Bánh mì is the quintessential sandwich. The bread is chewy on the outside and soft on the inside and fillings like herbs, veggies and meats are fresh and pack a flavorful punch when done right. The whole thing is an inexpensive and fulfilling lunch on the go.
With a large Vietnamese population, the Twin Cities are blessed with a plethora of Bánh Mì choices, ranging from the super cheap mom and pop shops to the more high end offerings from restaurants like Blackbird and Ngon. Even Chefs like Isaac Becker has a hand in the game with 112 Eatery's version. Here is a handy guide to some of the many bánh mì options in the Twin Cities.
Did we miss your favorite bánh mì? Let us know in the comments.
In a nondescript strip mall in Brooklyn Park, sits a lovely little Vietnamese bistro serving a giant bánh mì, stuffed to the gills with marinated grilled pork, crunchy veggies and cilantro and a touch of herb butter. There is only one choice for bánh mì here, but it’s a good one.
Lu’s Sandwiches’ two locations serve bánh mì, along with bowls, in a causal, choose-your-own-toppings format. Pick from grilled meats, meatballs, tofu or mock duck and a huge list of toppings like cilantro, pickled carrots and daikon, jalapeno and French pork pate.
In their brand new bricks and mortar space, Dumpling offers only one bánh mì option. This $10 version of the ubiquitous sandwich is filled with pulled pork, quick pickled slaw, poblanos, sriracha, hoisin, cilantro aioli and fresh herbs inside fantastic crusty bread, and served with fries or salad.
The heart of Ha Tien Grocery, in a former movie theater on University Avenue, is its deli. Toward the back of the store, the deli showcases hanging slabs of pork from which the staff will gingerly slice off chunks of crimson hued, charred meat for one of their popular bánh mì. The herbs, veggies and a soy pork sauce with tiny specks of crisp ground pork are added on the spot.
Blackbird Cafe’s version of the iconic sandwich omits what to some is non-negotiable: the crusty, tender French baguette. The vessel of choice here is a focaccia bun from New French Bakery, which is topped it with slow-roasted pork. The traditional pickled toppings are thankfully still apart of the equation, however.
Chef Isaac Becker’s fine dining establishment may not be the first place to look for a bánh mì, but the decadent duck pâté offering here is as rich and comforting as any in the city. The creamy pâté is tucked into wedges of French baguette and topped with pickled vegetables and paired with housemade pickles and bright rings of kicky peppers.
Vegetarians rejoice. Jasmine’s bánh mì with mock duck or tofu packs a punch of flavor so satisfying, your carnivore pals might jack it for themselves. There are seven choices of bánh mì here, including grilled chicken or curry mock duck.
The modern bistro marries Vietnamese and American classics in a sparse, warm space. The back patio is a respite from traffic and chaos of University, while inside, a full bar features Minnesota craft beers exclusively. The Bánh mì, crafted with Beeler's pork, duck liver pate and the usual pickled veggies on a A La Francaise baguette, is well worth the higher price tag.
Vellee is another truck-to-bricks success story, having began its days as a food truck in Minneapolis and opening a year-round location in the skyway in 2015. The deli specializes in what they call “Asian and Mexican fusion” with highlights such as fish tacos, the popular chicken Currito, and of course, ultra fresh bahn mi.
In a nondescript strip mall in Brooklyn Park, sits a lovely little Vietnamese bistro serving a giant bánh mì, stuffed to the gills with marinated grilled pork, crunchy veggies and cilantro and a touch of herb butter. There is only one choice for bánh mì here, but it’s a good one.
Lu’s Sandwiches’ two locations serve bánh mì, along with bowls, in a causal, choose-your-own-toppings format. Pick from grilled meats, meatballs, tofu or mock duck and a huge list of toppings like cilantro, pickled carrots and daikon, jalapeno and French pork pate.
In their brand new bricks and mortar space, Dumpling offers only one bánh mì option. This $10 version of the ubiquitous sandwich is filled with pulled pork, quick pickled slaw, poblanos, sriracha, hoisin, cilantro aioli and fresh herbs inside fantastic crusty bread, and served with fries or salad.
The heart of Ha Tien Grocery, in a former movie theater on University Avenue, is its deli. Toward the back of the store, the deli showcases hanging slabs of pork from which the staff will gingerly slice off chunks of crimson hued, charred meat for one of their popular bánh mì. The herbs, veggies and a soy pork sauce with tiny specks of crisp ground pork are added on the spot.
Blackbird Cafe’s version of the iconic sandwich omits what to some is non-negotiable: the crusty, tender French baguette. The vessel of choice here is a focaccia bun from New French Bakery, which is topped it with slow-roasted pork. The traditional pickled toppings are thankfully still apart of the equation, however.
Chef Isaac Becker’s fine dining establishment may not be the first place to look for a bánh mì, but the decadent duck pâté offering here is as rich and comforting as any in the city. The creamy pâté is tucked into wedges of French baguette and topped with pickled vegetables and paired with housemade pickles and bright rings of kicky peppers.
Vegetarians rejoice. Jasmine’s bánh mì with mock duck or tofu packs a punch of flavor so satisfying, your carnivore pals might jack it for themselves. There are seven choices of bánh mì here, including grilled chicken or curry mock duck.
The modern bistro marries Vietnamese and American classics in a sparse, warm space. The back patio is a respite from traffic and chaos of University, while inside, a full bar features Minnesota craft beers exclusively. The Bánh mì, crafted with Beeler's pork, duck liver pate and the usual pickled veggies on a A La Francaise baguette, is well worth the higher price tag.
Vellee is another truck-to-bricks success story, having began its days as a food truck in Minneapolis and opening a year-round location in the skyway in 2015. The deli specializes in what they call “Asian and Mexican fusion” with highlights such as fish tacos, the popular chicken Currito, and of course, ultra fresh bahn mi.
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