Bon Banh Mi Southeast Asian Kitchen — Restaurant in Charleston

This review is from my visit on Tuesday, May 6, 2023.

Overall, I thought Bon Bahn Mi was good, and if I lived in the area, I would probably go there again. I also liked that it was just down the street from where I was staying.

Vibe: Bon Bahn Mi is a small place, there is some outside seating and counter seating inside. I would have sat outside, but it was a bit windy, so I enjoyed a window seat which was great for people watching. The place has a cool vibe to it. I would say my only complaint, and this is the second place I experienced this in Charleston was the music. I love all types of music, but when eating I am not a big fan of indie/grunge/metal music. The music was certainly for the staff and not the customers.

Food: I had a bowl with the Tamarind Shrimp. Bowls are on a base of Jasmine rice and topped with purple cabbage, tomatoes, scallions, carrots, crispy shallots and Thai basil. It’s served with Nouc Cham Sauce. Overall the flavors were really good and worked well together. If you haven’t eaten Vietnamese before, it’s important to mix everything tougher to really appreciate the combination of flavors. I thought the dish was lacking in Thai Basil, it was there, but I am accustomed to much more than was on the dish. I also, liked the addition of the crispy shallots, but felt they too were lost in the dish. I was a little disappointed by the Tamarind Shrimp as I felt they lacked true depth in flavor and I wasn’t getting much Tamarind flavor, which I love. The jasmine rice was probably the most disappointing, it wasn’t very fragrant and seemed a little tired.

Service: Service was good and I got a great...

I recently had my first dining experience at Bon Banh Mi Southeast Asian Kitchen, and it was truly delightful. The ambiance was inviting, creating a perfect setting for a memorable meal. The Red Curry Beef Rice Bowl I ordered was a culinary masterpiece, featuring Certified Angus Beef, red curry, coconut milk, and a symphony of vibrant ingredients. The combination of Jasmine rice, purple cabbage, ponzu tomatoes, avocado, scallions, carrots, cilantro, Thai basil, and crispy shallots, all harmonized with Vietnamese vinaigrette, resulted in a burst of flavors that left me thoroughly satisfied.

What impressed me beyond the delectable dishes was the restaurant's inclusivity. The menu caters to everyone, including vegetarians, and the daily specials add an exciting touch to the dining experience. The affordability of the prices was a pleasant surprise.

The intriguing backstory behind the name, "Bon Banh Mi," reflecting the fusion of French and Vietnamese influences, adds a layer of cultural richness to the overall experience. The motto, "Simple, Bold, Fresh," isn't just a slogan; it's the essence of their concept. The commitment to simplicity, bold Southeast Asian flavors, and a dedication to freshness is evident in every aspect of their menu and service.

Bon Banh Mi Southeast Asian Kitchen not only offers a culinary journey through Southeast Asian flavours but also encapsulates a genuine commitment to simplicity and freshness. A combination of great ambiance, diverse menu options, and a welcoming atmosphere makes this restaurant a standout choice. I look forward to returning for more culinary adventures at...

I ABSOLUTELY ENJOYED the entire experience of this place! It's quaint, and simple. Nothing fancy or useless. The Vietnamese iced coffee is very good, while the brand isn't usually found around these parts. It's from New Orleans. Café Du Monde! AKA YUM. I got chicken lemon grass tacos, and THEY WERE DELICIOUS! I tried the spicy pickle sauce, and I don't regret it one bit! The pricing is fair. Just a tiny bit high for a simpleton. I would've gotten the Chicken Lemon Grass bowl, if it's hadn't cost 13 bucks. I'm still happy with my tacos, though. 5 bucks each, and I don't feel like I missed out. The service was prompt, friendly, and efficient. They clearly work hard to maintain cleanliness, quality, valuable portions, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Thank you for a job so well done. 🤍

PS* The space is too small for wheelchairs, or large groups. If you prefer wide open spaces, or if your children are "a bit rowdy", I recommend takeout. There are, however, a few tables outside, and I saw the workers bring food out to them. It'd be a perfect spot for a simple date on a...