A Vietnamese staple. A traveller’s dream. The best sandwich in the world???
A review of Banh Mi Brothers – Edinburgh
Taste – 8.2/10
Atmosphere – 6.2/10
Service – 8/10
Value – 9.1/10
The humble, yet dependable Vietnamese sandwich, the Banh Mi, has triumphantly crossed borders into the Western culinary scene. These sandwiches, crafted by charming Vietnamese ladies at roadside carts, offer a transformative experience that promises to instantly satiate your hunger. This culinary marvel is being passionately recreated by Western food enthusiasts, bringing a slice of Vietnam to our streets.
Driven by young, affluent adventurers chasing the thrill of their Asian backpacking escapades, Banh Mi shops are sprouting up everywhere. With a bit of parental backing, they’re opening up shops to cater to the Banh Mi craze. Banh Mi Brothers is a perfect example of this trend. They began in their university accommodation kitchen, drawing inspiration from their travels, and have now established themselves in the bustling old town of Edinburgh.
The hip decor, with mellow R&B spinning on vinyl, gives the place a vibrant, friendly vibe. The staff are affable and attentive, making ordering a breeze. The menu is delightfully simple, offering just a few options – perfect, since you’re here for one thing: the Banh Mi! I opted for the chicken gochujang Banh Mi and the char siu pork Banh Mi, both loaded with all the essential toppings.
The toppings are crucial in a Banh Mi: pâté, pickled vegetables, chillies, and coriander, all nestled in a crispy petit baguette (because, naturally, the West had to leave its mark in Vietnam). But the true test of a great Banh Mi is the meat. The chicken was cooked to a tender perfection, glazed flawlessly with gochujang sauce, delivering a tangy, rich flavour that melded beautifully with the creamy pâté. The pork, slow-cooked to juicy tenderness, boasted a char siu flavour – one of my all-time favourites – that turned each bite into a mouth-watering celebration.
At £6.50, it’s a steal. Maybe not as cheap as in Vietnam, but definitely a bargain by Western standards. They also offer a meal deal: a Banh Mi, a side salad, and a drink for £8.50. Naturally, I went for this, and the mixed bean and vegetable salad was a refreshing twist on simplicity, with a soy dressing adding a salty-sweet kick. The homemade iced tea was a hit too, providing a perfect palate cleanser for the spice.
Overall, the food was exceptional, offering a unique modern twist with flavours not typically found in a Banh Mi, like gochujang. The only downside is the seating – there aren’t many places to sit, which can make the atmosphere feel a bit soulless, especially when the lunchtime rush of office workers hits. But, given it’s a sandwich bar, I’ll let that slide.
Despite this, the place is an absolute must-visit! In my humble opinion, the Banh Mi is the best sandwich in the world, and undoubtedly, this spot has the best sandwich in Edinburgh.