

But the star of the show are the fillings, which set Vietnamese sandwiches apart from the rest of the world. Traditionally, Bánh mì is filled with various meats like pork belly, chicken, beef, or sausage along with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables like pickled cucumbers and carrots, and sauces like mayonnaise and chili sauce. 

What Makes Banh Mi so HOT?

Baguette used in Bánh Mì is typically lighter and crispier than traditional French baguettes. It comes in various sizes and is often made with rice flour for a slightly sweet taste and extra crunch.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to fillings, but popular choices include pork belly, beef, chicken, etc, usually marinated in rich, savory sauces. Pickled vegetables, another essential ingredient, are marinated in a mix of vinegar, sugar, and salt, giving them a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Commonly used veggies include carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and daikon radishes.

Did you know that Bánh mì has been listed by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 street foods in the world and was added to the Oxford English Dictionary on March 24, 2011? Despite its international fame, it remains incredibly affordable in Vietnam, costing only about $1 for a generously filled one. Truly, it’s one of the best culinary bargains your money can buy!

A Couple of Suggested Spots For Best Banh Mi In Hanoi

Banh Mi 25 – This is the name mentioned first

Established in 2014 as a small food cart, Banh Mi 25 (it is located at 25 Hang Ca street) has since grown and grown into one of top destinations for best Banh Mi in Hanoi. Inside the store is always full of customers, bright yellow walls and quirky decor create a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere.

Banh Mi 25 - The best Banh Mi in Ha Noi
Banh Mi 25 – The best Banh Mi in Ha Noi

Their diverse menu spans various categories, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Each Banh Mi is served fresh and warm, and for those with dietary restrictions, they offer plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. They also have a variety of beverages, including coffee and fresh juices, perfect for a complete meal experience.

  • Price range: $1 – 2 (20,000 – 30,000 VND)
  • Address: 25 Hang Ca street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
  • Service time: 08:00 am – 10:00 pm

Banh Mi Pho Hue – One of the best Banh Mi in Hanoi

If you ask locals where to find the best Banh Mi, chances are they’ll enthusiastically recommend Banh Mi Pho Hue without any hesitation. They are a family-owned business and one of the city’s oldest establishments serving Banh Mi.

Their signature sandwiches are filled with shredded pork and cold cuts, topped with a spicy pork sauce. They have maintained their soly one-of-a-kind recipe for generations, and maybe forever.

  • Price range: $1 – 3 (20,000 – 50,000 VND)
  • Address: 118A Hue Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
  • Service time: 07:00 am – 7:00 pm

Banh Mi Lan Ong

Opening its doors in 1989, this Banh Mi shop has seen more years than many of you guys. From a small pate-focused sandwich shop tucked away on a corner of Lan Ong Street, they changed their brand name to Banh Mi Bao Quyen and expanded to two new locations at 25 Kim Ma and 65 Hang Be in 2016.

Banh Mi Lan Ong
Banh Mi Lan Ong

Pate, a familiar ingredient worldwide, reaches a new level here.  Paired with meats like sausage, pork belly, and shredded pork, and complemented by crisp, balanced vegetables, each bite delights locals and foreigners alike.

  • Price range: $1 – 2 (20,000 – 40,000 VND)
  • Address: 20 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  • Service time: 08:00 am – 9:00 pm

Banh Mi Minh Nhat

Banh Mi Minh Nhat is owned by Minh Nhat – a chef who once won the Vietnam Master Chef Award in 2014. Then she made a bold career shift from banking to owning her own restaurant in Hanoi.

So right in here, you’re treated to top-tier Vietnamese sandwiches crafted by an award-winning chef, but at incredibly affordable prices. The store has gained rapid acclaim with four different delicious sandwich options paired with a refreshing glass of iced tea and a banana.

What’s more, the eatery is located near the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, providing an ideal blend of exquisite cuisine and stunning scenery. What’s better than being pampered in both taste and sight?

  • Price range: $2 – 3 (30,000 – 60,000 VND)
  • Address: 27 Nguyen Du, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
  • Service time: 07:00 am – 10:00 pm

Banh Mi Pho Co – Famous delicious in Hanoi

Banh Mi Pho Co also pride themselves on meeting the “Delicious – Nutritious – Affordable” gold standard. This eatery not only specializes in Pate sandwiches but also offers a variety of ingredients such as grilled pork, Vietnamese sausage, and ham, so you can choose one to your heart’s content. 

Banh Mi Pho Co
Banh Mi Pho Co

What’s more, you’re highly recommended to try their “Bánh Mì Bít Tết.” This is a Vietnamese twist on beef steak served with eggs, fries, pâté, and steak on a hot plate. 

  • Price range: $1 – 2 (15,000 – 40,000 VND)
  • Address: 38 Ward Dinh Liet Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
  • Service time: 07:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Bottom Line

So we have just suggested to you some addresses that bring to the table the best Banh Mi in Hanoi. For foreigners, the Vietnamese sandwich is an international culinary force. But it’s really just an affordable street food in Vietnam that even sidewalk vendors can serve up excellently. But we still recommend trying one of the spots mentioned above for your first safe try!