Hoi An's Best Banh Mi: 6 Best Addresses for Banh Mi in Hoi An

Ranked 7th in the Taste Atlas's "Top 50 Best Street Foods in the World", Banh Mi, or the iconic Vietnamese sandwich, is a global sensation, so tasty and popular that any traveler will try it when they come to Vietnam. 

While you can easily find delicious Banh Mi everywhere from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, in this article, we will concentrate on Hoi An, a must-visit destination during your trip to Vietnam, and reveal where to eat the best Banh Mi in Hoi An and why this must-try food should be included in your list for your Hoi An trip.

What Exactly is Banh Mi? Vietnam's Iconic Sandwich Explained

The beloved Banh Mi is a prime example of French culinary influence on Vietnamese cuisine. It's truly amazing how much flavor can be packed into this seemingly simple sandwich! A classic Vietnamese Banh Mi typically features a crispy baguette filled with savory ingredients, such as various cuts of pork (like ham or roasted pork), rich pâté, fried eggs, fresh cucumber, pickled vegetables, and a medley of aromatic herbs.

What Makes Hoi An Banh Mi So Special?

Hoi An's Banh Mi is often celebrated as one of the most delicious and unique versions of this iconic sandwich. It masterfully blends the five fundamental flavors—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy—into a perfect harmony. CNN even famously hailed Hoi An's bread as the "king of sandwiches in the world" in 2018! This makes Banh Mi Hoi An an absolute must-try food when you're visiting this charming ancient town.

While the fillings in Hoi An Banh Mi can vary slightly from one vendor to another, popular choices often include various preparations of pork (grilled, meatballs, char siu), beef, rich pâté, fried eggs, nem (fermented pork roll), Vietnamese ham, or fish cakes. To balance the richness of these ingredients, fresh cucumber slices and shredded pickled carrots or papaya, along with fresh mint and other aromatic herbs, are typically added.

The true magic, however, often lies in the secret sauce! This unique sauce is almost a closely guarded secret for each local restaurant, thanks to their diverse recipes. Commonly featuring a blend of fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, butter, mayonnaise, green onions, and garlic, its flavor perfectly complements the savory, sweet, and sour notes, creating an explosion of taste in every bite.

Where to Find the Best Banh Mi in Hoi An: Top Spots & Must-Try Stalls!

When you come to Hoi An, you'll easily find numerous Banh Mi stalls throughout the Old Town. But to truly experience the best, here are 7 top Banh Mi spots in Hoi An that are highly popular with both locals and international visitors. If you're wondering where to eat Banh Mi in Hoi An, start here!

Banh Mi Phuong

The first name that often appears in search results for the best Banh Mi in Vietnam is likely "Banh Mi Phuong" in Hoi An. In 2009, the late, great Anthony Bourdain famously declared, "It's a symphony in a sandwich," after tasting Banh Mi Phuong.

The owner, Ms. Phuong, boasts over 20 years of experience, having crafted millions of Banh Mi to satisfy both locals and travelers on their Vietnam travel adventures. While her menu offers a rich variety of options, with over 20 different fillings, don't miss the Banh Mi Dac Biet (Special Banh Mi), which is the signature item at Banh Mi Phuong.

You can also try various regional dishes on the menu's later pages, including Cao Lau, chicken rice, or Banh Xeo. Fresh drinks are also available.

Address: 2B Phan Chau Trinh Street – Hoi An

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM (Monday – Sunday)

Price Range: 35,000 VND / Banh Mi

Banh Mi Queen - Banh Mi Madame Khanh

While perhaps slightly less globally famous than Banh Mi Phuong, The Banh Mi Queen (also known as Banh Mi Madame Khanh) is highly regarded by many as one of the best Banh Mi in Hoi An. Some even argue its quality surpasses Banh Mi Phuong's!

Madame Khanh has been selling Banh Mi for over 30 years. She specializes in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Banh Mi, generously filled with roasted pork, chicken, pâté, fried eggs, and Vietnamese sausage. She also adds her homemade pickles (papaya and carrots), fresh herbs, chili sauce, and soy sauce.

It's advisable to try and arrive early or during off-peak hours, as seating can fill up quickly during busy tourist seasons. Unlike many other Banh Mi vendors in Hoi An, Banh Mi Queen offers an English menu with transparent pricing, making it very tourist-friendly.

Address: 115 Tran Cao Van Street – Hoi An

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)

Price Range: 25,000 – 30,000 VND / Banh Mi

Banh Mi Phi

Since opening in 2013, Banh Mi Phi has consistently received very high ratings on TripAdvisor, quickly matching and even surpassing the popularity of other stalls among locals, expats, and travelers alike.

Banh Mi Phi offers a slightly smaller and more affordable Banh Mi compared to some other popular spots. Their signature Banh Mi features tender five-spice braised pork belly slices, pâté, Vietnamese sausage, fresh cucumber, pickled coleslaw, and aromatic herbs. While the taste might not be drastically different from other shops, it's notably well-balanced.

Address: 88 Thai Phien Street – Hoi An

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)

Price Range: 25,000 VND / Banh Mi

Banh Mi Chay Le Hoi (Vegetarian Banh Mi)

Unlike other Banh Mi stalls in Hoi An, Banh Mi Chay Le Hoi focuses exclusively on vegetarian Banh Mi. Ms. Hoi expertly prepares plant-based fillings that mimic meat, made from soy sauce, wheat, rice powders, and flavorful herbs.

While many vegan/vegetarian restaurants in Vietnam only operate on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, Ms. Hoi keeps her Banh Mi stall open every day. So, if you're craving a delicious vegetarian Banh Mi in Hoi An, Banh Mi Le Hoi is your go-to spot!

Address: 03 Nguyen Hue Street (near Hoi An Tourist Information Center)

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Price: 15,000 VND / Vegetarian Banh Mi

Banh Mi Ba Bua (Ms. Bua's Banh Mi)

Have you ever heard of Banh Mi served with sticky rice?

You'll find this unique Banh Mi at Ms. Bua's stall in Hoi An! It's not a Banh Mi made from sticky rice; instead, the sticky rice is a savory filling, served separately in a bowl so you can stuff it into your Banh Mi or enjoy it on the side as you prefer. Many locals in Hoi An and Central Vietnam, in general, enjoy their Banh Mi with sticky rice.

If sticky rice isn't your preference, you can also order a traditional filling, which is also served separately.

Address: 117 Nguyen Truong To, Hoi An

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Price: 10,000 - 20,000 VND / Banh Mi

Banh Mi Lanh

Banh Mi Lanh is another popular spot cherished by both locals and travelers in Hoi An. It's particularly known for its Char Siu Pork Banh Mi. The Char Siu recipe, introduced to Hoi An by Cantonese influences, has been perfected by Ms. Lanh, who is among hundreds in Hoi An carrying on this delicious tradition.

Their pâté is also a standout ingredient, with a moister texture that prevents the sandwich from feeling dry. What truly sets Banh Mi Lanh apart is that their Banh Mi is grilled over a charcoal chimney, imparting a unique smoky flavor to the bread.

Address: No. 430, Cua Dai Street, Hoi An

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Price Range: 10,000 - 25,000 VND / Banh Mi

Come discover this charming city and indulge in its delicious Banh Mi – a true Hoi An street food icon! 

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>> Finding Authentic Cao Lau: A Culinary Gem in Hoi An

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>> Top 10 best places for a gourmet tour in Hoi An