Where Chefs Eat: The Best Banh Mi in Melbourne, According to 16 Top Chefs

Khanh Ong, George on Collins

“Before the owners changed it was Tabac in Springvale. Now it’s Bun Bun in Springvale!”

Shannon Martinez, Smith & Deli

“There are so many good banh mi spots in Melbourne, but I can’t drive past Ca Com or Phuoc Thanh without stopping to get one. Ca Com’s fillings are elite. The Jungle sausage is my favourite. Phuoc Thanh’s bread is the best and I love their tofu banh mi.”

Sofia Levin, Masterchef judge

“It’s got to be Ca Com in Richmond, hands down. There’s a misguided expectation that a meaty banh mi – say roast pork – should be around $12. Let me tell you, if that’s what you’re paying for a banh mi, someone somewhere is getting the short end of the stick. You’ll pay about $17 at Ca Com, and all the fillings are made from scratch by Thi Le and her team. My favourite is the house-made Lao pork sausage. They get whole pigs in and make the snags themselves. When it comes to price versus quality, it’s one of the best-value meals in Melbourne.”

Michael McAulay, Yiaga

“Luke’s Banh Mi and it’s not even close. The shop in Moonee Ponds is an exceptional sandwich, worth a special journey. Now I’m lucky enough to be walking distance from their shop on Clarendon Street. The Luke’s favourite with the crispy pork and beef in betel leaf is a game changer. Try and get there before 12 though, as it gets hectic.”

Gracia Seger, Makan

“Lee Lee Hot Bread. When we are doing our market run on Victoria Street for special ingredients for Makan, we always make our way to Lee Lee for a quick stop. The order never changes: succulent grilled chicken, fresh veggies, extra chilli and shallots. The best part is adding extra pork crackling to top it off. And don’t forget to order the strong and sweet Vietnamese coffee.”

Suhyun Kim, Sogumm

“Hung’s Bakery in Richmond. It has banh mi with baguettes baked fresh every day and filled with really fresh ingredients. I love that they spread plenty of pâté, and the owner’s kindness makes the place even more special.”

Sebastian Pasinetti

“Definitely a crispy pork banh mi from Viet Rose Cafe on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy – iconic.”

Scott Eddington, Arnold’s

“I live in Kensington and there’s a great hole-in-the-wall shop called Rollin 169. They do an excellent roll with beef wrapped in betel leaves.”

Tom Sarafian, Zareh

“Ca Com. It’s simply the best banh mi I’ve ever had and we are so lucky to have this world-class sandwich in Melbourne. I try to get something different whenever we visit, but it’s hard to go past the jungle sausage. Don’t leave without a jar of Thi [Le]’s crisp chilli oil, it’s incredible.”

Oliver Edwards, Bar Merenda

“You can’t beat a banh mi from Superhero. Alternatively, with all the hot days this summer, we’re making cold noodle salads at home and taking them to the pool for dinner. Highly recommended.”

Keat Lee, Lagoon Dining

“Phuoc Thanh Bakery in Richmond. The bread is crisp and fluffy, and the toppings are super generous. My go-to order is a crispy pork banh mi with extra pâté and coriander, one – or two, depending on how greedy I am – pâté chaud and an iced coffee to top it off.”

Zackary Furst, Bez

“N Lee Bakery is a staple lunch spot on Smith Street. The meatball banh mi is my choice; add eggplant to make a good thing great.”

Charles Duan, Roku

“If you see me walking down Smith Street to work, there’s a 90 per cent chance I’ll be holding a banh mi from N Lee Bakery. I can literally eat them every day.”

Jacqui Challinor, Trader House

“I’m a big fan of delicious things in bread, so Ca Com for banh mi. Thi [Le] is one of the great food minds in the country and I love seeing chefs take on street food.”

Jung Eun Chae, Chae

“My go-to is roasted pork with chilli at Bun Bun Bakery in Springvale.”

Esther Sun, Potluck

“Tabac Bakery in Springvale. I always go grocery shopping in Springvale, and my on-the-go snack is a banh mi. It’s a pretty close call between Bun Bun and Tabac, but Tabac takes the lead because of the fresh tiger buns. They’re crisp and flaky outside, but soft and fluffy inside. My order is a Vietnamese iced coffee and a crispy pork banh mi with chilli.”