San Francisco is known for two amazing things- our gorgeous views, and our delicious cultural culinary scene. The best way to experience both simultaneously is with a Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich while out and about sightseeing!
San Francisco has a very prominent Vietnamese food scene, and there are several impeccably delectable Banh Mi shops that provide these stuffed meat and veggie baguette sandwiches to their local neighborhoods. We have rounded up a few of the most creative, tastiest, and affordable that are also perfectly handheld-sized to take on the go wherever you are in the city.
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1671 Haight St / Website
Our first stop is in the vibrantly historic Haight Ashbury district, and is just perfect to take to nearby Hippie Hill! While their shop may be small, their prices, quick service, and delicious flavors are undoubtebly mighty. We highly recommend their chicken sandwiches with either the 5-Spice or the Garlic Butter, then taking the short walk over to Golden Gate Park for a scenic view as well.
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560 Larkin St / Website
Saigon Sandwich is a popular and trusted classic in the Tenderloin, all thanks to their affordable prices, tasty meat, fresh bread, and delicate balance of spiciness and brightness with the pickled carrots and other veggies. Crispy roasted pork, tofu, or the buttery pate are our picks here at this grab-and-go stop, which you can then take to the nearby City Hall area.
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2275 Market St / Website
While not exactly classic, Dinosaurs is a pioneer for their innovative and ingenious banh mi fillings, like their Shaking Beef, Spicy Tuna, or Roasted Portabello. They have four equally busy locations, but our pick is the Castro site, as their tucked-away underground shop is a cool and cozy interior, and you can walk around the colorful Castro as well.
See also: Do You Know This Hidden San Francisco Park With The Most Instagrammable Panoramic View?
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1634 Irving St / Website
Moving to the Inner Sunset, b&b is the cutest shop that serves generous portions of both banh mis and refreshing boba. We recommend trying their bulgogi beef and gochujang aioli, or the crispy fried tofu for those not craving much meat. It is also an instant walk to either Golden Gate Park's Botanical Garden in one direction, or the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps in the other!
See also: The Essential San Francisco Gardens To Visit During Spring
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469 Castro St / Website
Tanglad back in Castro is located closer to 18th Street, which leads right to Mission Dolores Park if you choose to delight in your sandwich there. This wonderful restaurant not only serves one of the best iced coffees, but has a wide array of Banh Mis to choose from. All of them are divine, but we recommend the Grilled Lemongrass Beef with pate.
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417 Clement St / Website
You can find Cafe Bunn Mi in the Inner Richmond right outside of the picturesque Presidio, and is the perfect fuel before or after exploring the many sites surrounding this quaint and clean store. Lemongrass Steak and Grilled Pork are our top choices here, which balance perfectly with the hefty servings of their sandwiches' crisp veggies and creamy mayo.
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650 Market St / Website
Our last pick is another creative and unique spot, as Bun Mee's several locations modernizes the traditional sandwich with flavors like Smoky Eggplant, and their Sloppy Bun with red curry ground beef.
We chose the Financial District spot right on Market, so you can grab one and walk towards either the gorgeous waterfront of the Ferry Building, or the bustling shopping center of Union Square. Either way, the FiDi's skyscraper views accompany the sandwiches' equally immense flavors!
Banh Mis are creative, light but filling, and are a traditional Vietnamese staple that makes a great choice if you are looking for a different kind of sandwich. Wherever you grab yours, they'll make the perfect instagrammable subject along with your view!
See also: Have A Delightfully Bubbly Treat With These Best Boba Shops In San Francisco
Photography by: Ben Lei/Unsplash
