The number one Banh Mi restaurant in Melbourne. I have been coming to Master Roll for over 5 years, and have yet to have a roast pork roll that has disappointed. Being on the lower end of the price scale, Master Roll proves to be my pick for the best value, as their rolls are packed with all of the right flavours. Biggest point of difference is the pickled carrot and daikon which really balance the entire roll. Conveniently close to multiple forms of public transport, this is the best place to fill your craving.
Really, this is the home of Banh Mi in Melbourne. It's impossible to pick just one place within the Springvale Market that deserves its own place on this list, and for good reason. Buying your roll from any of the numerous shops around this area allows you to experience a lot of the subtle differences between certain shops, whether it be a generous serving of fried onions from some, or the sadistic chilli from others. While Springvale is not the easiest place to get to, the benefit of finding the cheapest Banh Mi in Melbourne is second to none, with some places selling for under $5! The experience of the market is also a winner for me, and makes lunch just a part of a nice day out.
A solid performer, which has resulted in Trang's recent expansion into two new suburbs. The highlight of a trip to Trang is the exceptional service from the people making the rolls, but what really makes this place special is the options for vegan/vego friends. While I'm not usually one to refuse pork and crackling, the meat-free options that are served up are superb! Trang also has the option of crushed nuts on the roll, which serves as a unique texture, especially for the rolls that don't benefit from that crunch of the crackling. Not on the cheaper side of the Banh Mi scale, however the value is still there, and with three shops across Melbourne, you're never too far away!
A delightful addition to the Hawthorn community. A well-balanced roll, with all of the right flavours. Nothing more really needs to be said. If you find yourself stopping by Glenferrie Station, or in the vicinity of Swinburne, it's definitely worth grabbing one of these rolls. Particular highlight of Mr & Mrs Banh Mi is the varied music choice within the store, and the wonderful service from those that work there.
Hugely popular. Whenever I mention Banh Mi, Nhu Lan is brought up. I won't lie, I was a little disappointed when I first went to Nhu Lan, mostly in part due to the lack of a roast pork roll. However, there's a reason it's such a popular place. The roll was well assembled, and even though it lacked crackling, it went down a treat. Not my favourite, personally, but still worth a visit.
N Tran provides one of the more sizeable rolls on this list, however it does fall into the more expensive side of the scale. The roll is pretty stock-standard, however the inclusion of a gravy creates a different flavour. Now, I'm not going to say that this flavour is either good or bad. It's just different. Personally, I like it, but it feels that it strays away from the balance of salt, sweet, and sour that other rolls on this list have.
Again, not the best Banh Mi that you will ever find, as well as not being the cheapest. It's nice to have an option that is open late, and the roll is by no means bad. None of its features are the best in Melbourne, nor are any of its features the worst. A good, stock-standard roll in a nice lively area.
Probably my least favourite member on the list, however not including a location in the CBD would be almost criminal. Coming in at the highest price, Ba'get doesn't necessarily deliver the quality that one would hope for. That being said, it's an okay roll, and there are a variety of flavours to choose from. If you're in the city, and craving a Banh Mi, this is certainly not the worst place on earth (believe me).
Great roll filled with all the trimmings, double meat option available. Aren't you getting tired of roast pork? This place does an excellent BBQ chicken. They also have authentic Vietnamese Iced Coffee available, takes you back to the lane-ways of Saigon