The Best Banh Mi in Toronto

Soft, sturdy buns are stuffed with a dizzying array of fresh ingredients at this veteran Chinatown shop. Frills may be obsolete, but every order — from lemongrass sausage to pork belly pig ear — thrills both the taste buds and the pocketbook. Just remember: cash is king. 

A simple formula — house pâté, pickles, marinated meat and a tangle of fresh herbs — results in sub sandwiches that hit you with umami followed by a refreshing whisper of vegetal tang at this Chinatown shop. The fact that prices creep a little higher than you might be used to is offset by the comfy, modern space.

Vietnamese heritage meets a Koreatown address at this polished café. Pair the team's single-origin pours with one of their hefty banh mi—from garlic shrimp to pork adobo, gochujang mushroom and more, there are plenty of options to ponder. 

Bright and modern, this Yonge and Dundas takeout spot lures diners craving just-baked bread and cheffy banh mi combinations. Creations that lean towards maximalism, they're piled high with roasted, grilled or cured meats, briny veg, sticky sauces and satiny-smooth pate that deliciously marries every element together. 

Street-food staples are cooked up for the masses at three locations of this homegrown chain. Ordered to-go or to devour on-site, options range from classic banh mi to an invention for the indecisive accessorized with juicy pork belly and golden chunks of fried chicken. 

In Bloorcourt and North Riverdale, diners pause at this efficient spot for textbook banh mi crafted on crispy baguettes. Though vermicelli, rice dishes, fried and fresh rolls pad the menu, it's the substantial, flavour-packed sandwiches that inspire the deepest devotion.

Though the menu may not surprise, thanks to its adherence to classic combinations, the flavours are where the fireworks hide at this dine-in Scarborough destination. An extension of sister spot Pho Metro, the restaurant proves the team's skill in bringing a taste of Vietnam to the GTA. 

East-side diners swear by this hidden gem, where hearty banh mi can be had for a song. Though there are no wrong orders, barbecue and lemongrass pork layered with colourful veg and a generous smear of sauces are the highlights. To avoid disappointment, make sure to carry cash.

Insiders know that there's more to this popular Vietnamese import than its bracing drinks. Scan past the coffees, teas, and cream-topped smoothies on the menu to find fresh banh mi made with grilled pork, lemongrass chicken or a medley of cold cuts.