[Ho Chi Minh] Due to the strong influence from French Colonial times, Banh Mi which is also known as Vietnamese Baguette has then been passed down and evolved.
It is now the iconic identity of Vietnam’s local food which can be found on almost every street in Saigon.
While I would usually think twice when it comes to street food, Banh Mi Hoa Ma was highly recommended by a friend who loves to travel to Vietnam.
It also received many positive reviews online.
Many also claimed that this is one of the best Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh.
A humble shop which lacks in its own space, many of the locals would usually just come here for takeaways.
Due to its blooming business, the owner has then expanded (illegally?) their seating space along the roadside.
People would then sit on stools and dine on low tables, while breathing in exhaust fumes from motorcycles zoomed by. *cough cough*
For first-hand experience dining like a Vietnamese local, this would be the place to visit.
Ordering was easy as there were only two items on the menu; Banh Mi Kep Thit & Banh Mi Op La.
Banh Mi Kep Thit (VND 30k, SGD$1.80) is the usual kind of Banh Mi which we would find in Singapore.
Baguette with Pâté (pork liver) and butter spread, stuffed with pork and chicken ham as well as pickled vegetables, spring onions and chilli.
While they are just simple ingredients, the combination of thick cuts of meaty ham and refreshing pickled vegetables turned out to be quite a heartening meal for breakfast.
Interesting to note, I found Vietnamese baguette lighter and airier with crispy exterior. So much so I could finish the whole Banh Mi on my own without feeling too full.
Another dish served here is the Banh Mi Op La (VND 50k, SGD$3), which the nearest translation would probably be “Bread with Sunny-Side Up Eggs”
Served on a hot plate, the main dish comes with two sunny-side up, slices of ham, fish cake and caramelized onions.
Eaten together with plain baguette, you can then dip the bread into the runny yolk or choose to eat with mix everything together.
You can also get your Vietnamese coffee fix here, which I found it slightly too sweet for my liking.
As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm, you would have to find your way here early as they are only opened for breakfast which is available daily till 10am.
Banh Mi Hoa Ma
53 Cao Thang, District 3, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Opening Hours: 5:00am – 10:0am Daily
Goggle Maps – Banh Mi Hoa Ma
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* Written by Lewis Tan @juicyfingers, a self-proclaimed coffee addict. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
Agree with you, this would be the best banh mi so far in HCMC!
I’m pretty sure they Banh mi never came to the table looking like that, you fabricated that pretty look. Honestly it was an average bahn mi which is still tasty as fuck but not knockout.