Lit Canteen — Restaurant in Sydney

Ok guys so I’m a Banh Mi Boi from way back. Back when the only notable Banh Mi shop was Hong Ha Bakery in Mascot and probably a handful in Cabra.

Anyhow, being back in Sydney I’m pleased to see a lot of new Banh Mi Bangas opened up and always keen to try them all out.

Lit Canteen 🔥 has been reviewed but hey I’m giving my version of appreciation.

Firstly the owner is a cool Viet dude who was preparing brisket cheeks whilst we chatted on Banh Mi. He makes his own sauces including a ripper chilli paste. Their Mayo, Fish Sauce and Hoisin Sauce are self-made and taste just like that…fresh and uniquely tasty. Oh and they also do their own pate!

There is a lot to choose from including, classic cold pork cuts, crackling roast pork, bbq pork, beef brisket and fried chicken lemongrass chick and and brine chicken, with vegan options too. The shop does also do vermicellis, Vietnamese rice paper rolls and pho in the winter. There is a lot to choose from honestly and at very reasonable prices.

I went with the beef brisket which was suggested by the lovely staff at the front counter. I rocked up at 1pm ish and had my roll in my hand literally moments later.

The roll was crispy, warm and super crunchy and edible (could fit my mouth around it easily) but I do have a big mouth! I’m giving it a solid 4.5/5. One of the best rolls I’ve had in a while.

The self pickled carrots and radish were on point, spring onion and beef was also a good helping. And had a good slow cooker taste to it very juicy. Actually had sauce dripping down but that’s kind of standard. The chilli paste was bang on and complimented the beef super well. 4.5/5 from me in the filling department.

I’d hundred percent go back to try the rest of the menu. Being in Alexandria/Redfern. I actually thought it was be more pricey but not at all. It’s a genuine banh mi joint and gets a final result of at least 9/10. Get onto it fellow Banh...

Discovered Lit canteen during a lunch walk which is directly opposite Australian technology park on Mitchell road. It’s not in a prominent location so most people wouldn’t know it exists unless you live or work close by. What grabs your attention from far are they red and yellow colours Of the shop frontage, then the tables and chairs and people. First impressions: when you first walk you will find the food smells nice, second you can see the food being made and third the menu on the board is nice & big on the wall. The internal space is not big and can be tight to move around especially where the soft drink fridge is placed is not in a convenient location. Externally there’s a few tables that can sit a maximum of 8 ppl which will be enjoyable on a nice spring & autumn day. On the menu there’s a good variety from banh mi (bread rolls), paper rolls, vermicelli bowls, snacks and coffee. An extra $3 gets you a combo that includes a snack + coffee, soft drink or water. ‘Return of the crack’ banh mi is delicious and love the crunch of the pork crackle. Ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) is nice and has a strong flavour 👍🏻. Verdict: Amazing street food, fast service and excellent pricing. Coffee is the best in Alexandria so far that...

July 2025 edit: Pho is back! It's glorious and warming on a cold Winter day. The soup broth is as flavoursome as ever, delicate yet with depth. 100% recommend, get it while it lasts (Winter only).

July 2023: Recently expanded their hours to 8pm to serve dinner, I popped in after work for a quick pho to warm up. It was quick, serving size is decent and the broth was delicious. I like that the pho is a bit different from your traditional style with pickled not raw onions and some thicker (but smaller) cut slow cooked beef mixed in with the usual thin slices. It was so delicious I drank the whole soup!

It's a small restaurant with a few seating areas (both inside and out), set up for a quick bite.

I'm told the Bánh mì (pork roll) and the noodle salad is good as well. Definitely...