1. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is one of the most iconic banh mi shops in Ho Chi Minh City, with over 35 years of history. Known for drawing long lines daily, it has won awards like "Culinary Warrior" and "Top Restaurant for Foodie Travelers" at the MEX Conference 2025. Its reputation has even reached international media, including praise from the South China Morning Post for its indulgent, large style.

What makes banh mi Huynh Hoa stand out is its sheer generosity in ingredients. Each banh mi is packed with 13 layers of premium toppings, making it one of the most sizable banh mi in Ho Chi Minh. The fillings include Vietnamese pork ham, jambon, roasted pork, pork floss and various cold cuts, all complemented by a thick spread of house-made pâté and butter.

Banh mi Huynh Hoa’s hefty size makes it perfect for sharing between two or enjoying solo as a full brunch. You can also request custom fillings if you have allergies or dietary preferences.

The banh mi is always generously spread with rich, fresh butter and flavorful pâté

Banh Mi Huynh Hoa has expanded into three separate locations to serve its high demand. One shop is dedicated to walk-in customers, another focuses solely on fulfilling online delivery orders and a third offers a dine-in experience for those who want to enjoy their banh mi on-site.

If you’re traveling, banh mi Huynh Hoa offers vacuum-sealed or frozen packaging that passes airport security with ease. Vacuum-sealed banh mi can stay fresh for up to 5 hours at room temperature, while frozen ones last around 10 hours. At home, frozen banh mi can be stored in the freezer for 2 - 3 months. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave 10 minutes before eating.

Banh Mi Huynh Hoa has received many compliments and high ratings from international visitors traveling to Ho Chi Minh City

After enjoying your meal at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, if you're looking for a spot to relax and take in some of Ho Chi Minh's most iconic landmarks, you might want to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral Ho Chi Minh. Situated not far from District 1, this architectural marvel offers a glimpse into the city's colonial past and is perfect for those who appreciate historical beauty after indulging in some of the best street food.

2. Banh Mi Nhu Lan

With over 40 years of legacy, Banh Mi Nhu Lan is a long-standing name located on the bustling Ham Nghi Street, just steps away from Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Banh mi Nhu Lan has become one of the most recognizable banh mi brands in Ho Chi Minh city, serving both locals and tourists alike.

The banh mi at Nhu Lan is baked fresh every day using high-quality wheat flour, resulting in a thin, golden crust that cracks lightly when bitten, while the inside stays soft and slightly chewy. This texture forms the perfect base for their traditionally styled fillings, no fusion twists, just clean, balanced flavors true to classic southern Vietnamese banh mi.

A banh mi perfectly balances meat fillings, sauce, fresh vegetables, and pickled ingredients

Each banh mi is layered with well-marinated meats like grilled pork, Vietnamese pork roll, roasted pork, meatballs, all seasoned with a family-secret blend for a deep, savory flavor. The pickled vegetables add a mild tang and crunch, while their signature chili sauce made from fresh chilies and spices, gives a bold, lingering heat. The balance of crispy bread, juicy meat and spicy kick creates a satisfying, full-flavored bite from start to finish.

The shop’s prime location is on Ham Nghi Street, right next to Nguyen Hue Walking Street, making it easy for visitors to find and grab a quick bite while exploring the city center. Banh mi Nhu Lan also offers an indoor seating area, allowing guests to enjoy their banh mi comfortably on-site. However, most customers opt for takeaway, making it a true on-the-go street food experience.

Banh Mi Nhu Lan is often praised by customers for being delicious and satisfyingly filling

After satisfying your crave for banh mi at banh mi Nhu Lan, consider a visit to Landmark 81 Ho Chi Minh, which is just a short distance away. The tallest building in Vietnam offers panoramic views of the city and provides the perfect end to your exploration of Ho Chi Minh's culinary delights.

3. Banh Mi 37

Tucked away in a small alley off the bustling Nguyen Trai Street, Banh Mi 37 is a humble pushcart that has been serving grilled pork meatball banh mi for over 23 years. With no menu or storefront, the stall has earned national and international acclaim, even being named by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the world’s 12 best street foods.

The pork meatballs are hand-rolled and grilled directly over charcoal before being placed into the banh mi

The meatballs at Banh mi 37 are hand-rolled from finely minced pork, marinated in a secret house sauce, then grilled over charcoal until golden and slightly crisp outside, juicy inside. Once cooked, they’re tucked into a warm, crispy banh mi with a soy-based sauce, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber and a touch of chili.

Each bite delivers layers of flavor: smoky, savory meat, tangy-crunchy pickles and a sweet-salty glaze that soaks into the bread without making it soggy. The contrast between the juicy pork and the crackle of the crust creates a street food experience that’s simple yet unforgettable. Over the years, despite its rising popularity, Banh Mi 37 has remained consistent in quality, maintaining the same authentic taste that made it famous as one of the bestbanh mi in Saigon.

The small banh mi cart receives plenty of praise from customers for its delicious flavors

4. Banh Mi Hoa Ma

Every morning from 6 AM, Banh Mi Hoa Ma, nestled in a small alley at 53 Cao Thang Street, District 3, comes alive with the aroma of sizzling meats and the clatter of breakfast plates. Operating since 1958, this legendary eatery is one of the oldest banh mi spots in Ho Chi Minh City, known for its signature “banh mi chao” (sizzling pan banh mi).

The shop was founded by a northern Vietnamese couple who brought with them French-style charcuterie techniques. For over six decades, Hoa Ma has preserved its nostalgic flavors and traditional preparation methods, making it a living piece of Saigon’s culinary history.

The banh mi is not served with sauce to preserve the distinct flavors of each topping

A full banh mi chao set is served in a sizzling hot pan including two sunny-side-up eggs, jambon, roasted cinnamon pork, onions and house-made cold cuts. The butter and pâté are especially famous among diners, allowing the flavors of meat and fat to blend harmoniously. You can tear the banh mi into bite-sized pieces and scoop the food directly from the warm pan, or enjoy the toppings first, followed by the crispy, fragrant bread.

At Hoa Ma, there’s no premade sauce on the plate, just the raw, honest flavor of each element. First-time diners may find it light in seasoning, but condiments like soy sauce, chili, and salt-pepper mix are available to customize to taste.

Foreign visitors are impressed by the delicious flavors of Banh Mi Hoa Ma’s sizzling pan banh mi

5. Banh Mi Chao Bue Due

The store, better known as "Ms Le’s banh mi chao" exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with Ms Le’s friendly personality being just as much of a draw as the food itself. Many customers don’t just come here to eat, they come to chat, laugh, and share stories with the cheerful owner, creating a uniquely familiar and cozy dining experience. The quirky dish names, inspired by local slang, add a touch of humor and personality to the dining experience.

The highlight of the dish is the combination of two types of eggs and two types of sausages, served in a sizzling hot pan

A scrambled and sunny-side-up egg combo is called "trung be đe" (bi egg), while "trung men" refers to a sunny-side-up egg, "trung girl" is scrambled eggs only, and "trung o moi" is for those who only eat egg whites. If you order three or more eggs, it’s humorously called "trung bien thai" (crazy egg)". According to Ms Le, these names originated from her young customers, and she embraced them to make ordering more fun and engaging.

The signature dish is a hearty sizzling pan meal that stands out thanks to its distinct homemade sausages. Each serving includes a variety of toppings, such as canned fish, cheese, two types of eggs and Ms Le’s special sausages. The egg and melted cheese create a luxurious texture, while the two different sausages offer contrasting yet complementary flavors, making every bite exciting and flavorful.

Banh Mi Chao Bue Due receives plenty of praise from local customers

6. Banh Mi Coc Co Bich

While Ho Chi Minh City's signature banh mi is typically long and golden with a crisp crust and stuffed with flavorful fillings, Banh Mi Coc Co Bich breaks the mold with its unique round-shaped banh mi, this small, compact and slightly rounded banh mi resembles a mini burger, yet it maintains the authentic flavors of Vietnamese banh mi.

This special banh mi style is the creation of Ms Bich, who has been running her shop for over 27 years. The name “banh mi coc” (meaning "frog banh mi") comes from its round, plump shape, which she personally designed and commissioned a bakery to produce exclusively for her shop. Since day one, she has never changed the bread’s shape, making it an instantly recognizable trademark of her banh mi.

Butter and pâté are mixed together into a rich, creamy sauce, generously spread over the banh mi for an irresistible flavor

Each banh mi coc is generously filled with Vietnamese pork roll, shredded chicken, pork floss, pâté, butter, fresh herbs, cucumber and pickled vegetables. The shredded chicken is prepared from fresh chicken breast, which is boiled, shredded, and stir-fried to remove excess moisture, resulting in firm, flavorful, and fragrant meat.

The pâté is made fresh daily, using warm, freshly bought pork liver, combined with secret spices and sauce, then steamed to create a rich, velvety pâté that pairs perfectly with the creamy butter. What makes her version unique is the signature pâté-butter mixture, which she pre-mixes rather than spreading separately. This technique helps the flavors blend seamlessly and enhances the overall texture of the sandwich while speeding up preparation for busy takeaway orders.

The praises for Banh Mi Coc Co Bich all come from loyal customers who have been enjoying it for years

7. Banh Mi Co Lanh

Specializing in grilled beef banh mi, Banh Mi Co Lanh has been serving one of the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City for over seven years. What sets Banh Mi Co Lanh apart is its generous filling of grilled beef patties and salted egg pork meatballs. The beef is freshly ground, marinated in a secret spice mix, then grilled over charcoal for a smoky aroma, with a juicy interior and crispy crust. The salted egg is wrapped in seasoned minced pork and steamed to a creamy, savory perfection, adding richness and depth to every bite. Together, they create a bold, satisfying flavor that keeps customers coming back.

Each serving of grilled beef meatball banh mi comes with an extra salted egg pork meatballs, making it rich, flavorful, and absolutely delicious

Aside from the grilled beef banh mi, the fish banh mi is another standout option. The mackerel scad is slow-braised until tender, with even the bones becoming soft. The tomato-based sauce, simmered together with the fish, adds a rich, aromatic taste, leaning more on the tangy side rather than sweet. You can also try the banh mi bi, filled with chewy pork skin strands coated in fragrant roasted rice powder and topped with a rich, savory sauce.

A local favorite, Banh Mi Co Lanh is loved for its bold flavors and generous fillings

8. Banh Mi Suon Ba Huong

As you stroll along Nguyen Than Hien in District 4, it’s impossible to ignore the irresistible aroma of grilled meats coming from Banh Mi Suon Ba Huong. This legendary banh mi cart has been serving up mouthwatering grilled pork rib sandwiches for over 40 years. Options include grilled pork belly, cartilage ribs and bo la lot (beef wrapped in piper lolot), all infused with a secret blend of spices and continuously grilled over charcoal.

The signature dish here is “banh mi suon sun cai chua”, grilled cartilage ribs paired with house-made pickled mustard greens. The contrast between the juicy, slightly chewy cartilage ribs, the refreshing acidity of the pickles, and the rich, savory sauce creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Each piece of pork is marinated with a secret recipe and grilled to a fragrant golden perfection over charcoal

At Banh Mi Suon Ba Huong, the sauce is the soul of the banh mi. Ms Huong’s secret sauce is made from a complex mix of ingredients, resulting in a deep, umami-rich flavor that coats every bite. This special sauce has been a key factor in keeping customers coming back for decades. For those looking to try a creative twist on traditional Vietnamese banh mi, Banh Mi Suon Ba Huong is an excellent choice.

Banh Mi Suon Ba Huong receives high praise from international visitors who come to try it

9. Banh Mi Nuong Ot Do

Banh Mi Nuong Ot Do has been serving customers for nearly 10 years and is widely known as the first place in Ho Chi Minh City to offer “banh mi nuong muoi ot” - combination of salt and pepper sauce, topping, toasted bread. Though small in size, the shop is constantly buzzing with locals drawn by the smoky aroma and the vibrant, chili-loaded flavors.

The harmonious combination of flavors makes Banh Mi Nuong Ot Do one of the most popular and highly sought-after banh mi spots

Each banh mi starts by being grilled over charcoal until golden and crispy. The chili salt sauce is then brushed generously over the surface, infusing the bread with heat and umami. The baguette is cut into bite-sized pieces and placed into a takeaway box, followed by drizzles of mayonnaise, chili sauce and ketchup (you can request to skip any of these sauces if preferred).

Next comes the toppings, including pork floss, sausage, pâté, cheese, scallion oil, crispy pork fat and your choice of fried egg or quail eggs. With everything layered neatly on top, the result is a spicy, creamy and fully loaded grilled banh mi that’s ready to enjoy.

With its affordable price and high-quality, delicious food, Banh Mi Nuong Ot Do has won over many customers

10. Pha Lau Bo Co Thao

Rounding off our list is Pha Lau Bo Co Thao, a beloved 15-year-old street food stall tucked in a narrow alley on Ton Dan Street, District 4. Despite its small size, this place is always bustling with loyal customers, thanks to its rich, coconut-simmered beef organ stew.

“Pha lau” is a familiar dish of Chinese origin, commonly found in southern provinces of Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. Made from slow-braised beef organs like tongue, ears, intestines, and stomach, it is typically served with banh mi, rice noodles, or instant noodles. The aromatic broth, infused with five-spice, cinnamon, star anise, and medicinal herbs, develops a rich, complex flavor, further enhanced by fresh coconut water.

Pha lau bo is a delicious dish made by slow-braising beef organs until tender, simmered in a fragrant herbal broth for a rich and flavorful taste

At Pha Lau Bo Co Thao, you’ll experience perfectly tender beef organs, marinated and slow-cooked, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a deep, umami-rich taste. The broth is lightly sweet from the coconut water, balanced by the warm, aromatic spices that give pha lau its signature taste. To fully enjoy this dish, make sure to order a side of banh mi. The crispy bread soaks up the rich, spiced broth, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite.

Note: Since organ meats are not for everyone, some diners may hesitate to try pha lau. However, for those willing to step outside their comfort zone, this dish is an absolute must-try.

Banh Mi Pha Lau Bo Co Thao satisfies even the most discerning diners with its rich flavors and quality ingredients

Additional Must-Visit Banh Mi Spots

11. Banh Mi Bay Ho

• Address: 161C Dang Van Ngu Street, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price Range: 15,000 - 35,000 VND (USD 0.6 - USD 1.4)
• Specialty: Traditional charcoal-grilled pork banh mi
• Services: Takeaway only

12. Banh Mi Ba Te

• Address: 14A Street No. 8, Residential Area 6, Linh Xuan Ward, Thu Duc District
• Opening Hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Price Range: 12,000 - 40,000 VND (USD 0.5 - USD 1.6)
• Specialty: Special pâté and grilled pork banh mi
• Services: Dine-in & Takeaway

13. Banh Mi Co Giang

• Address: 179 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1
• Opening Hours: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Price Range: 8,000 - 25,000 VND (USD 0.3 - USD 1)
• Specialty: Traditional banh mi with family recipe
• Services: Takeaway only

14. Banh Mi Moc

• Address: 166 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, District 3
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Price Range: 25,000 - 55,000 VND (USD 1 - USD 2.2)
• Specialty: Vegetarian banh mi and modern fusion varieties
• Services: Dine-in & Takeaway

15. Banh Mi Doner Kebab

• Address: 45 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
• Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
• Price Range: 30,000 - 70,000 VND (USD 1.2 - USD 2.8)
• Specialty: Turkish-Vietnamese fusion with doner kebab filling
• Services: Dine-in & Takeaway

Frequently Asked Questions - Saigon Banh Mi Guide

What is the best time to buy banh mi in Saigon?

Best times:

• Early morning (6-8 AM): Freshest bread, shorter queues
• Late afternoon (4-6 PM): Good variety available, perfect pre-dinner snack
• Avoid midday (11 AM - 2 PM): Extremely hot weather, some shops may run out of fresh bread

How much should I expect to pay for banh mi?

Price ranges by type:

• Street vendors: 10,000-25,000 VND ($0.4-$1)
• Famous shops: 30,000-75,000 VND ($1.2-$3)
• Specialty/fusion: 50,000-100,000 VND ($2-$4)
• With drinks: Add 15,000-25,000 VND ($0.6-$1)

Is it safe to eat street food banh mi?

Safety indicators to look for:

• High customer turnover (locals eating there)
• Fresh ingredients prepared in front of you
• Clean preparation area
• Bread baked on-site or delivered fresh
• Vendor wearing gloves when handling food

The best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City isn’t just one banh mi, it’s a journey through flavors, textures and local culture. From smoky grilled beef banh mi to crispy chili salt creations, each spot on this list offers a unique twist on Vietnam’s most iconic street food. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a devoted banh mi lover, these must-visit vendors will show you why Ho Chi Minh City truly is a banh mi paradise and keep you coming back for more.

To discover more delicious Vietnamese cuisine while traveling in Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City, visit Vietnam Airlines’ website.