THE BANH MI ROUNDUP began as a search for the paragon of this humble Vietnamese street food, but there were naturally versions that stretched the definition without disqualifying themselves.
After trying 26 banh mi that ran from $2.25 to $10, I decided to abandon the complicated balancing act of cost, flavor, and traditionalism, and simply rank them according to flavor. The best in the city, and hardly a surprise: SE Division’s Double Dragon. Departure chef Gregory Gourdet—a flavor prodigy in his own right—sums up Double Dragon’s offerings well, saying “Rob’s [Walls, chef/owner] banh mi really push flavor and texture more than your average 82nd Avenue sando.”
If you’re looking for a strict interpretation of the decidedly minimalist banh mi, it is best exemplified by @Pho.com, Best Baguette, and Lela’s Bistro. @Pho.com may be a bit generously portioned compared to its peers, but it is a truly delicious and satisfying sandwich. The others are the light, torpedo-like, clean-eating versions that first caught my attention over a decade ago, which I’d been trying to find again ever since.
- Chart by Chris Onstad
Good piece Chris, thank you
How could you pick (kinda crappy) Asia Express, and not even mention (really pretty good) Huong’s at the 10th and Alder pod?
Paying more than 4 bucks for a banh mi is stupid, it defeats the whole purpose of cheap street food.
No wonder this town is getting full of places selling $12 burgers and the like and idiots lining up to pay.
What about the far west side?!?!
@chato, I know, its ridiculous. Fortunately we have options 🙂
i banh mi at 4th is also a bakery, so their bread is pretty great – love the thin, crisp crust. I do agree that the interior brings them down though.
Why not just have a battle of the sandwiches if you’re going to be so obscure in what you ate at each establishment? Double dragon has a CHICKEN CHORIZO ‘bahn mi’, this is in fact not a banh mi, this is a fucking sandwich let’s stay on track and if you’re going to do another battle of whatever please be a little bit more thoughtful in choosing your control.