Luke Vu is a third-generation baker. He grew up in his family’s bakery in Vietnam, helping knead dough and deliver baguettes by bicycle to local banh mi stalls before school. He migrated to Australia at 19 to study, and in 2019 opened his first banh mi shop. “It started with my grandma, passed to my dad and now it’s my turn,” he tells Broadsheet.
After building a following in Moonee Ponds, the second outpost of Luke’s Banh Mi (formerly called Luke’s Vietnamese) has now opened in South Melbourne – and the queues have followed.
Known for loaded banh mi, Luke’s is beloved for more than just its generous portions. “We make everything from scratch,” says Vu. The pâté, sauces, baguettes, marinades and whole-yolk mayo are all made in-house, adapted from his mother’s recipes. And with options ranging from $7 to $11, the banh mi all punch well above their price point.
Stay in the know with our free newsletter. The latest restaurants, must-see exhibitions, style trends, travel spots and more – curated by those who know.
SIGN UPThe signature Pork ’n’ Pork banh mi layers crackling pork belly with lemongrass-marinated pork shoulder. “I poured my heart and soul into this dish,” says Vu. The pork is marinated using his mum’s secret 10-spice mix, while the belly is cured for three days to achieve its shattering crunch on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside.
Other standouts include the aptly named Luke’s Favourite – lemongrass pork and beef wrapped in betel leaf – and Luke’s Cold Cuts, a mix of four Vietnamese cured meats topped with xiu mai (Vietnamese pork meatballs). Each roll is finished with house-pickled vegetables and sauces to cut through the richness.
There are also eight vegan rolls. “Whatever we have in meat, we have a vegan equivalent – vegan mayo, vegan pâté and even crackling,” says Vu.
Beyond banh mi, there are rice bowls, crispy spring rolls (including a chicken, corn and cheese version) and the classic ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee).
Later this year, Luke’s will open on Bay Street in Port Melbourne, followed by another outpost on La Trobe Street in the CBD. And if the lines keep growing, a drive-through Luke’s Banh Mi might pull up soon – because sometimes the best place to eat a banh mi is sitting in the car, covered in crumbs.
Luke’s Banh Mi
234 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne
Hours:
Daily 9am–4pm
Cafes
Restaurants
Bars
Accommodation
Shop
Broadsheet Pick
Recently Opened
