Best Banh Mi in Hoi An | The Ultimate Guide

The Vietnamese Sandwich

If you’re coming to Vietnam, there’s no way to avoid banh mi. It’s everywhere, all the time, and super affordable. You’ll find it on roadside stalls in very basic versions, but also in more refined shops that actually put effort into the recipe.

Some banh mi spots have even become famous worldwide, not just in Vietnam. In Hoi An, for example, Banh Mi Phuong has become a real institution – especially after Anthony Bourdain stopped by. The result? A permanent line, but honestly, it’s worth trying at least once.

If you’re looking for the best places to try a good banh mi in Hoi An, here are my favorite spots. No fluff, just well-made sandwiches with real flavor – and sometimes a pleasant surprise.

The History of Banh Mi

It may look like a simple sandwich, but banh mi tells a big part of modern Vietnamese history. It’s not just a street snack – it’s a symbol of independence, creativity, and a culture that reclaimed its influences.

It all began during French colonization, around the mid-19th century. The French brought their habits: cold cuts, cheese, coffee, carrots, wheat… The problem? Wheat doesn’t grow well here – too hot, too humid. As a result, flour had to be imported, making it rare and expensive.

But during World War I, flour imports were cut. Bakers had no choice but to mix rice flour with wheat flour. And just like that, without knowing it, they created a unique kind of bread: lighter, crispier, and totally different from the classic French baguette.

Another turning point: at that time, two major companies controlled imports in Saigon. When the authorities expelled them, their stock of European goods hit the local market at affordable prices. For the first time, Vietnamese people tasted pâté, cheese, bread, condensed milk…

At the beginning, it was very “French style”: bread + ham + butter, or even just bread, butter, and sugar (the famous bánh mì bơ for breakfast). Nothing too wild.

But in 1954, after the fall of Dien Bien Phu, everything changed. Vietnamese people took control, adapted recipes to their taste, added herbs, crunchy vegetables, sweet and savory sauces, and created a sandwich that was truly local. That’s when the banh mi we know today was born – including in Hoi An.

And in 1975, with the fall of Saigon, banh mi left the country with Vietnamese refugees. It settled in the US, France, Australia, and slowly started making a name for itself worldwide.

A Few Must-Try Banh Mi Variants

Banh mi is Vietnam’s signature sandwich. The name comes directly from the French “pain de mie”, a legacy from colonial times. If you’re French, it’ll feel familiar – a classic sandwich with a local twist.

It’s hugely popular among both locals and tourists. And of course, the French love it – it looks like a sandwich from home, with Vietnamese flavors added. It’s clearly something you should try at least once during your trip.

The classic version includes roast pork, pickled vegetables, a bit of mayo, cucumber, sometimes even an omelet. It’s a mix of European ingredients and local ones. What makes all the difference is the bread.

Originally, the bread was made using a blend of wheat and rice flour, giving it a lighter and crispier texture. That’s rare nowadays, but if you find a bakery that still does it – don’t miss out.

Here are a few popular variants:

• Banh Mi Chay: vegetarian version, often with tofu or cheese.
• Banh Mi Op La: with fried eggs, often served for breakfast.
• Banh Mi Thit Nguoi: with cold cuts (Vietnamese-style charcuterie).
• Banh Mi Trung: with an omelet – simple but satisfying.

How Much Does a Banh Mi Cost in Hoi An?

On average, Vietnamese locals pay around 10,000 to 15,000 VND for a banh mi. But if you’re a tourist, expect to pay more like 25,000 to 40,000 VND. It may seem a bit pricier, but often, the fillings are more generous for tourists – so in the end, it’s still worth it.

Where to Find the Best Banh Mi in Hoi An?

In Hoi An, you’ll see banh mi stalls on almost every corner. And honestly, it’s rare to find a really bad one. Even the basic ones get the job done.

But there are a few places that truly stand out, with sandwiches that are clearly a cut above the rest.

Those are the spots I recommend if you really want to taste the best banh mi in town.

Most stalls offer a variety of options, but to keep things fair, I usually compare based on the traditional banh mi. Just a heads-up: most places also offer a vegetarian version, whether it’s for tourists or local vegetarians.

Banh Mi Phuong

Address: 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An | Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM, Monday to Sunday | Price: 15,000 – 35,000 VND (€0.65 – €1.50)

At Banh Mi Phuong, it’s a full-on sandwich factory. The team works non-stop: glance at the counter and you’ll see five to seven people assembling banh mi in a continuous flow. The line spills onto the pavement, scooters honk to pass, tourists pull out their phones, classic Hoi An chaos.

It started as a tiny stall, and now it’s an institution. Everyone knows Banh Mi Phuong, either for the never-ending queue or the publicity from Anthony Bourdain, who called it “the best banh mi in Vietnam” on No Reservations. You can’t miss the place, even if you’re not looking for it.

If you like a hearty classic, try No. 9: grilled pork, ham, black-pepper pâté, Vietnamese sausage, all drenched in a secret meat sauce. It’s generous, and the recipe is clearly dialed-in.

A real plus: the bread is delivered continuously from the bakery next door, so it’s often warm and crispy, even mid-day.

Want to dodge the crowd? Head to the original, quieter stall near the central market, open mornings and evenings, usually no line.

Good to know

In September 2023, Banh Mi Phuong was closed for three months after a food-poisoning incident that affected more than 600 customers. Of twelve foods tested, seven were positive for salmonella.

Madam Khanh – Banh Mi Queen

Address: 115 Tran Cao Van, Hoi An | Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Monday to Sunday | Price: 20,000 VND (€0.85)

They call her Banh Mi Queen for a reason.

Madam Khanh has been making her banh mi from the same counter for over 30 years. She’s part of the Hoi An landscape now, and the nickname comes from her husband, who’s often there greeting customers with a smile.

The shop is tucked away just north of the Old Town, easy to miss if you don’t know the spot. No big sign, no line spilling into the street.

What sets this place apart is the extra-generous filling and, above all, the house sauce. It delivers that sweet-savory balance with a touch of umami that really sticks. Choose roast pork or chicken, topped with the classics: Vietnamese sausage, fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, and a neatly placed slice of omelet. Everything is well-seasoned, nothing over the top.

No need for 15 menu items here, just the signature banh mi and a vegetarian version. Simple, straight to the point, and absolutely a must-stop if you want to try a perfectly executed classic in Hoi An.

Banh Mi Mr Hieu

Address: 644 D. Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An | Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Monday to Sunday | Price: 20,000 VND (€0.85)

I discovered Banh Mi Mr Hieu kind of by accident, back when Banh Mi Phuong was closed for 3 months (see above). Honestly, I had zero expectations… and ended up pleasantly surprised.

He used to be located near the Central Market, but now you’ll find him on Hai Ba Trung Street. And for me, there’s no doubt: it’s one of the best banh mi in Hoi An I’ve had.

For 30,000 VND, you get: pâté, freshly cut chicken, crisp veggies, and a crusty baguette. Everything is well-seasoned, and they even add a bit of chicken jus inside. The result? No dryness, just moist, flavorful, delicious bites.

I also tried the egg banh mi: they add fresh mint, which gives it a nice kick, and the homemade pâté is excellent. It really changes the flavor game.

And if you’re into full combos, don’t miss their fresh orange juice: super refreshing and perfectly sweet.

Phi Banh Mi

Address: Cam Pho ward, Hoi An – Opening hours: 8 AM – 8 PM, Monday to Sunday – Price: 15,000 to 35,000 VND (€0.65 to €1.50)

I stumbled upon Phi Banh Mi by chance, and since then, it’s become one of my go-to spots whenever I want a good banh mi without waiting in line for 20 minutes.

Opened in 2013, Phi Banh Mi is still relatively new compared to other Hoi An banh mi institutions, but it quickly gained a solid reputation. It’s often better rated on TripAdvisor than more famous spots. The shop is run by Phi and his wife Tau, located in Phi’s parents’ house, just a short walk from the old town.

Their banh mi is a bit smaller than the others, but also cheaper, and honestly, it does the job perfectly. The classic version includes five-spice braised pork belly, Vietnamese sausages, pâté, cucumber, pickled cabbage, and fresh herbs. It’s well-balanced, with just the right amount of fat, crunch, and flavor.

I also appreciate that they have a clear English menu, and you can add avocado for just a few extra dong. For vegetarians, they offer two solid options: cheese or grilled tofu. And if you’re vegan, just ask, they’re happy to adapt the sandwich.

In short, it’s quick, cheap, tasty, and fuss-free. A great alternative to more touristy spots.

Banh Mi Lanh

Address: 430 Cua Dai, Hoi An – Opening hours: 6 AM to 9:30 PM, Monday to Sunday – Price: 20,000 VND (€0.85)

Banh Mi Lanh is the kind of street stall you could easily miss. It’s located on Cua Dai Road, with no flashy sign, no visible line, and it’s not on TripAdvisor or featured in travel blog rankings. And yet, it’s definitely worth the stop. I actually found it because there’s a kids’ playground right across the street.

Here, there’s no marketing, no storytelling. But the sandwich is solid. And it’s a local favorite. Many will tell you they prefer it to the bigger names in the old town.

What really stood out for me was their pâté option. It’s creamier than what you get at most other stalls, where pâté is often too dry or compact. The texture is great, the flavor is right, and everything is nicely balanced.

No, it’s not a selfie hotspot, but if you’re looking for a good, authentic banh mi where the locals go, this is the place.

Banh Mi Chay

Address: Phan Chau Trinh and Nguyen Hue – Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 10 AM (or until sold out) – Price: 15,000 VND (€0.60)

Vegetarian or vegan banh mi may not always be taken seriously elsewhere. But in Vietnam, it’s a completely normal option, and you’ll find at least one dedicated stall in every city. Hoi An is no exception.

There’s a small stall in the old town, run by a very friendly woman that everyone calls Hoi. She doesn’t speak English, but she always manages to understand what you want. In any case, she only offers one type of banh mi, and honestly, that’s more than enough.

Her vegan version includes stir-fried mushrooms, marinated tofu, shredded cabbage, crushed peanuts, fresh herbs, and a homemade sauce that soaks into the bread just the right amount. The flavor and texture are both spot on.

And price-wise, it’s unbeatable: 15,000 VND, or about €0.60. In Hoi An, it’s definitely one of the best deals if you want something light, tasty, and meat-free.