There’s a food battle of epic proportions brewing in the little town of Hoi An Vietnam… Before we get to that, you should know the Banh Mi is the holy grail of Vietnamese street food. It’s the perfect street snack, lunch, and meat sandwich all wrapped up into one. Now we’d already found the best banh mi sandwich in Saigon, so of course WE HAD TO KNOW what the deal was in Hoi An! The best banh mi in this popular central Vietnam town is deadlocked between two places: Banh Mi Phuong or Madam Khanh aka the Queen Banh Mi. After years of research (and stuffing our faces) we’re proud to present to you our findings!

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Banh Mi Phuong

We were actually introduced to Banh Mi Phuong years before our first visit! Yes, that’s right… Anthony Bourdain actually went here on his hit show No Reservations. So of course on our first trip to Hoi An 4 years ago we had to try it, and let me tell you Banh Mi Phuong didn’t disappoint. I think we must of ate here every day for the entire week we were in Central Vietnam.

Positives: Pate, Pate, and more Pate! The creamy meat spread at Banh Mi Phuong is the secret to success and they happily load it on for you. The sloppiness is actually a plus for us, as we enjoyed the veggies and pork loaded on to the max. There’s also actually 2 locations for you to enjoy as well! A small stand near the central market (where Bourdain ate), and a restaurant just a few minutes down the street.

Negatives: Too many options. The menu is so extensive here that it almost confuses people on what to order. Why do you need so many options when you do one thing so well? Also, the line of tourists is kind of a turn off. While it is the sign of a good restaurant in most places, you’ll typically see more locals mixed in at the good banh mi spots.

Tip: Order a #3 or “mixed” for the original goodness. If the line is too long, go upstairs and sit down and you’ll be served right away!

Madam Khanh (Queen Banh Mi)

On to our second incredible sandwich discovery in Hoi An… And let me tell you they don’t call her Queen Banh Mi for nothing! While you may not see a line like at Banh Mi Phuong, the small seating area here is typically packed from mid-afternoon to close. Oh, and when I said seating area I meant it has more of a homey feel than that. I mean, you’re basically sitting in Madam Khanh’s kitchen! So even though you may be surrounded by tourists like at Banh Mi Phuong, it still has more of a local vibe to it.

Positives: Fresh and Crispy bread. It’s common to see them run out of bread at Queen Banh Mi, but don’t worry! In 5 minutes or so another giant load will come to the rescue. The spices are perfectly blended in with the veggies, and it’s not as heavy a portion as Banh Mi Phuong so you won’t leave feeling overstuffed. Furthermore, the price is right on this one at 20,000 Vietnamese dong which is less than $1!

Negatives: This isn’t your traditional banh mi sandwich with mixed lunch meats. It’s more pork oriented, and while this isn’t a bad thing for some people you should know what to expect.

Tip: Don’t mess around here. Make the Queen proud and go straight for the #1 mixed Banh Mi.

The Best Banh Mi in Hoi An

Drum roll please!!! It all comes down to this… This decision may very well set the bar for street food in Hoi An, and all of Central Vietnam! Ok that’s a little dramatic, but this is a very tough call. After eating at both of these establishments multiple times we’re giving a slight edge to Madam Khanh. However, it’s very very very close. Honestly if Queen Banh Mi is 9 out of 10, then Banh Mi Phuong is an 8.9! While neither of these may be as good as the best banh mi in Saigon, they’re pretty darn good!

Consider yourself an expert on the Hoi An food scene? Tell us your vote in the comments below!

Safe Travels,

Brigitte & Jake

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