The Best Banh Mi in Hoi An - and What to Avoid When Ordering - JD’s Joints #1.
Typically when you type Best Banh Mi in Hoi An into google, you will see the famous Banh Mi Phuong that Anthony Bourdain visited in 1995 or Madam Khanh Banh Mi Queen cited at the top of search results. HOWEVER, THESE ARE NOT REGARDED AS THE BEST BANH MI IN HOI AN by locals. While I don’t have any issues with either places banh mi, it is often overcrowded with tourists and not to the price and style that locals in Hoi An enjoy.
Where is the Best Banh Mi in Hoi An?
The consensus among local vietnamese and expats is that the best Banh Mi in Hoi An can be found at Bánh Mì Thanh Quân located on 203 Lê Thánh Tông, Right across the road from the charming local Ba Le Market. You specifically want to order the Banh mi thit Heo Quay (Rotisserie Pork Belly Sandwich).
As expected with street food restaurants in Southeast Asia that produce a delicious and freshly prepared product, Banh Mi Thanh Quan does not look like much on the outside. But only a small peep past the cart windows and you will see a full bakery operation churning out 2000+ freshly baked baguettes all day, everyday.
But the highlight of this banh mi joint is not the bread (and the heavy scent of baked bread), but rather the hanging chunks of crispy pork belly that dangles in the cart window.
As the Owner chops bite size pieces of pork belly against the wooden board, you can hear the crunch of the cleaver penetrating the crispy exterior, demonstrating the pork’s recent preparedness. Using chop sticks, the owner places a typical soy based sauce in the bread, homemade pate, chili salt, corriander (cilantro), fresh pickled strips of carrot and papaya, crispy pork belly and optional Hoi An style home-made chili sauce (cay quá!).
The combination makes for a delicious hearty snack, great for on the go, with a Cà Phê Sữa Đá (iced Viet drip coffee with condensed milk) or to prepare a packed lunch before a waterfall excursion .
A crispy pork belly banh mi here starts at 20k vietnamese dong ($0.80).
Crispy pork belly dangles from the Banh Mi cart luring hungry customers to its enticing glow
I have taken people to the usual culprits Banh Mi Phuong and Madame Khanh Banh Mi Queen and then to Banh Mi Thanh Quan. The consensus is always the same, Banh Mi Thanh Quan is the best Banh Mi in Hoi An.
Just go try it for yourself! Thank me later.
Things to Avoid when Ordering a Banh Mi in Vietnam.
Many travelers feel disappointed with Vietnamese food because it doesn’t match their expectations or familiar flavors from home. To enjoy the best banh mi, keep these tips in mind:
Avoid chả (Vietnamese-style bologna/ham): It’s a highly processed meat with an artificial flavor, quite different from Western cured meats.
Specify margarine: Many vendors add it by default, so mention if you’d prefer without.
Be cautious with chicken: Avoid places where chicken sits out in humid weather, as it poses a food poisoning risk.
Watch for cross-contamination: Street carts often mix ingredients, so be cautious if you have allergies.
Don’t overpay: A street cart banh mi should cost no more than 35k VND.
These tips will help you avoid disappointment and enjoy Vietnam’s iconic sandwich!
Chả or Vietnamese ham is a form of processed meat and can often be a surprise ingrediant in some Banh Mis,
Final Thoughts and the Best Banh Mi in Da Nang?
Now of course if you really want to try any of the things listed above, please try, some people really like the taste of Vietnamese ham. However, from my experience I have noticed westerners tend to not enjoy the quality of the meat. So, up to you.
I would also like to make a honorable mention for the best banh mi in Da Nang that easily deserves a spot in JD’s Joints and that is Bánh mì Ông Phú Đạt on 128 Nguyễn Duy Hiệu
The pork belly here is hooked inside huge clay tandoor style ovens called Cái Lu. This slowly cooks the meat, trapping in the juice of the fat and making the pork particularly tender. A truly remarkble way to cook pork and eaten even without a banh mi.
Just be aware they are not open between 12-2:15pm.
One of the best banh mi joints in Da Nang routinely cooks 1000s of pieces of pork belly a day. Source Google Images
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