Where to find the 11 best banh mi sandwiches in the Charlotte area
Let’s talk about lunch — specifically, the best banh mi sandwiches in the Charlotte area.
What is a banh mi? The Vietnamese staple is a baguette stuffed with meats, vegetables and sauces. The sandwich came out of French influence on Vietnam during the colonial period, starting with the baguette and then slowly adapting with the fillings. It can be described as the culinary love child of the two distinct cultures.
With each bite bringing the perfect combo of spicy, sweet and savory, you’re missing out if you haven’t tried one yet.
Check out these local spots for some of the best banh mi sandwiches in town — some of which are very traditional and some that have a more modern twist:
220C Banh Mi and Coffee
Location: 10020 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270
This MoRA restaurant caters to a neighborhood crowd and welcoming all. In addition to banh mi — created from scratch daily with French baguettes baked in house — you’ll find other Vietnamese specialties including taro buns and savory pastries such as beef bulgogi buns.
What to get: Heo Quay Banh Mi (crispy pork belly)
Cost: $9.49
Banh Mi Brothers
Location: 230 E. W.T. Harris Blvd., Suite A7, Charlotte, NC 28262
Not only does this popular spot have traditional banh mi, but vegan options and specialty options are available, too. Want to top off this meal with another popular menu item? Order a side of fries. It has five different options to choose from.
What to get: Vegan Korean (Korean marinated seitan with kimchi, jicama and cilantro aioli)
Cost: $9.50
Be’s Noodles & Banh Mi
Location: 11318 N Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
As a fast and casual eatery in Ballantyne, Be’s Noodle & Banh Mi offers quick eats like Crispy Vermicelli Noodle Buns and Lemongrass Pork Banh Mi sandwiches, as well as warm and cozy noodle soups. The restaurant offers both dine-in seating and carryout.
What to get: Sliced Filet Mignon Pho (Pho Tai)
Cost: $14
CO
Location: 4201 Park Road D, Charlotte, NC 28209
Location: 7416 Waverly Walk Ave., Charlotte, NC 28277
CO is known for taking traditional dishes and adding its own unique flare, and the banh mis are a true testament to that. You can even add pho broth or a side of green papaya salad with herbs and mixed veggies for just $3 more.
What to get: Chicken katsu
Cost: $11.50
Crispy Banh Mi
Location: 14825 Ballantyne Village Way, Suite 175, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: 5100 South Blvd, Ste C, Charlotte, NC 28217
Location: 2130 Ayrsley Town Blvd STE C, Charlotte, NC 28273
Location: 2934 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205
With multiple locations and online ordering, Crispy Bahn Mi is a go-to choice for bahn mi lovers in Charlotte. The beloved spot also offers a variety of coffees and teas, including Vietnamese coffee, lattes, frappes and milk tea to pair with your meal.
What to get: Crispy’s Favorite (ham, pork roll and head cheese, plus grilled chicken)
Cost: $6.50
Le’s Sandwiches & Cafe
Location: 217 E. Sugar Creek Road, Unit 150, Charlotte, NC 28213
A Charlotte legend and hidden gem, Le’s specializes in banh mi — a Vietnamese sandwich on a crispy yet simultaneously soft baguette. Customers can choose from a variety of meats and veggies as stuffing for this classic.
What to get: #6 Grilled Pork Sandwich
Cost: $7
Lula Banh Mi & Bakery
Location: 10400 Centrum Parkway, Suite A, Pineville, NC 28134
The Vietnamese baguette at this banh mi shop is baked from scratch — and you can tell. Place an order to pick up a couple of sandwiches to go, plus eggrolls and a few cupcakes or individual cheesecakes for dessert.
What to get: Grilled Pork Banh Mi
Cost: $7
Me Viet Kitchen
Location: 2524 E. Franklin Blvd. A, Gastonia, NC 28056
Our list wouldn’t be complete without including this neighborhood stop in Gastonia. Choose from six different banh mi options, with honorable mentions to the grilled shrimp banh mi and pho French-dip banh mi.
What to get: Stir-fried Tofu and Veggies Banh Mi
Cost: $8.50
Pho Ngon
Location: Ayrsley, 2215 Ayrsley Town Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
Tucked in the Ayrsley development, Pho Ngon has six banh mi options to satisfy your cravings, including combination, fried egg, grilled pork, grilled chicken, Vietnamese grilled pork sausage and Vietnamese cured ham.
What to get: Vietnamese grilled pork sausage
Cost: $6.95
Pho @ NoDa
Location: 2100 N. Davidson St., Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28205
Stop in to Pho @ NoDa for pho and banh mi under one roof. This eatery serves authentic dishes, including the banh mi served on a French baguette with aioli, cucumber, cilantro, jalapenos, carrot and daikon — and take your pick of seven different protein options. Choose from the special trio of BBQ pork, ham and cold cut to lemongrass grilled pork, an egg sunny-side up and more.
What to order: Banh Mi Ga Nuong (lemongrass grilled chicken)
Cost: $8
Yummi Banh Mi
Location: varies for food truck
Location: 121 N Long St., Salisbury, NC 28144
With the Yummi Banh Mi food truck roaming out and about through the streets of the city, what better meal for a bite on the go? Make sure to check out its weekly food truck schedule so you don’t miss out on the yummy menu items.
What to order: Vietnamese BBQ Pork
Price: $9.75
Kadee Blakely, Chyna Blackmon, Heidi Finley and Melissa Oyler contributed to this story.
This story was originally published January 10, 2023 at 5:45 AM.