THE SNACKDOWN: BANH MI'S BEST
FROM APRIL/MAY 2022 ISSUE OF WEST END PHOENIX
Has there ever been a greater grab-and-go snack than the glorious Banh Mi? The bright pickled tangle — carrots, cilantro, tofu, pâté — tucked into a killer baguette is well-stuffed and built for strolling. There are many delicious Toronto iterations of the Saigon street food, but WEP readers have voted. Here, your favourites don their crusty, mayo-smeared crowns
2772 Dundas St. W.
The menu at this Junction staple includes classics with pork pâté, grilled meat or tofu alongside a few novel versions (a club Banh Mi with smoked bacon and Havarti; a Seoul Food special with gochujang).
Bonus points: Owner Lynn Kwon and her husband are known for keeping prices low to make their menu accessible.
1227A Bloor St. W.
Owner Mai Phan’s popular Bloordale shop slings fresh juice and Banh Mi (chicken, pork, fried egg or tofu) through the window.
322 Spadina Ave.
This 40-some-year-old Toronto takeout counter still serves up classic subs for less than a fiver.
Honourable mentions
Komi Banh Mi Bar
(1100 Bloor St. W.)
Vit Beo
(858 Bloor St. W.)
Le’s Sandwich
(1119 College St.)
Banh Mi Ba Le
(538 Dundas St. W.)
Banh Mi Boys
(392 Queen St. W.)
Rustle & Still Café
605 Bloor St. W.)
Tâm Vietnamese Street Food and Café
(369 Keele St.)
Lamhan Banh Mi
(733 Bloor St. W.)
And RIP to an East End favourite, Rose’s Vietnamese Sandwiches (601 Gerrard St. E.), whose owner Rose Pham closed shop on Jan. 1 this year after 30 years in business.