Articles on Cooper Cooks

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #26 - Van Banh Mi & Yogurt

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:15:28 -0700

Van Banh Mi & Yogurt

Another bánh mì-focused shop, right downtown near David Lam park. The inside only has a few bar seats facing the window, with most of the space reserved for behind the counter. They offered an assortment of flavours, today I went with #8 - the pork belly option.

The Components

Bread

The bread was warmed up, always nice. It had a flaky exterior shell, and a medium density crumb inside. Nothing remarkable here.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #25 - Pho Mien Tay

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:45:28 -0700

Pho Mien Tay

Pho Mien Tay operates right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. As their name suggests, they focus mainly on the famous Vietnamese noodle soup, but they also offer bánh mì. Let’s get into it.

The Components

Bread

The bread was… chewy? This on its own is not necessarily a bad thing, but as we’ll soon find out - it was a bad thing.

Veg

The balance of the sandwich was thrown off by the presence of way too much pickled daikon and carrot. It was less a careful balance of fresh and savory, and just a pickle sandwich. Fresh cilantro, and a couple slivers of jalapeno.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #24 - Viet Street Food Cafe

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:00:28 -0700

Viet Street Food Cafe

Viet Street Food Cafe has a small, cozy, and friendly vibe sitting on Kingsway right in the heart of little Saigon. The sole staff member I encountered immediately struck up a conversation with me, a small gesture which warmed my icy heart.

The cafe has a focus on lunch items, bánh mì chiefly among them. Let’s see how it is!

The Components

Bread

They warmed up my baguette fresh in the toaster. The bread itself was outstanding - crispy, but extremely light - probably the lightest bread I’ve had so far. Personally, I loved it. Outstanding

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #23 - Little Jasmine

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:12:28 -0700

Little Jasmine

This is my third bánh mì this week - I’m on a roll! Unfortunately, one was from obanhmi - so you’ll only get two new reviews out of it.

Little Jasmine is a new-ish Vietnamese restaurant that opened up in the little Saigon area on Kingsway. The interior, while lacking some polish, is bright, spacious, and modern. While their menu has a slight emphasis on pho, they have other Vietnamese favorites - including a chicken, pork, or veggie bánh mì.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #22 - Viet Sub Vietnamese Cuisine

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:12:30 -0700

Viet Sub Vietnamese Cuisine

Today was the first day of a new job for me, and that meant heading into downtown Vancouver to the office. A coworker asked if I wanted to grab lunch, which is an excellent excuse to try a new bánh mì restaurant in a place I don’t get to too often!

Viet Sub Vietnamese Cuisine is on Robson street, and as the name implies they’re exclusively focused on bánh mì. They have a retro Vancouver vibe to them, friendly service and a solid line of customers - always a good sign.

3 Weeks in Japan - Food Highlights and Takeaways

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 15:24:05 -0800

3 Weeks in Japan - Food Highlights and Takeaways

I just got back from an impromptu 3-week vacation to Japan! Besides being a much-needed reset from the monotony of working life, it offered another opportunity to experience and learn from Japanese food culture.

Regional Cuisine

Japanese cuisine can be broadly categorized based on where it’s from, and to an extent, its target audience. For example, when I think of Osakan food, I think predominantly of street food like okonomiyaki and takoyaki. When I consider the many wards of Tokyo, I think of a more international mixing pot of cuisines, as well as many hyperspecialties - think 10+ local varieties of ramen. So when I went to Osaka, toured Hokkaido, and stayed in Tokyo and Sendai, I was sure to look up the local foods and try each one at least once.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #21 - 88 Supermarket

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:02:30 -0700

88 Supermarket

88 Supermarket is a local grocery store in Vancouver focusing on Asian ingredients. Their location on 49th features a deli where they make bánh mì to order - how does it stack up? I ordered the #1 special bánh mì.

The Components

Bread

The bread was a little stale, but otherwise appeared good quality. Perhaps this is due to the time of day that we went (early afternoon)

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #20 - Pho Thai Ha

Thu, 14 May 2026 14:41:13 -0700

Pho Thai Ha

Pho Thai Ha is a quaint sit-down Vietnamese restaurant with a broad menu, mainly focusing on pho. They do have a bánh mì selection however - how does it hold up?

The Components

Bread

I found the bread to be extremely flakey (messy) and a touch dry, with a medium crumb and little chew. This is, unfortunately, pretty standard for most bánh mì baguettes in Vancouver.

Veg

They had everything - fresh cucumber, japapeno and cilantro, plus pickled carrot and diakon. The pickled carrot and diakon could stand to be more heavily seasoned or served with more of the pickling juices - it too was dry.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #19 - Bonjour Bánh Mi

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:29:13 -0700

Bonjour Bánh Mi

Bonjour Bánh Mi is one of the furthest out locations I’ve tried, yet the fact it’s only a 15 minute drive away really speaks to the prevalence of bánh mì in Vancouver.

The Components

Bread

The bread was good - warm, crust, and soft inside. No notes. As noted on their website, they do bake their own bread which of course gives them a leg up in this department.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #18 - Merci Beaucoup Cafe

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:24:41 -0700

Merci Beaucoup Cafe

This cozy cafe is one of the last restaurants serving bánh mì on the drive that I’ve yet to visit. They offer a variety of Vietnamese options, among them their $7-$8 bánh mì sandwiches. The restaurant itself is cozy and well put together. Let’s get into it.

The Components

Bread

The bread was good! Warm, crusty with enough give to make it enjoyable.

Veg

The veg was extremely fresh, seriously among the best I’ve had yet. Their only downfall - no daikon. I had an all-carrot sandwich. Plenty of cilantro and jalapeno however.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #17 - The Saigonville Restaurant

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:23:49 -0700

The Saigonville Restaurant

The Saigonville Restaurant is a charming family restaurant located on Hastings street. Featuring sit down service, the interior is inviting, and when I arrived it was packed with people eating lunch. How’s their bánh mì?

The Components

Bread

The bread was nothing special - neither bad nor great. It appeared to be brought in from an outside vendor. It was warm, but dry.

Veg

The veg was good! Pickled daikon and carrot, cucumber strips, fresh cilantro, and seasoned red chilis. I thought the swap of traditional Jalapeno for the red chilis was an excellent choice.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #16 - Paris Bakery - Commercial Drive

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:33:43 -0700

Paris Bakery - Commercial Drive

The Paris Bakery specializes in bánh mì boasting their own baked bread. But are they good? I ordered the lemongrass chicken bánh mì.

The Components

Bread

The bread was pretty good! Fresh, and notably softer than most other bánh mì I’ve tried.

Veg

The veg hit the mark for me. Pickled carrot & daikon, fresh cucumber, fresh cilantro. No jalapeno was one drawback.

Spread

I didn’t note anything outstanding about the spread unfortunately. Since I ordered the lemongrass chicken, it seems I didn’t get any pate. My girlfriend got the BBQ pork bánh mì, and she said that the pate was good.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #15 - The Red Wagon

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:02:43 -0700

The Red Wagon

The Red Wagon is a popular local diner in Vancouver, and it usually has a substantial wait. While their menu mainly consists of western brunch food, they also have a breakfast bánh mì - the most expensive one I’ve tried yet. But is it good?

The Components

Bread

The bread was pretty soft. It lacked a bit of a crunch factor, which is something I typically like. Not a dealbreaker.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #14 - La Maison Da Nang

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 17:05:43 -0700

La Maison Da Nang

La Maison Da Nang is one of the closest Vietnamese restaurants to Bánh Mi Saigon, one of my current contenders for #1. Do they measure up?

Upon entry, I was greeted by a robotic voice. I’m paraphrasing, but it said “Hi, welcome. How are you? Please take a seat”. Who do I tell how I am? The robot? The shopkeeper, who was sitting at a table right in front, staring at me?

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #13 - Tuan & Thuy Kitchen

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:05:32 -0700

Tuan & Thuy Kitchen

Tuan & Thuy is directly next to a very dense traffic area in Vancouver - Kingsway and Victoria Dr. I rode my bike up there, but there was no nearby places to lock up my bike - beside some very wide street lights, which my u-lock won’t fit.

The Components

Bread

The bread was excellent. Fabulous, even. From the first bite you can tell it was baked fresh recently, and if the taste doesn’t convince you, perhaps the giant oven with bread racks next to it may.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #12 - The Hanoi Corner

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:05:32 -0700

The Hanoi Corner

The Hanoi Corner is the first bánh mì shop I’ve tried on Commercial Drive proper so far. Lets see how it measures up

The Components

Bread

The bread was surprisingly fresh, and warm. A good start.

Veg

The veg was actually a standout for me. The seasoning was excellent, maybe they added some additional spices, let it sit for longer, or something else entirely. In any case, it was good. Jalapeno (optional) was very spicey, but this was not unwelcomed. Cilantro included.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #11 - Bánh Mi Saigon

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 12:05:32 -0700

Bánh Mi Saigon

Bánh Mi Saigon - the inspiration for this entire bánh mì tour. Bánh mì saigon is well known among bánh mì enthusiasts in Vancouver for their fresh made bread, fast service, and convenient location. And let me tell you, their reputation for excellence is well deserved.

Bánh Mi Saigon has a cash only sign, but they do indeed take debit card if you ask them. Bring cash just in case though.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #10 - Cafe Xu Hue

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:00:30 -0700

Cafe Xu Hue

The final bánh mì restaurant of 3 on this block of Kingsway. Cafe Xu Hue is cash only, has a dated interior, very friendly and efficient service, and had plenty of families inside eating. Good signs.

The Components

Bread

The bread was standard. Nothing special here.

Veg

Inside, they have thick cut cucumber, daikon, carrot, cilantro, and some mystery herb? It tasted fresh and grassy. Perhaps an asian basil variety. It was a welcome addition.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #9 - Chau Veggie Express

Sat, 31 May 2025 15:00:30 -0700

Chau Veggie Express

Chau veggie express is up located Victoria drive. A personal favorite of my partner for their soup, they branched out not too long ago, adding meat — and bánh mì — to their restaurant. How does it stack up against the stiff competition in the neighborhood?

The Components

Bread

The bread was… different. Not bad, but more bun-y. Soft on the outside, soft on the inside. Honestly, I wasn’t a huge fan. Give me a baguette any day.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #8 - Ngon Cafe

Tue, 27 May 2025 12:58:00 -0700

Ngon Cafe Vancouver

Today, we’re visiting a block on Kingsway that I’m quite fond of - besides the nearby T&T, there’s 3 (3!) bánh mì on one block

Ngon cafe is the second location I’ve visited on this block, with Obanhmi being the first. Inside, the cafe was warm and inviting, not too quiet, and good decor.

I ordered the Ngon special, which cost me around ~$10 with a 12% tip.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #7 - Saigon Bites

Tue, 06 May 2025 12:55:00 -0700

Saigon Bites - Renfrew

Two days in a row! Today’s bánh mì is from Saigon Bites Renfrew.

The Components

Bread

The bread was crisp on the outside, and pretty average on the inside as far as softness goes. Nothing to write home about.

Veg

They’ve got cucumber, carrot, daikon, cilantro, and jalapeno. I thought the seasoning of the pickling solution left a bit to be desired, but the veg was fresh.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #6 - Kingsway Deli - Vân Mi Long

Mon, 05 May 2025 12:45:00 -0700

Kingsway Deli - Vân Mi Long

Vân Mi Long is in a bit of a funny location, since they’re located almost directly beside a different bánh mì restaurants (Bánh Mi Thai Hang 2, which I’ve been to but have yet to review). The inside is clean, and the workers (an old lady and younger boy) were very friendly.

The Components

Bread

The bread was pretty standard, by my estimation. Good crunchy outside, soft-enough inside. Passing marks.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #5 - Ba-Le Deli and Bakery

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 12:45:00 -0700

Ba-Le Deli and Bakery

Ba-Le is a relatively well-known chain in Vancouver that mostly serves bánh mì. This is my first time going, so I wasn’t coming in with any preconceived notions.

Upon entry, it looked like most other bánh mì establishments - a pretty gaunt interior, devoid of anything that might make this a good place to stay and enjoy your meal. Get your food and get out. There were a couple fridges containing ingredients for sale, including the pate - a good sign.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #4 - Duffin's Donuts

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:08:00 -0800

Duffin’s Donuts

Oh Duffin’s. I was looking forward to this review.

Look, I’m not expecting perfection from Duffin’s. Duffin’s does not exist to be perfect. I do expect deliciousness though.

The Components

Bread

It’s not a french baguette. It’s not crusty on the outside with an ultra-light and just-soft-enough interior. Duffin’s viet chicken bread is more like the bread that you’d expect to find at Subway, soft all the way through. It’s good enough. It’s easy to eat casually without getting crumbs all over.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #3 - Thu Hien Deli & Sandwich Shop

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:43:00 -0800

Thu Hien Deli & Sandwich Shop

Thu Hein, on Kingsway, looks disorganized from the inside but it contains some excellent Vietnamese ingredients. At the counter, you can order from one of ~4 bánh mì sandwich options. Their prices are low at $7 (cash or debit only)

The Components

Bread

On the plus side, the bread was warm. The crust was present and not overtly hard on the palette. It was not pillowy at all though, crisp all the way through.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #2 - Obanhmi

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 13:41:00 -0800

Obanhmi

Today, we went to Obanhmi’s Kingsway location.

The Components

Bread

I found the baguette to be above average, which was a pleasant surprise. It was warm throughout when I picked it up, meaning they either baked it relatively recently or had reheated it at some point recently. The crust was crisp but not cutting, and the bread itself was pillowy. Not artisanal or anything, but they really did the best they could with what they had.

Reviewing Vancouver's Bánh Mì - #1 - Kim Chau

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 12:26:00 -0800

Kim Chau

First on the list is Kim Chau. They’re been known for providing affordable bánh mì in Vancouver for many years. It’s cash only, so be sure to hit up an ATM beforehand.

The Components

Bread

The bread does not appear to be freshly baked in-house. This is entirely normal, to be completely honest, but it’s not worth of excessive praise. It has a decent crunch on the outside, yet it’s betrayed by its decidedly not-fluffy interior. It’s okay.

Reviewing Every Single Bánh Mì in East Vancouver

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 22:14:00 -0800

In Which I Eat a Lot of Sandwiches

I live in the heart of East Vancouver’s little Saigon, which is an area that even local Vancouverites don’t know about too much. It emcompasses (in my view) about 6-8 blocks on Kingsway, centered on Knight street. In this area, you’ll find a glut of Vietnamese food options - including a ton of bánh mì!

So, I figured why not put them to the test? And to make things interesting, I’m not just looking at little Saigon, I’m looking at the whole of East Vancouver. I’m going to eat at literally every establishment that serves bánh mì I can find here.