Banh Mi Express — Restaurant in San Diego

I cannot believe the hype around this place. Went here because I needed a quick bite. I’m quite fond of Vietnamese food so I like seeing what different places have to offer and this place was very disappointing. A one star is extreme but I’ve read and seen the other reviews on here and yelp and I just can’t believe them. At the very least this place is not representative of “inexpensive” or “Vietnamese” food. I don’t know why this place is listed as cheap because it’s a rip-off compared to other restaurants that serve the same food in the same area.

My grips:

Bahn Mi Sandwich Their small is priced what most places charge normally and their “large” is $2 more and is the size of most place’s regular size.

There was less meat on the large than what I get on most place’s regular sized and cheaper sandwiches. I’d say vegetarians should consider this place if you’re worried about getting meat on your sandwich because you won’t.

“Large” means “more bread”.

Someone there must own a pepper farm because these people seem to think spicy peppers should be used as a filler instead of a garnish.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Same “small” and “large” problems as the sandwich.

3/4 of the drink was thick cubed ice.

The server initially gave me a small even though I asked and paid for a large. I corrected him and watched him remake the next one. He just poured the small into a large cup, and added a few more ice cubes.

The server asked me before making the drink (in the wrong size) if I wanted it sweet. I said yes. The drink was more bitter than a Starbucks cold stale straight black brew.

I’m not a foodie and I don’t normally care enough about poor restaurant experience to say anything. I just don’t go back. Obviously this place inspired me to react this way. That’s not a motivator I’d like associated with my Vietnamese...

Banh Mi Express is conveniently located in a shopping plaza on Clairemont Mesa (Asian central location). This is a small and clean banh mi shop with dine in seating for about 20 people. mostly serving banh mi sandwiches, Vietnamese drinks, smoothies, egg rolls and rice noodles combinations. Ample parking and close to the highway. We ordered three banh mi sandwiches: grilled BBQ pork, grilled chicken and grilled beef and a pork rice noodle combination and Vietnamese iced coffee at the cashier counter and found us a table to sit. The banh mi sandwiches were under $8 each, iced Vietnamese coffee was about $5.50 and about $14.50 for the rice noodle combo. After a few minutes, our food was delivered to our table with napkins, chopsticks and drinks. The bread is made fresh daily. The banh mi baguette bread was lightly crispy on the outside and soft inside with good amount of meat and veggies. Banh mi is all about the bread and this shop delivers. We liked the grilled BBQ pork sandwich the most and our least favorite was probably the grilled chicken (felt like they used leftover grilled chicken meat). The Vietnamese coffee, a little pricey for a small drink, was good but not as authentic as we’d hoped for. The rice noodles combo was decent and tasty, especially the 3 egg rolls which came out fresh and piping hot. The person behind the cashier counter was very nice and made good and honest recommendations to us and we appreciated that. Banh Mi Express is a good place to grab a quick bite and satisfy your craving for tasty and affordable Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches in the...

Had a tofu veggie banh mi. The tofu was cooked sweet which wouldn't be my first choice, but still tasted really good. All the veggies were super fresh. The bread was so good and quality that reminds me of Bale Sandwiches which is my go to, but is unfortunately so far from me. I was reluctant to post this since I feel like this area finally got the sandwich shop it deserved and I would love to keep this place to myself. Prices are great and it looks like they have tons of other stuff to try....