Melbourne’s Most Talked-About Banh Mi, Ranked and Reviewed
Melbourne’s banh mi scene is legendary, and one bakery stands above the rest. Nhu Lan Bakery in Footscray (116 Hopkins St) claims the crown. Reviewers give it about 4.6/5, and a classic pork banh mi costs roughly $9–11. This no-frills bakery draws queues every morning. Crusty on the outside, soft inside, its in-house baguette and perfectly balanced fillings make it worth the wait. (No booking – just take your turn at the counter.)
1. Nhu Lan Bakery – Footscray
Rating: 4.6/5
Price: $9–11
Address: 116 Hopkins Street, Footscray VIC 3011
Open: Daily, 5:00am – 6:00pm
Nhu Lan is widely regarded as the gold standard for banh mi in Melbourne. Their house-baked baguettes come out fresh throughout the day and crackle perfectly with each bite. The signature roast pork roll is packed with warm crackling, creamy pate and bright pickled vegetables. Many customers travel across the city for this single roll because the flavour never dips in quality. Because the service works at incredible speed, queues move fast, and the energy adds to the Footscray experience.
2. Phuoc Thanh Bakery – Richmond
Rating: 4.6/5
Price: $8–10
Address: 152 Victoria Street, Richmond VIC 3121
Open: Daily, 6:30am – 5:00pm
Hung’s Bakery has been feeding Richmond locals for years with oversized, generously stuffed rolls. The roast pork banh mi is the clear favourite, thanks to tender pork layered with extra coriander and a light touch of mayo. The bread stays crisp even with large fillings, which is why so many customers call Hung’s one of the best value spots in Melbourne. Because it sits in the middle of Victoria Street’s Vietnamese strip, the aroma hits you before you reach the door.
3. Lily’s Banh Mi Cafe – Scoresby
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $10–12
Address: 6 Darryl Street, Scoresby VIC 3179
Open: Monday to Saturday, 7:00am – 4:00pm
Lily’s is a quiet suburban standout that delivers exceptional banh mi without the inner-city crowds. The pork and crackling roll offers great balance, with a fresh crunch that holds from the first bite to the last. Regulars love how consistent the fillings are because you get the same quality every visit. The warm, family-style service makes it easy to understand why so many people call this their hidden favourite in the east.
4. T&L Bakery – Cremorne
Rating: 4.3/5
Price: $9–11
Address: 171 Swan Street, Cremorne VIC 3121
Open: Monday to Saturday, 7:00am – 3:00pm
T&L Bakery is a lunchtime magnet for office workers in Cremorne. The rolls are known for their perfectly light bread and well-seasoned meats, especially the BBQ pork and lemongrass chicken. Even during peak lunch hours, the line moves quickly and the quality never drops. Many fans say the chilli here has the right kick without overpowering the flavour, making it a reliable go-to for a quick but satisfying meal.
5. Viet Rose Cafe – Fitzroy
Rating: 4.3/5
Price: $9–11
Address: 330 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00am – 9:30pm
Viet Rose delivers rolls packed with fresh herbs, juicy pork and a generous amount of pickled carrot. The flavour profile leans bright and aromatic, which suits Fitzroy’s foodie crowd perfectly. People often comment on how filling these rolls are because they never skimp on toppings. The location also makes it a perfect stop while exploring the shops and bars along Brunswick Street.
6. N. Lee Bakery – Collingwood
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $8–10
Address: 220 Smith Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
Open: Monday to Friday, 6:30am – 5:30pm
N. Lee Bakery has earned loyal fans thanks to its soft yet crisp bread and punchy roast pork flavour. The team uses a rich pate that blends beautifully with fresh herbs and mayo. Because the bakery opens early, many locals grab a roll as their breakfast or early lunch. It is a reliable favourite for people who want flavour without complications.
7. Luke’s Banh Mi – Moonee Ponds
Rating: 4.6/5
Price: $7–11
Address: 11 Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039
Open: Monday to Saturday, 7:30am – 4:00pm
Luke’s offers some of the most inventive rolls in Melbourne, with every ingredient made in-house. The famous Pork ’n’ Pork features tender shoulder combined with crispy pork belly. The fillings taste fresh and vibrant because the sauces and pickles are prepared daily. Vegan and vegetarian rolls are also strong options, which helps Luke’s stand out in a city full of traditional pork-focused shops.
8. CJ Roll & Cafe – Preston
Rating: 4.4/5
Price: $10–12
Address: 151 Plenty Road, Preston VIC 3072
Open: Monday to Saturday, 8:00am – 4:00pm
CJ Roll & Cafe is known for its crunchy tiger bread and top-tier crackling pork. Every roll feels carefully built, with generous filling and just the right amount of heat. The staff are friendly and the shop has a relaxed neighbourhood feel. Many customers say the texture of the bread alone makes it worth travelling for.
Hidden Banh Mi Gems Worth Hunting Down
The Local Cafe – Footscray
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $9–12
Address: 38 Moore Street, Footscray VIC 3011
Open: Monday to Saturday, 7:00am – 3:00pm
The Local Cafe is a newer name in Footscray’s banh mi scene but is already earning a strong fan base. The bread is buttery, crisp and baked on-site. Their fillings feel more modern, with lighter seasoning and cleaner flavours. It’s a great stop if you’re looking for a fresher twist on the classic.
Bun Bun Bakery – Springvale
Rating: 4.7/5
Price: $10–12
Address: Shop 1/288 Springvale Road, Springvale VIC 3171
Open: Daily, 6:00am – 6:00pm
Bun Bun is one of the highest-rated banh mi shops in Victoria. The bread is baked from scratch, and the house-made pate brings serious depth. Locals often say this place tastes closest to the banh mi they grew up with. Because Springvale is a Vietnamese food hub, the competition is fierce, yet Bun Bun stands at the front of the pack.
Fresh Chilli Deli – St Albans
Rating: 4.4/5
Price: $7–10
Address: 61 Alfrieda Street, St Albans VIC 3021
Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Fresh Chilli Deli has an old-school, authentic feel that keeps locals coming back. The bread has a light crackle, and the pork is seasoned simply but effectively. People love its no-frills style because it keeps the focus on flavour. It is easily one of the western suburbs’ best-kept secrets.