This blog post is all about the best banh mi in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Hoi An holds a special place in my heart. Out of all the incredible cities I visited in Vietnam, I’d have to say it’s one of my favourites.
From its charming lantern-lit streets to its vibrant riverside markets and the golden glow of its ancient town, everything about Hoi An feels magical.
It’s one of those places where time seems to slow down, and you can simply enjoy wandering, soaking in the atmosphere, and of course, eating.
This blog post is all about the best banh mi in Hoi An.
The Hoi An Food Scene
Before arriving, I’d heard whispers about Hoi An’s famous food scene. Friends and fellow travellers told me it was a foodie’s paradise, but nothing prepared me for just how good it would be.
Every meal felt like a revelation. Bursting with flavour, freshness, and that perfect balance of herbs and spices that Vietnamese cuisine is known for.
And while there’s an endless array of dishes to try, one food became a staple during my time in Vietnam: banh mi.
Useful Links & Resources
✈️ SafetyWing Travel Insurance
SafetyWing offers great deals for digital nomads as well as travelers booking a backpacking trip.
🚌 12Go Asia
We booked all of our transport in Asia via 12Go. Use this to book sleeper buses, day buses, trains and more to your next destination in Vietnam.
📲 Airalo Travel eSIM
Access the internet with ease as soon as you land in Vietnam with an Airalo eSIM. Use code ORLAGH3 for $3 off your first Airalo eSIM.
👩🏻💻 NordVPN
If you plan to use public WiFi a lot or want to stream your favourite TV shows from your home country, make sure you have a VPN connection.
Trying Banh Mi in Hoi An
As budget backpackers, banh mi quickly became a lifesaver. It’s cheap, filling, and so incredibly delicious that we never got tired of it.
Whether we were rushing to catch a bus or sitting on a park bench watching the world go by, there was always a banh mi vendor nearby ready to whip up a sandwich in seconds.
And in Hoi An, this humble dish was elevated to an entirely new level.
Hoi An isn’t just about eating banh mi. It’s about experiencing it. The city is home to some of the most legendary banh mi spots in Vietnam, and each one has its own unique twist.
After indulging in as many as I could (strictly for research purposes, of course), I’ve narrowed it down to three absolute must-visit places to try banh mi in Hoi An.
Whether you’re a hardcore foodie or just looking for a quick, delicious bite, these spots are sure to impress.
I’d highly recommend turning it into a banh mi food tour. Grab a friend (you’ll want someone to share these sandwiches with), map out the locations, and spend the day tasting your way through Hoi An.
Here’s everything you need to know about the best spots to try banh mi in Hoi An.
RELATED blog post to read: The Best Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam
What is Banh Mi?
Banh mi is Vietnam’s take on a sandwich, but calling it a “sandwich” doesn’t quite do it justice.
Imagine biting into a baguette that’s perfectly crispy on the outside but soft and airy on the inside. None of that tough, jaw-breaking crust here. The baguette itself is a nod to Vietnam’s French colonial history, but what goes inside is where the magic happens.
Typically, it’s filled with a mouthwatering mix of meats (grilled pork, cold cuts, or chicken) along with a generous smear of rich, buttery pâté. Then come the pickled vegetables, adding that tangy crunch, fresh herbs like cilantro, and a little chilli or mayo for an extra kick.
Every bite is this incredible combination of savoury, tangy, spicy, and fresh, all at once. Honestly, it’s like a flavour explosion you didn’t see coming.
What I love about banh mi is how no two are ever the same. Each vendor puts their own twist on it, and that’s what makes hunting them down so fun. Some vendors pack theirs full of meats and rich sauces, while others focus more on the herbs and vegetables for a lighter, fresher vibe.
And here’s the best part: they’re so cheap, but they don’t feel like it. For less than the cost of a cup of tea back home, you get something filling, delicious, and completely unique.
It’s the kind of food you could eat every day (and trust me, I did) and never get bored. If there’s one thing you absolutely have to try in Vietnam, it’s banh mi!
Why I’m Obsessed with Banh Mi in Hoi An
During my time in Vietnam, banh mi became my go-to meal.
Whether I was rushing between sights or lounging at a cafe, there was always a vendor nearby with a warm, freshly made banh mi in Hoi An for just a few dollars.
It’s the perfect combination of cheap, quick, and delicious. And in Hoi An, it reaches a whole new level.
Hoi An is home to some of the best banh mi spots in Vietnam, and after trying as many as I could, I’ve narrowed it down to three must-visit places to try banh mi in Hoi An.
If you love food adventures, I highly recommend creating your own banh mi tour to hit them all!
The Best Banh Mi in Hoi An
Below are the three best spots you must try banh mi in Hoi An if you’re visiting!
1. Banh Mi Phuong
Address: 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An
If there’s one banh mi spot you absolutely cannot miss in Hoi An, it’s Banh Mi Phuong. As huge fans of Anthony Bourdain, we couldn’t pass up the chance to visit the place he raved about on No Reservations.
Bourdain described it as “a symphony in a sandwich,” and honestly, that’s exactly what it felt like.
Before we go anywhere on holiday, we always do our food research. Blogs, TikTok, and YouTube are our holy trinity for finding the best eats. But one of our go-to strategies is searching “Anthony Bourdain (INSERT CITY)” to see if he’s raved about anything.
Best Banh Mi in Hoi An: Why You Should Visit
The menu here is massive, with a variety of fillings to suit every taste. From traditional pork and BBQ chicken to vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone.
What makes Banh Mi Phuong truly exceptional is the quality of the ingredients and the care that goes into every sandwich. The baguettes are baked fresh every morning, giving you that perfect crunch, while the fillings are layered with precision. Juicy meat, crisp pickled vegetables, a hint of spice, and their signature sauces that tie it all together.
Be warned, though: this place is popular. You’ll likely encounter a line, but don’t let that discourage you. The queue moves quickly, and the anticipation just makes that first bite even better.
Plus, the atmosphere is part of the charm. Locals and tourists mingling, everyone eagerly awaiting their turn to taste what’s been called the best banh mi in Hoi An. In fact, they even moved from where Bourdain had first visited to a bigger location due to the huge demand.
If you’re planning a trip to Hoi An, this should be at the top of your list. Not just because Bourdain said so (though that’s reason enough), but because it truly lives up to the hype.
More Useful Links & Resources
🚁 Tours & Activities
Book your tours, cooking classes, boat trips and more via the below activity booking platforms:
- GetYourGuide: great for things like cooking classes, private tours and more
- 2 Day Ha Long Bay Cruise: The most incredible way to explore Ha Long Bay, by spending a night on the water
- Hanoi Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Class: We had the best time learning to cook spring rolls, bun cha, pho and Vietnamese Coffee!
- Vietnam War Cu Chi Tunnels: We had the best tour guide that taught us everything about the Vietnam War and were able to explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels
- Viator: use Viator to book tours and transport to other destinations across Southeast Asia
🏨 Hostelworld
Book your hostel accommodation in Hoi An with Hostelworld, the most reliable hostel site.
🏍️ International Driving License
If you plan to drive a motorbike while in Southeast Asia, make sure you have an International Drivers License to avoid fines and getting into trouble with local authorities.
2. Madame Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen
Address: 115 Tran Cao Van, Hoi An
No banh mi tour in Hoi An would be complete without a stop at Madame Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen.
This legendary spot is an institution among the banh mi in Hoi An spots, beloved by both locals and visitors. Run by Madame Khanh herself—who’s been making banh mi in Hoi An for decades—this humble eatery lives up to its regal name.
Each sandwich is a testament to her years of experience, filled with layers of flavour, generosity, and the unmistakable care that goes into crafting something truly special.
Locals will often tell you that Madame Khanh’s banh mi is better than Banh Mi Phuong, and honestly, we can’t argue with them.
Both spots are fantastic, but there’s something about the warmth and personality of Madame Khanh’s place that makes it stand out. It’s less about the fame and more about the feeling of being welcomed into her world, where every sandwich is made with love.
Best Banh Mi in Hoi An: Why You Should Visit
Her classic banh mi is a masterpiece. Picture this: marinated meats cooked to perfection, fresh herbs that brighten every bite, and her signature homemade sauces that tie everything together beautifully.
The bread, of course, is freshly baked. Light, crispy, and also the perfect vessel for all those incredible flavours.
If you’re lucky, you might even get a chance to meet Madame Khanh herself. She’s often there, greeting customers with a warm smile and also ensuring everyone leaves happy and full. It’s a personal touch that makes the experience even more memorable.
Madame Khanh’s banh mi isn’t just a sandwich. It’s also a slice of Hoi An’s soul.
If you’re looking for a true taste of the city, this is a stop you absolutely cannot miss. Whether you’re a banh mi in Hoi An newbie or a seasoned fan, you’ll walk away knowing why she’s called the Banh Mi Queen.
3. Le Hoi Banh Mi Choy
Address: 3 Nguyen Hue, Cam Chau, Hoi An
Le Hoi Banh Mi Choy is an absolute hidden gem in Hoi An’s bustling food scene. This unassuming little stall is the kind of place you could easily walk past without noticing. But trust me, you don’t want to miss it.
What makes this spot unique is its twist on the traditional banh mi: it’s entirely vegan.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Banh mi in Hoi An is all about the meats, right?
But somehow, Le Hoi Banh Mi Choy manages to pull off a vegan version so good, it feels like it’s in a league of its own. It’s fresh, light, and packed with flavour.
The filling is a vibrant mix of marinated tofu, fresh herbs, pickled veggies, and their signature sauces that bring it all together. Every bite is perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of crunch from the baguette and zing from the vegetables
Best Vegan Banh Mi in Hoi An: Why You Should Visit
We loved it so much that we went back for seconds. And honestly, we weren’t even that hungry. It’s just that good!
The charm of Happy Cow Le Hoi Banh Mi Choy lies in its simplicity. It’s a small, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it stall with no frills, but great food.
And here’s a little tip: it’s located literally around the corner from Banh Mi Phuong. So, if you find yourself deterred by the long queue there (which happens often), this is the perfect alternative.
Grab a sandwich here as a snack while you wait, or skip the line altogether and enjoy this vegan masterpiece instead.
Le Hoi Banh Mi Choy is proof that banh mi doesn’t have to stick to tradition to be incredible.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just in the mood to try something different, this spot is a must-visit.
Tips for Your Best Banh Mi in Hoi An Tour
Below are my top tips if you want to try all of the best banh mi in Hoi An and embark on a foodie tour around the city.
1. Go Hungry (But Bring a Friend)
With so many amazing banh mi to try, it’s best to split sandwiches with a travel buddy so you can sample more without getting too full.
2. Arrive Early
Popular spots like Banh Mi Phuong can get busy, so try to visit earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.
3. Take Your Time
Don’t rush! Sit down, enjoy your sandwich, and soak in the local atmosphere. Hoi An’s food scene is as much about the experience as it is about the flavours.
4. Pair with Vietnamese Coffee
Many of these spots offer Vietnamese coffee, which pairs so perfectly with a banh mi. Treat yourself to the combo for the full experience.
Where to Find the Best Banh Mi in Hoi An
Hoi An is a haven for food lovers, and its banh mi scene is also second to none.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, a banh mi in Hoi An tour is the perfect way to experience the city’s vibrant culinary culture.
With incredible flavours, affordable prices, and also a dash of local charm, these sandwiches are sure to win you over. Just like they did me!
So grab a map, a friend, and an appetite, and get ready to explore the best banh mi in Hoi An.
Let me know which spot ends up being your favourite!
RELATED banh mi in Hoi An blog posts to read:
