Bánh Mì Hội An — Restaurant in San Diego

The parking lot is at the rear of Planet Fitness. Then you walk toward Rosecran Blvd. it’s next door to the book store (looks like an old theater).

They have outdoor seating so we brought our dog. However it’s like a wind tunnel cave! The sun doesn’t hit this area and it was chilly. They have two heaters that don’t work. Said they’re out of propane. A bit irritated when we spent over $50 during lunch to support a small Asian business and the atmosphere was not relaxing. We ended up chowing down the soup (I don’t recommend because it was hot in temperature), took a bite of the others then packed it home to eat at the comfort of our warm home.

Food:

-Chicken wings (6) $10.95 - We got the house sauce but you could choose between tamarind glaze, garlic butter or salt and pepper. The secret ingredient in the house sauce was fish sauce and really buttery. The skin was crispy and the sauce was evenly coated.

-Hoa An Special Banh mi ($6.95) - pork loaf, pork belly, jambon, braised pork and pate. This is your typical cold cut.

-Vietnamese meatball Banh mi ($6.95) - pork meatball in tomato sauce. It was the perfect ratio of bread to meat and veggies.

-Raised pork belly ($11.95) comes with rice - braised pork belly with boiled egg. This had the perfect mix of fat and non fat pieces but it was lacking some spices and wasn’t caramelized.

-Bun Bo hue ($12.95) - beef and pork hock in lemongrass and herb broth. I thought this was decent and liked it. I could taste the lemon grass in the broth. Got tons of meat but the noodles were all broken and I had to use a spoon vice chop sticks.

Overall, I would order the chicken wings again but had better Banh Mi. Their French bread is really good and came out fluffy and crispy and didn’t get hard but it was lacking the Mayo white creamy sauce. The taro chips reminded me of the ones you get at Costco. I would pass on the thit kho and order the soup again.

Based on location, they do well for the area and it’s one of the better Vietnamese restaurants in Point Loma. But if you want authentic, you’ll need to travel to City Heights, Convoy, or Mira Mesa to the heavily...

In my opinion I think its pretty rare, to find a mediocre Vietnamese restaurant. In fact, I am pretty sure this was my first experience. It wasn't a bad experience, and at $7 BahnMi with a $16 Pho, this $23 meal wasn't the most expensive experience, however I did bring home half the BahnMi just to toss it two days later. I was initially drawn in with their Social Media campaigning that they have been bombarding my IG feeds. Considering I currently live in Hawaii and grew up in San Diego, Rosecrans was not my typical thought of getting "Good Asian Foods." The BahnMi was packed with meats - I got the HoiAn Special. "Typical" is the best way of describing it. "Vanilla." Not in flavor just in basic-ness. It's a generic off-name brand expected sandwich that I would expect at a 7-11 or convenience store it they decided to dive into "flavors of South Asian Cuisine." - However its Hoi An's Special. Next was was the Pho - "Pho Filet Mignon." I was confused because I was expecting premium cuts of meat, but I think they only used "Filet Mignon" as a metaphor as "the best we can do." Side note - I was surprised they only had 2 to 4 soup options, no meat varieties, only meat "filet mignon" or none. The most depressing part of this was the little veg, but pile of bean sprouts they bring for accouterment. Finally - the noodles had solidified into a block on the bottom of the bowl. Once worked free - they were over cooked. Overall, maybe they didn't expect much from a large Mexican dude. This guy [me] clearly doesn't understand the layers of flavors it takes to develop a solid pho broth, or the various textures different meats can bring to the dish. Or how thai Basil, culantro and jalapeno can individualize the experience. Another sign I should have realized was how excited the white folk were eating here, meanwhile the only other table, an Asian couple, seems troubled on how they would spin their experience to a positive lunch on their...

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, this humble Vietnamese bistro sits comfortably, like a beacon of culinary simplicity and authenticity. Nestled in the corner of a busy street, its modest demeanor cloaks a dining experience brimming with unpretentious quality and warmth.

The star of their menu, the bánh mì, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Recently, however, I was compelled to try the sizzling beef, which was an absolute delight. The beef, expertly prepared, melted in my mouth – a joyous celebration of simplicity and robust flavors that speaks volumes about the kitchen's commitment to crafting unassuming yet satisfying dishes.

The servers contribute significantly to the restaurant's charm. Their supportiveness, attentiveness, and warm demeanor echo the very qualities that make this establishment a beloved dining spot. Their service is an ode to the beauty of the everyday - it's a simple, but essential harmony in the composition of the dining experience.

While the restaurant may seem like just another eatery on a busy street, it offers a welcoming refuge that's akin to returning home. It's the perfect spot to wind down after work, to simply sit and relish the comfort of good food and a convivial atmosphere. It embodies the charm of the familiar, a pleasure that's often overlooked in the pursuit of the novel.

In summary, this restaurant is a treasure for those seeking solace in the form of homely, heart-warming cuisine. Its charm lies in its simplicity, offering a gastronomic experience that's comforting and gratifying. It's a welcoming corner of culinary pleasure that calls one back time and again, truly a testament to the joy of simple, everyday dining. Highly...