Bánh mì is a Vietnamese sandwich filled with chiles, pickles, fresh vegetables and herbs, and a choice of protein like barbecue pork, chicken, or pâté. Vegetarians can often find tofu or avocado bánh mì on menus, too. There are few that create the sandwich properly and using a crusty, fresh baguette. Here’s my favorite places to grab bánh mì around Gwinnett.
Quoc Huong Banh Mi
5150 Buford Highway NE, Doraville, Ga 30340
Many consider the bánh mì at Quoc Huong in the Asian Square complex (where Sweet Hut Bakery is also located) to be the best in metro Atlanta. Their fresh French bread contributes to this reputation. The favorite order here is the barbecue pork.
The shop is cash only, but sandwiches average around $3.00 per. Order five bánh mì, and that sixth one is free.
Banh Mi Cafe
3512 Satallite Blvd NW Duluth, GA, 30096
It’s all about bánh mì at Banh Mi Cafe in Duluth. Sandwiches here include everything from the oft-ordered barbecue pork or Vietnamese pork cold cuts (dac biet) to scrambled eggs, sugarcane shrimp, and pork skin bánh mì. The menu is vegetarian-friendly with tofu, avocado, and sautéed mushrooms listed among the cafe’s meat-free options.
Lees bakery
4005 Buford Highway NE Atlanta, GA. 30345
Lee’s Bakery is not only a Buford Highway staple, it’s an Atlanta institution. This is where to head for steaming bowls of pho at 8 a.m. and bánh mì deals; buy five sandwiches and get one free. Try the bakery’s dac biet with ham, pork head cheese, and pork liver or the bánh mì cá made with fish cakes.
Huy sandwiches
6100 Live Oak Parkway, Norcross GA 30093
This Norcross shop has regulars claiming it has the best bánh mì in metro Atlanta. The counter service shop includes over 15 bánh mì options like grilled or steamed pork, liver pâté, fish, and a combo with ham, head cheese, pâté, and steamed pork.
Chris Tran Hot Take:
I love a great bánh mì sandwich they're so filling and affordable!
I like the grilled pork best. It is marinated and crunchy. This sandwich has cucumber, jalapeno, cilantro and pickled carrots and daikon are always fresh. I love to get this with the shrimp spring rolls!