Montreal being a city with a large Vietnamese population, it goes without saying that you'll find excellent banh mi, their classic street food. The result of a happy blend of French and Vietnamese cuisine, these delicious sandwiches are often as affordable as they are flavorful.
The secret of a good banh mi is the marriage between the fresh baguette of the day, the meat (or other protein) prepared Vietnamese-style, the homemade sauce and the traditional crunchy, fragrant garnishes of carrot, pickled daikon and coriander. Despite its seemingly simple proposition, the whole thing creates an explosion of flavors in the mouth that rarely leaves people indifferent. There's a huge variety of possible variations, so there's something for everyone!
Perfect for a quick lunch, but complex enough to accompany a cocktail in a trendy spot, banh mis can be enjoyed on any occasion. The establishments that serve them are just like the sandwich: varied, generous and resolutely tasty.
4690 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H4C 1S6
Looking for authentic, tasty, perfectly executed Vietnamese cuisine? Visit Tran Cantine vietnamienne in Verdun! At Tran, gastronomy is a family affair. Their love of Vietnamese cuisine and traditional recipes was passed down from their parents, owners of the family restaurant Pho Tay Ho.
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Tran's carefully concocted dishes are served in a chic yet relaxed atmosphere. There are four banhs to choose from. Three with meat (chicken, beef or grilled pork) and one vegan option - all succulent. You'll love the crisp-crusted baguette and fresh toppings.
Multiple locations
With several conveniently-located addresses, Vua Sandwich is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat when you're in a hurry. These Vietnamese counters serve not only super banh mis, but also a variety of prepared meals. Fried noodles, grilled meats, bubble teas, bao buns, tapioca desserts and much more! The service is fast, the prices more than reasonable and, above all, the bans mis are as delicious as you could wish for. We suggest the famous Saigon banh mi, made with the typical ham, cha lua and pâté. You can choose between two sandwich sizes, 7 or 10 inches, to suit your appetite.
5544 Rue Saint-Patrick, Montréal, H4E 1A8
Looking for an original date? Why not head to the TT café, an incredibly friendly place where you can challenge each other to a game of table tennis before enjoying a fine meal for two. Loser picks up the tab! Their banh mi with General Tao is as tasty as they come, and the Pandan Coco latte is a creamy little marvel to try, if you haven't already. In summer, the TT café also serves delicious ice cream, with flavors that are always exquisite. This little gem is definitely a place to discover, for two or solo.
766 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, H2S 1S7
Located a stone's throw from the Beaubien metro station, not far from Plaza Saint-Hubert, Banh Mi Madame Li is a neighborhood gem. The restaurant continues the family tradition of filling each of its delicious sandwiches to make them as copious as possible. They serves quality grilled meat at a very reasonable price. In fact, their BBQ pork banh mi is one of the most highly recommended by loyal customers. Special mention should be made of the fact that Banh Mi Madame Li is a BYOW, so you can sit back and enjoy an evening in good company as you savor your tasty meal.
7099 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, H2S 2S5
It's impossible to do a banh mi top without mentioning Hung Phat Market. Next door to the Jean Talon market, it's a good place to stop before you go shopping. A veritable institution, Hung Phat is a grocery store serving a wide variety of authentic banh mi and other Vietnamese delicacies, and has been doing so since 2006! The baguette is light and crunchy, and the owners are particularly proud of their blend of marinated daikon and carrot. We particularly like the grilled chicken banh mi and the coconut tapioca.
255A Rue St-Viateur O., Montréal, H2V 1Y1
Since 2017, Banh Mi Banh Yiu has set up shop in the heart of the ever-trendy Mile-End. In this place with its retro, eclectic aesthetic, only one dish is prepared, but it's made to perfection. Three meat choices, four vegetarian options, including the surprising tofu chermoula, a testament to the owner's North African origins. You can accompany your sandwich with a nice salad, soup or homemade fruit juice. And don't leave without taking one of their gourmet cookies with you! Bonus point: prices are very affordable and include taxes. We certainly appreciate it.
Multiple locations
With several locations across the city, Sue's Sandwich Shop has carved out a special place in the hearts of banh mis lovers. Recognizable by their football-shaped buns and generous fillings, their sandwiches are a pure delight! The Char Siu pork sandwich and the spring rolls with Szechuan-style sautéed eggplant are particularly appetizing. Sue's sandwich shops are also beautiful Asian grocery stores offering over 600 products. It's a good time to buy ramen or sriracha sauce while waiting for your favourite sandwich to be made!
1708 Avenue Laurier E, Montréal, H2J 1J2
Who said sandwiches had to be on the go? At Bêden Càphê, you can take the time to enjoy your banh mi with a delicious matcha latté or any other comforting drink. This cute, Instagrammable café with its beautiful mural of books was created by Bê, a Montrealer of Vietnamese origin. The dishes are inspired by her family recipes. Some of them have been reworked with a twist, like the banh mi croissant, a resolutely decadent sandwich to try!
5263 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2T 1S4
Bay Cà Phê welcomes you to an intimate setting enhanced by its dark wood walls. This Vietnamese bistro blends Vietnamese traditions with a Montreal touch, giving the place a warm and unique atmosphere. Located in Mile-End, not far from Ubisoft, Bay Cà Phê is a popular spot for local workers, whether for dinner or a 5 à 7. The food is just like the place: comforting, typical and sophisticated. Their banh mis stand out for their soft bread and perfectly grilled meat. They also make superb cocktails like the Mango Tango or the aptly named Bay Cà Phe, a boozy Vietnamese coffee.
40 Place du Commerce, Montréal, H3E 1J6
Le petit Sao has made a name for itself with its Vietnamese food bursting with flavor. With no fewer than five branches in Montreal and on the South Shore, it's one of the most popular restaurants for their banh mis. They offer three sandwich options: the Buddhist, with tofu and avocado; the Gà, with grilled chicken; and the Chà, with lemongrass pork patties. There's also a pretty menu packed with other appetizing dishes like the Pho soup, the Coconut curry bowl and the Papaya salad. You're guaranteed to come back for more!
Now that you're salivating at the thought of your next banh mi, why not indulge your cravings? Inexpensive, available all over town and delicious beyond compare, there's no reason not to indulge!
Want more? Check out our complete list of vietnamese restaurants in Montreal.
