Visiting Banh Mi 25 in Hanoi: Is this famous sandwich spot worth the hype?
When I was planning my latest trip to Hanoi, one food recommendation came up more than anything else… Banh Mi 25…
I walked past the local food spot on the way to my hotel in the Old Quarter, my curiosity piqued, and the cravings started immediately.
But here’s the real question most people have: with so many incredible banh mi stalls in Hanoi — often cheaper, faster, and more local…
Is Banh Mi 25 actually worth the hype, or just another ‘famous spot’ built for tourists?
Having eaten banh mi all over Vietnam, from random street carts to local markets in Da Nang and Saigon, I had plenty to compare it to. So I went in with realistic expectations and a genuine interest in seeing whether it lived up to its reputation.
This is my honest review of Banh Mi 25 in Hanoi, why it’s so well-known, what the sandwiches really taste like, what the experience is actually like in person, and whether it deserves a place on a ‘foodies’ Vietnam itinerary.
Always a queue.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
Where to Stay in Hanoi’s Famous Old Quarter 👇
If you want to experience the lively Old Quarter at its best, you should stay central. These options are ideal for a walk over to Banh Mi 25, or the famous Train Street:
La Siesta Classic Ma May ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (One of Hanoi’s most-loved boutique hotels, located right in the Old Quarter — just a short walk from Train Street) - My Number One Pick.
The Oriental Jade Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (A chic modern hotel just a few minutes’ walk from Train Street and Hoan Kiem Lake).
Solaria Hotel Hanoi ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (A stylish mid-range choice in the Old Quarter, close enough to walk to Train Street in under 10 minutes).
Why is Banh Mi 25 famous?
When you start planning a trip to Hanoi, especially if you’re basing yourself in the Old Quarter, you’ll hear recommendations often…
Cafe Giang for Egg Coffee… Train street for the best Instagram vibes in Vietnam…
And then Banh Mi 25, known for serving one of the best sandwiches in Hanoi.
As with all the famous spots in the capital, which are a must on your Hanoi itinerary, it always starts with a small local family… This is one of the things I absolutely love about exploring Vietnam.
Starting as a small local stall on Hang Cá Street, serving simple banh mi to locals, word soon spread thanks to its fresh bread, generous fillings, and friendly service…
A busy evening again.
Then came the travel vloggers, backpackers, and food tours, and Banh Mi 25 quickly became one of the must-try spots in Hanoi.
Its location also helps. Most travellers stay in the Old Quarter, so it’s an easy walk from popular areas like Train Street, Phung Hung Mural Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake.
For first-timers following a route similar to my 10 day Vietnam itinerary, it was the most convenient banh mi stop on my travels.
Today, it’s a mix of locals grabbing a quick sandwich and travellers looking for one of the ‘famous food spots’ in Vietnam, and yes, the queues can build (day and night).
An authentic Vietnamese dining experience.
So how do the banh mi’s actually taste?
I ordered the classic pork and pâté banh mi, which most people recommend. Straight away, it ticked all the basics:
Light, crispy baguette.
Fresh herbs and crunchy pickled veg.
Good balance of pork, pâté, and sauce.
Not overly sweet (which some Hanoi shops lean towards).
It’s a solid banh mi, definitely better than some of the ones I enjoyed during my time in Ho Chi Minh City, and the street stall ones I tried when I was in Hoi An.
Here we go.
Is it the best banh mi I’ve had in Vietnam?
Probably not, I had equally good ones in Da Nang later in my South East Asia trip.
However, it was good, fresh, and reliable… And exactly what I wanted at various points during my time in Hanoi.
So tasty.
An authentic Vietnamese street-side experience.
Banh Mi 25 has grown over the years, but it still feels like a classic Hanoi setup…
Small stools, little tables on the pavement, and constant hustle and bustle.
I didn’t find anything fancy about it, but as with many of the small establishments in Hanoi, that’s what makes it great.
I was sitting on the street, listening to scooters fly past, watching my sandwiches be made as fast as can be, in true Hanoi style!
Locals at work.
This street-side atmosphere is a big part of why Hanoi is another awesome destination in Vietnam, such as places like Bui Vien Street in Saigon, or the beach towns, where small and local always wins.
You can’t beat the Vietnamese way of dining on the street side, when on a backpacking adventure.
A fast process.
If you want a real feel for the city’s food culture, Banh Mi 25 is the perfect snapshot, especially if you visit during the cooler months, when Hanoi’s street life really comes alive.
I explain more about the best seasons in my best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia guide.
They are very efficient at taking customer orders.
Practical info for visiting Banh Mi 25.
Visiting is easy, and here’s what you should know:
Location: 25 Hang Ca Street, Old Quarter, Hanoi.
Opening hours: Usually 7:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Menu & price: Classic banh mi options with pork, chicken, pate, vegetarian, and egg. Prices range from 30,000 – 70,000 VND ($1–3).
Ordering tips: Go early if you want the crispiest bread; try the pork and pate for the most traditional taste.
Atmosphere: Busy but friendly, and the staff speak good English, it’s clearly geared toward tourists, however, many locals also enjoy it.
What else is on the menu?
The menu is simple. Banh Mi’s are simple, but delicious. You’ll see these options on the boards:
Pork & Pâté (the favourite).
Grilled Chicken.
Egg & Cheese.
Vegetarian / Tofu Banh Mi.
Smoothies, juices, and iced coffee.
Nothing complicated, they just focus on doing a few things well…. And they do!
The drink options are a good bonus on hot Hanoi days, especially if you’re coming straight from enjoying a popular Vietnam day trip, or wandering around the Old Quarter.
Ordering tips.
A few quick tips based on my visit:
Go early if you want the freshest, warmest bread.
Pork & pâté is the safest ‘authentic’ choice if it’s your first visit to Vietnam.
Ask for extra chilli if you like spice, the standard version is mild (especially compared to the famous restaurants in Thailand).
Grab a juice or iced coffee if you’re sitting outside; Hanoi humidity hits differently (in certain months).
If it’s busy, they sometimes use multiple shopfronts along the same street, but the staff will guide you.
If you’re exploring wider Vietnam after Hanoi, you’ll notice how different banh mi tastes in Da Nang or Saigon — I break this down in my 5 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam guide.
Exciting times.
My overall experience at Banh Mi 25 in Hanoi.
So is Banh Mi 25 worth the hype? 100%, as long as you know what to expect.
You’re not getting a secret, hidden local gem. You’re getting a well-run, friendly, good-quality banh mi shop that delivers exactly what most travellers want: something tasty, fresh, affordable, and easy to find.
It was an absolute life safer several times during my time in Hanoi, as I kept returning to the capital after day trips to Ha Long Bay, and treks to Sapa etc… It is a great base.
Banh Mi 25 was the first place I went to after my 6 hour luxury bus journey from Sapa!
My sandwich hit the spot, the atmosphere was lively, and the service was fast. It gave me that typical Vietnamese street-side dining experience that I craved.
Would I tell you to only eat here?
No, as half the fun I had in Vietnam was trying random stalls that don’t show up on Google Maps.
But as a starting point, especially for first-timers following a route like in my Hanoi things to do post, or my 2-day Da Nang Itinerary, Banh Mi 25 absolutely earns its place.
It’s famous, yes, but sometimes things are popular because they’re simply good at what they offer.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.