Best Banh Mi Places in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is the beating heart of Vietnam’s vibrant food scene, and no dish captures the essence of Vietnamese street food quite like the banh mi. A perfect harmony of crisp baguette, rich fillings, fresh herbs, and tangy sauces make banh mi a favorite for locals and travelers alike. If you’re exploring the city, District 1 is packed with some of the best spots to experience this iconic sandwich. Here’s your guide to five must-try banh mi places near T-Ritz Saigon Hotel & Apartment in District 1.

Banh mi Xanh (Vegan banh mi)

If you’re looking for a healthy version of banh mi without compromising on flavor, Bánh mì Xanh is the place to go. Famous for its vegetarian and vegan options, this spot offers fillings like sautéed tofu, mixed veggies, pickled daikon, and a vegan sauce that’s out of this world. 

• Address: 15B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1; 66 Pham Ngoc Thach, District 3
• Opening Hours: 24/24
• Price Range: 50,000 – 70,000 VND
• Distance from T-Ritz Saigon Hotel & Apartment: ~200m – 1km  (2-10 minute walk)

Banh mi Huynh Hoa (Pork banh mi)

Known as the “King of Banh mi” in Ho Chi Minh City, Huỳnh Hoa draws in locals and tourists alike with its generous portions and rich flavors. Their signature banh mi is stuffed with layers of pâté, cold cuts, pork belly, and a creamy butter sauce that perfectly contrasts the crispy baguette. This place is famous for its incredibly rich fillings and often referred to as one of the most indulgent banh mi sandwiches in the city.

• Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng, District 1
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Price Range: 60,000 VND
• Distance from T-Ritz Saigon Hotel & Apartment: ~ 2,4km (5-minute taxi ride)

Banh mi Nhu Lan (Pork banh mi)

Banh mi Nhu Lan is considered a historic institution in Saigon. Established in the 1960s, this bakery-style spot not only sells banh mi but also a variety of pastries, snacks, and Vietnamese spring rolls. Their classic banh mi offers a well-balanced filling of pork floss, ham, cucumber slices, pickled vegetables, and a touch of chili sauce to tie it all together. The bread here is baked fresh every hour to ensure that every bite is as crispy as the last.

• Address: 68 Ham Nghi, District 1
• Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Price Range: 20,000 – 50,000 VND
• Distance from T-Ritz Saigon Hotel & Apartment: ~2.5km (5-minute taxi ride)

Banh mi Chim Chay (Chicken banh mi)

As the name suggests, Banh mi Chim Chay translates to “Running Bird,” and it’s famous for its flavorful rotisserie chicken filling. The sandwich includes tender shredded chicken, onions, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a zesty homemade chili sauce that gives it a delightful kick. 

• Address: 11/4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Price Range: 30,000 – 40,000 VND
• Distance from T-Ritz Saigon Hotel & Apartment: ~1.2km (15-minute walk)

Banh mi cha ca Bui Thi Xuan (Fish cake banh mi)

For seafood lovers, Banh mi cha ca is a must-try experience. This vendor specializes in banh mi with freshly fried fish cakes layered with cucumber, pickled carrot, and herbs. A drizzle of their chili sauce elevates the flavors to the next level. 

• Address: 152H Bui Thi Xuan, District 1
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Price Range: 20,000 – 30,000 VND
• Distance from T-Ritz Saigon Hotel & Apartment: ~2.3km (5-minute taxi ride)

Final tips for exploring District 1’s banh mi scene

• Timing: Some vendors like Banh mi Chim Chay and Banh mi Huynh Hoa cater to the dinner crowd. Plan your visit accordingly.
• Try different fillings: Don’t stick to just one type of banh mi! From vegetarian to hearty meat options, each place offers a unique take on this beloved sandwich.
• Bring cash: Most street vendors in Vietnam only accept cash, so make sure you have small bills on hand.

Whether you’re a foodie, a budget traveler, or simply a hungry adventurer, these five banh mi spots in District 1 will give you a taste of Saigon you won’t forget. Proximity to T-Ritz Saigon Hotel & Apartment means you can savor the flavors of Vietnam without venturing far from your accommodation. Happy eating!