BanMi — Restaurant in Vienna

MY FAVORITE! As a globetrotting Viet and American citizen, I have to say, the Vietnamese food scene in the U.S. left me disappointed for years. Then I moved to Vienna, and wow—here, you can find authentic pho (mostly Northern style) and a variety of Vietnamese dishes that truly hit the mark. This BanMi spot is my absolute favorite. Sure, the tapas concept isn’t traditional, and some dishes have a modern twist, but I’m all for it. Vietnamese cuisine can be conservative, but it certainly allows for some flexibility. I love the pho made with roast beef—it’s brilliant. The stewed pork tastes just like it should, and the turnip cake is spot on. The egg coffee is a bit of an acquired taste for me (I’m from the South), but it’s definitely worth trying. The only dish I’d suggest tweaking a bit is the sweet silky tofu; it’s a bit too sweet for my taste, as it’s not quite how it’s traditionally made. Overall, I had an amazing experience and will definitely be back. (And yes, the banh mis aren’t traditional either, but honestly, I wasn’t there...

Growing up in Sydney's Vietnamese enclaves, banh mi was a daily ritual. Crisp baguette, succulent fillings, a symphony of flavors. In Vienna, I'd hesitated, fearing disappointment. But curiosity won, and I ventured into the world of Viennese banh mi.

The menu was familiar: BBQ pork, chicken, the usual suspects. But then, a curveball: Peanut Beef. Intrigued, I took the plunge. The first bite was a revelation. The peanut sauce, creamy and savory, elevated the humble beef to new heights. It was a flavor combination I'd never encountered, and it was damn good.

But, as with any culinary journey, there were minor setbacks. The banh mi, while tasty, lacked the heft of its Sydney counterparts. It was a bit smaller, a bit less generously filled. A longing for those overflowing baguettes of my youth lingered.

Highlight: The peanut sauce, a surprising and delicious twist.

Expected More: A bit more bang for my buck, a banh mi that truly fills you up.

So, until next time, keep exploring and keep tasting.

Yours in...

What a unique spot - the owner have really put a lot of thought and attention to detail in recreating the street food feeling vibe from Vietnam. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Inliked the concert of Tapas, but then food was not exactly to my taste. The shrimps were fine, for the water spinach I expected to get morning glory, but it wasn't exactly that. The savoury sticky rice was not enough salty for me. That being said, I didn't try the Banmi Sandwiches, and I suspect that would be their signature dishes. So need to come back and try...