Embarking on a gastronomic odyssey, the serendipitous discovery of Banh Mi Manila in Quezon City proved to be a revelation in Vietnamese cuisine, nestled discreetly in a tranquil residential enclave. The unassuming facade belies the culinary prowess that awaits within, making it a delightful challenge for any avid seeker of hidden gems.
Location Whispers: Situated away from the urban clamor, Banh Mi Manila invites discerning diners to uncover its Vietnamese charms amidst the quietude of a residential neighborhood. The small signage adds an air of exclusivity, transforming every visit into an exploration of the culinary arts.
A Tapestry of Flavors: Our belated lunch unfolded a culinary tableau with an array of delights, and it was the Banh Mi sandwiches and Chicken Pho Noodle Soup that emerged as the maestros of the gastronomic symphony. The French-style baguette, a virtuoso creation — airy and crunchy — elevated the Banh Mi sandwiches to an art form. Each bite resonated with a harmonious blend of salty, sour, savory, sweet, and aromatic notes, encapsulating the essence of Vietnamese gastronomy.
Pet-Friendly Indulgence: A delightful surprise awaited us, as Banh Mi Manila extended its hospitality to our four-legged companion, Arthur. The pet-friendly ambiance added an extra layer of warmth to the dining experience, making it a haven for those who cherish the company of their furry friends.
Reservations Encouraged: A word of culinary wisdom — the allure of Banh Mi Manila has not escaped the discerning crowd. To savor this Vietnamese culinary escapade, reservations are highly encouraged. The establishment, a testament to its own success, tends to be fully booked, underscoring the eagerness of patrons to partake in...
Read moreWe recently dined at Banh Mi Manila and spent around ₱2,200. We tried their regular and charcoal premium banh mis—while they were decent, my partner found them unremarkable, with nothing particularly standout in terms of flavor. The beef pho, unfortunately, felt overpriced for the portion size and overall taste. If I had to choose, I’d still prefer Pho Hoa, especially considering the convenience, value, and more balanced flavors they offer.
One pleasant surprise, though, was their lychee drink. My partner absolutely loved it. It was served cold with real bits of lychee, and the taste was delightfully refreshing—perfect for balancing out the heavier flavors of the meal. It’s one of those simple beverages that leaves a lasting impression.
Their Vietnamese coffee also left much to be desired. It tasted more like a regular iced coffee from Zus, and the fact that it was pre-prepared in a pitcher rather than freshly brewed via drip took away from the authenticity. If you're after the full experience and a more flavorful cup, I’d recommend trying NamNam’s Vietnamese coffee instead. The difference in taste and preparation is worth it.
The fried and fresh spring rolls were similarly underwhelming—something you’d probably try just once out of curiosity.
What I did appreciate, however, was the warm and accommodating service from the staff and the restaurant's charming Vietnamese-inspired interior, which made for a pleasant ambiance. Overall, it’s a place that’s nice to visit once, but I’m not in a...
Read moreFinally got the chance to eat here after saving this in my must try places. The place was good, service crew seem they know what they're doing, the food is overall legit, though i had higher expectations if I'd compare it with all the hype ive been seeing on my algorithm.
Having tried some food in Ha Noi, a good pho for me i would say is the abundance of greens, because that's where all the flavors come from. Banh mi manila's beef pho is a bit salty for me, broth lacks depth, and scrimped on the herbs. Thankful my request for additional herbs was accommodated as it made a huge difference.
I know greens are expensive but I hope pho places or Viet food places here in the PH would really make it a priority to have a good supplier for their greens. I had a banh mi experience somewhere and cilantro was replaced with chives.
Could not complain on the banh mi bread bec it's really the highlight for me. The sandwich overall could use more cilantro because it's what makes the dish distinct and memorable. I only had a hint of cilantro at some random bites. But i'd eat it again.
The egg coffee was really good, close to what i remember I had in Old Quarter.
Price wise, i expected a remarkable beef pho, more meat, more greens, hopefully less salty for Php329+10% service charge.
Banh mi sandwich and egg coffee i would gladly pay...
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