If you’re only going to hit up one banh mi store in Sydney's little Vietnam, make it Viet Hoa Hot Bread, a Cabramatta institution that has been knocking out authentic Vietnamese sandwiches for more than three decades. The bread roll is bang on, with a crusty, crunchy exterior and a light, airy interior. It’s complemented by cold cuts, bright pickled carrots, smooth pâté, and fresh chilli and coriander. Bonus point that Viet Hoa is open 24/7. Time Out tip: the roasted pork roll is only available after 6pm if you’re after more crunch.
Where in Sydney does the best banh mi? Are you a Hong Ha Bakery fanatic? Or are you a die-hard for Marrickville Pork Roll? It seems that any time the words 'banh mi' are mentioned, people across the city will immediately jump in to pledge their allegiance to one place or another. No matter where your loyalties lie, one thing's for sure: Sydney loves a banh mi.
If ever there was an example of a trusty, uncomplicated, yet still legendary feed, it would have to be the quintessential Vietnamese baguette sandwich. They give great bang for your buck, they’re delicious, and they deliver on the flavour and texture fronts like few other sandos can. Maybe it’s the traditional meat filling, which combines not one or two, but three different types of pork. Or maybe it’s the brightness and crunch of all those fresh and pickled vegetables and herbs. Add the Vietnamese-French fusion of pâté and mayonnaise, plus soy sauce and chilli, and it starts to become clear why most sangas don’t even come close.
Below, we've pulled together the best banh mi in Sydney, curated by Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure (who has spent weeks eating her fair share – and then some – of banh mi throughout Vietnam). Enjoy.
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