With the reputation of being the street food capital of the world, we were ready to hunt down the best of Saigon as soon as we arrived. Yummy bowls of random dishes are being served on every street corner, and you don’t have to look far to find all the good stuff in the city. When we heard about Banh Mi Huynh Hoa which had made it’s claim as the best Banh Mi in Saigon, we obviously had to see for ourselves! So how was it??

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Hours: 2:30pm-11pm

Cost: 40,000 DONG

Wait Time: 5-20 minutes

Location: District 1



The Wait

Even if you show up right when Banh Mi Huynh Hoa opens at 2:30 there will already be a small line that has formed. Having eaten at countless places around the world I immediately knew it was going to be good. There was no asking what we wanted, just “how many” sandwiches do you need. This is NOT the place that you can make special requests. One thing that you’ll quickly notice is that to the left of the regular line is a steady stream of drivers jumping from their mopeds and running to the back of the small shop. In Saigon there is a popular app called “Grab.” Like Uber eats you can order food to be delivered. Yes, even street food. The line goes quick though so don’t worry!

How to Look For Good Street Food:

The Crowds: Are there people lining up at all hours of the day and night to eat here? The Order: Is everyone eating the same thing? With the best street food the vendor often lays claim to one speciality. So instead of deciding what you want, you only have to choose how many of their signature dish you are going to order. The Speed: How quickly are they pumping out the food? If it’s fast, that means they are constantly restocking and food isn’t spoiling from being out too long.

How It’s Made

Watching how the Banh Mi is made is almost as good as eating it, and one woman was really the star of the show. She would grab the sliced baguette and layer on the different meats and spreads before throwing it to the side for someone to package. I would say that each sandwich took under 7 seconds for her to make. If you multiple that by the 8.5 hours they’re open a day, then you can start to understand how busy they are at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa!

What exactly is a Banh Mi?

Light and Flaky French Baguette Stuffed With…

Mixed Meats: Typically 4-6 Different Kinds

Pate & Mayonnaise

Pork Floss

Veggies: Cucumber, Carrots, Cilantro, and Jalapeño

First Bite

Clearly, Jake takes his role as official taste tester very seriously… Or he just didn’t want to take a photo so he could get straight to eating! The first thing you will notice is that the baguette is perfect. A thin hard layer on the outside turns into soft almost air-like bread before hitting the meats and fillings. The pate is unreal, and really in my opinion the key to what makes it so good.

Is it the Best Banh Mi in Saigon?

I want to say yes, but can I really lay claim to Banh Mi Huynh Hoa being the best Banh Mi in Saigon without trying them all? This was BY FAR the best Banh Mi I personally have had in Saigon, and one of the top two in Vietnam. There was TWO other ones that might come close to being as good, and they come from these small bakeries in Hoi An. So if you’re in Saigon and looking for a crazy good Banh Mi, then don’t miss out on Banh Mi Huynh Hoa!

Have you ever tried Banh Mi Huynh Hoa? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Safe Travels,

Brigitte & Jake

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Where To Stay In Saigon

Ultra Luxury (High End) – Park Hyatt Saigon – In the upscale neighborhood of Saigon sits the beautiful Park Hyatt, which acts as a retreat from the buzz of Saigon. Swim in the outdoor pool, relax in your upscale room, and enjoy the special touches that come with a luxury resort.

Fun Vacation (Mid Range) –Alagon D’antique Hotel & Spa – This hotel is all about having fun on the top! Swim in the rooftop pool or enjoy a drink as you look over Ho Chi Minh city. It goes without saying that the views are amazing, so enjoy!

Travel Couple (Longterm Travel) – Vy Da Hostel – For any couple this is the PERFECT room. The rooms are massive with a priviate bathroom, sitting area and fun designs! We stayed here and think it beat any hotel in the same price range.

Hostel Life (Budget) – Vy Da Hostel – If you’re looking for a budget option this is the perfect spot. The dorms are large and offer tour and transport booking. Also, just two blocks away from Ben Thanh Market you are in the perfect area!

For more places to stay in Saigon you can explore the latest prices here!

***By booking through our website we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This allows us continue our travels and keep providing great content to our readers! You can also bookmark this link for all your future stays***

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