Philadelphia Banh Mi Map

You would think that banh mi was a Philadelphia invention. We say it's more crucial than the cheesesteak, not to mention a lot healthier. What is it, exactly? The Vietnamese hoagie comes on a crusty baguette stuffed with pickled carrots or daikon, cucumbers, cilantro, peppers, pate or mayo, and your choice of filling: tofu, pork, chicken, etc.  The cheap sandwich is filling, convenient, and most importantly:  a tasty exploration of contrasting ingredients.

Our round-up pulls in some of the best and brightest banh mi in Philly.

The Unforgettable Fu-Wah

Grab a spicy tofu banh mi to go at this legendary West Philly deli and stock up on some health food essentials while you're there. Instead of a traditional baguette, this comes on a hoagie roll. Prepare to wait, but it's oh so worth it.

Fu-Wah Mini Market
810 S 47th Street

The Reason to Pass on Cheesesteak

Oh is right. In the middle of cheesesteak mecca in South Philly, it's easy to overlook the ever-tasty O Sandwiches. It's all about the barbecue pork banh mi here, but the freshly-baked baguettes lend an authenticity to each sandwich. Buy some extra baguettes to go and make your own banh mi at home.

O Sandwiches

1205 S. 9th St

The Modern Banh Mi Experience

Michael Schulson's modern asian restaurant in Washington Square West recently started serving a banh mi lunch menu: fluke, meatball, steak, and tuna all make it onto baguette sourced from South Philly's Artisan Boulanger.

Sampan

124 S. 13 St

Banh Mi Central

Ba Le is a Washington Avenue mainstay, known for their thick pate-laden banh mi. Ba Le is packed with plenty of to-go fillings, pastries, and Vietnamese salads, plus their own french bread.

Ba Le Bakery

606 Washington Ave

Q-ute Sandwiches in Chinatown

Newcomer Q.T. in Chinatown surprised us with their take on the tofu banh mi, the vibrant lemongrass tofu and the tofu sauteed with onions and mushrooms. They also have daily specials. Snag a seat at the counter and watch them cook.

Q.T. Vietnamese Sandwich

48 N. 10th St

Secret Banh Mi in Bella Vista

Cafe Nhu Y in Bella Vista keeps mysterious hours, all part of the hunt for lucking out on a delicious banh mi from the tiny shop.

Cafe Nhu Y

802 Christian St

View Bahn Mi Map Philadelphia in a larger map