And now for something legit AF. Banh Mi 37 can be tricky to find, as it doesn’t technically have an address. We arrive in an Uber, and ask directions of a man sitting on the road, who points between two buildings and nods his head. Banh mi 37 is a food truck that sets up shop in an alleyway once a day – in the afternoons – and tends to sell out within an hour or two.
A small queue begins to the left of the food cart. All walks of life wait patiently, hugging the wall in fear they’ll be clipped by one of the passing motorcycles.
Two people run this operation. A lady sits adjacent the cart frying pork meatballs on an open fire, flaming and turning each one with chopsticks and precision. That’s what she’s making. That’s what you’re getting.
The second is the assembly guy, swiftly grasping at rolls from a basket at his feet before constructing the sandwich for you.
Like any life changing experience, it all flashes before your eyes, and before you know it, you’re on your way, baguette in hand. If you feel like dodging some Saigon traffic, the park down the road acts as a great makeshift dining room to enjoy one of the best Banh Mi’s in the city.
These Banh Mi are certainly the real deal, and featured a Barbeque-like, Hoisin-esque spicy sauce that hurts just the right amount so nobody has to use their safe word.
Banh M37 is without a doubt secured in my Top 3 best Banh Mi in Vietnam. Even if you’re only here for a layover, it’s worth checking out. Just make sure you get in before they all sell out!
Banh Mi 37
Address: 37 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1
Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam