No matter how you like your banh mi, chilli or no chilli, bbq pork or classic, there’s no avoiding the fact that this delicious stuffed bread roll has won the hearts and minds of Sydneysiders. With each suburb having its own hot bread stand with a chilled cabinet containing the bright and flavourful ingredients, it would be nigh impossible to track down the best of the bunch. For fear of offending half the city, we’ve selected five places that are worth a trip for a crispy outside, soft inside and the perfect combination of salty, fatty and sweet that comes from the fillings.

Hong Ha

With trays and trays of golden oblong bread rolls lined up behind the counter, Hong Ha in Mascot knows what makes a good pork roll. The limited menu and freshness of the ingredients guarantees a fantastic experience, and with thirty years behind them, that’s no surprise. Come at lunch time and prepare to wait, but the line moves quickly so it won’t be long until you’re munching on a delicious roll, crumbs falling and desperately avoiding getting the sweet sauce everywhere.

1151 Botany Rd
Mascot

Mon – Sun, 6am – 4.30pm
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hong-Ha/164309643586596

Marrickville Pork Roll

No survey of banh mi in Sydney would be complete without mentioning Marrickville Pork Roll. Operating out of a tiny shop on Illawarra Road, the size of the shop seems in an inverse relationship to how many pork rolls are turned out on a daily basis. Stick with the original signature pork, or give the chicken, bbq pork or meatball option a go. Nevermind about missing out on the best, you’ll be back to try it again.

362 Illawarra Rd
Marrickville

Mon – Sun, 6.45 – 5.30pm

So 9

Proving that the humble banh mi has the structural integrity to make the switch to smarter dining, So 9 offer a takeaway Banh Mi station at their beautiful diner in Danks St, Waterloo. With all the classics on offer, as well as a grilled pork mince and lemongrass beef option, So 9 have kept the core flavour components in this finer setting. There is also a vegetarian option here, for those in search of the flavour without the animal aspect.

Shop 1, CASBA
18 Danks St

Waterloo
Banh Mi Station: Mon – Sun, 10am – 3pm
Restaurant: Tues – Friday, 11am – 3pm & 5.30pm to 10pm
Sat – Sun, 10am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 10pm

http://www.so9.com.au/

Bánh Mì Bảy Ngộ

Inspiring those from near and far to travel to Bankstown for their take on the iconic pork roll, Bánh Mì Bảy Ngộ is one of a run of shops along the south side of Bankstown station serving up fresh Vietnamese and local produce and meals. The secret here is the pate. A family secret for the past thirty years, it proves how each element of the banh mi can make such a difference.

49 Bankstown City Plaza
Bankstown

Mon – Sun, 6.30am – 6pm
http://restaurantwebexperts.com/BanhMiBayNgo/

Viet Hoa Hot Bread

If the split between Sydney’s east and west could be summarised in one dish, perhaps it would be the rivalry between Viet Hoa Hot Bread in Cabramatta and Marrickville Pork Roll for the best Banh Mi. Luckily, we can sample both and decide, and for us it’s too close to call. Being open 24/7 is a plus for Viet Hoa as are their reliable interpretations of the classic pork roll. Crunch and chomp your way through one of these and get back to us on who should wear the crown.

107 John St
Cabramatta

Open 24 hours