Last updated: July 2026
Looking for the best banh mi in Calgary? I’ve personally visited more than 21 banh mi shops across the city and paid for every meal myself. The best banh mi balances a fresh baguette, rich pâté, creamy butter, crunchy pickled vegetables, and generous fillings.
If You Only Try Five
🏆 Best Overall Cold-Cut Banh Mi
My Tho BBQ ($9)— Best overall cold-cut banh mi. The combination of house-made meats, pâté, mayonnaise, pickled vegetables, and a big baguette is hard to beat.
🏆 Most Authentic to Vietnam
Paper Lantern ($11) — The banh mi that most reminds me of Vietnam. The tender pork belly, soft baguette, pickled vegetables, and rich sauces capture the flavours I remember from my trip.
🏆 Most Consistent
Saigon Deli ($9) — Most consistent. An old-school classic where the bread, butter, meat, and pâté come together the same way every time. Ask for extra butter.
🏆 Most Creative Banh Mi
An An Kitchen & Bar ($18) — Most creative banh mi. The French Dip Beef Rib Banh Mi is unlike anything else in the city, pairing a rich beef sandwich with pho broth for dipping.
🏆 Best Value & Service
Banh Mi Cay ($9.50) — Generous portions of fragrant lemongrass beef, light bread, and plenty of vegetables. Extra points for the owner’s warm service.
🥇 Start Here
These are the best banh mi in Calgary to start with. Most of the GOATs are located in 17th Avenue SE (Forest Lawn).
Calgary has no shortage of options, but consistency is where most places fall apart. My Tho BBQ is one that holds up if you’re working through the best banh mi in Calgary. Excellent balance of crisp bread and generous fillings, with some of my favourite versions of pâté and butter in the city. Try the Assorted Sub ($9). Another popular option is the Roasted Pork Sub ($9).
→ Read the full review: My Tho BBQ.
Saigon Deli
People in the know swear by Saigon Deli. Made by people who know what they’re doing. My favourite is the Cold Assorted Sub ($9). The bread is fresh and tender, and the portions of meat, pâté, and vegetables are generous. The pâté has a slightly metallic flavour.
→ Read the full review: Saigon Deli.
Banh Mi Cay
I love how the owner put so much care into making the subs. I recommend the Beef Sate ($9.50). Light bread, plenty of vegetables, and a generous amount of lemongrass beef. Call ahead if you have a large order.
→ Read the full review: Banh Mi Cay.
Inner city spots
If you live in the inner city and don’t want to travel far for a great bánh mì, these spots deserve a place on your list.
Get the cold cut combo ($12.50). The baguette is nearly the size of a footlong Subway sandwich. The bread is light and crumbly. The generous spread of pate is proportional to the pile of ultra-crunchy carrots, cucumbers, and jalapeños. The contrast in textures really stood out. One of the best values in Altadore.
→ Read the full review: Banh Mi Boy.
The pork belly banh mi is the one to order ($11). The braised pork belly was warm and so tender, it nearly melted into the crisp baguette. Rich house-made mayonnaise and special sauce added extra savoury flavour, while the pickled vegetables delivered a tart crunch. The caramelized chicken and marinated tofu versions are other options.
→ Read the full review: Paper Lantern.
MyMy Sub → Located across from SAIT. Start with the cold cut banh mi ($10.45). The bread is excellent, glossy and crusty on the outside, yet soft and fluffy within. The assorted meats are sliced into thick slabs with a mild flavour. Their springy texture reminded me of the shrimp balls served in Chinese hot pot. The pâté struck a nice balance, present without becoming overly metallic. A generous smear of mayonnaise added richness and kept the sandwich saucy.
→ Read the full review: MyMy Sub
Trung Nguyen
A solid Chinatown option. Its baguette and balanced pâté are among the best in the city. Popular options include the Assorted Cold Cut ($9), Sate Beef ($11) or the Peking Duck Sub ($12).
→ Read the full review: Trung Nguyen.
💸 Cheap and Quick
When you want something fast, inexpensive and filling.
Thai Thien
A go-to for inexpensive lunch or late-night downtown. The cheapest place in Calgary to get a banh mi, vermicelli platter or pho. I like the Charbroiled Pork Sub ($6.15). The sate beef pho is only $7.95. Order online through Clover for pickup or face the long lines.
→ Read the full review: Thai Thien.
Located in Crescent Heights. Cold Cut Sub ($8.50) is layered with assorted cold cuts, crunchy cucumbers, and pickled carrots and daikon. Soc Trang no longer serves the beef sate sub. Best to order via telephone before coming to the store, as it’s a one person operation. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes if you don’t call ahead.
→ Read the full review: Soc Trang.
To Me Sub
Located on 5250 Macleod Trail S.W., To Me Sub is a drive-through favourite for oversized, fusion-leaning subs like the Coconut Chicken ($11). Bubble tea is only $5.
→ Read the full review: To Me Sub.
Thai Tai
A convenient 17th Ave stop with generous portions and decent value for the area. I recommend the Cold Cut Sub ($10.50), the Spicy Sate Beef Sub ($11.50), and Deep Fried Pork Springrolls ($9.50).
→ Read the full review: Thai Tai.
Best Beef Banh Mi in Calgary
Located in the Beltline. An An Kitchen & Bar is the most creative banh mi on this list. Try the French Dip Beef Rib Banh Mi ($18). The baguette is better than what you’ll find at many dedicated banh mi shops, light and crisp on the outside, yet soft within. Dipped into the signature pho broth, the bread absorbs the broth’s subtle sweetness and softens into a comforting, soup-soaked bite. The star is the seven-hour roasted pho-spiced beef rib, which delivers plenty of rich, fatty flavour.
→ Read the full review: An An Kitchen & Bar.
Bake Chef
Located in MacEwan Hall, at the University of Calgary. Try the Spicy Beef Sub ($10). A longtime campus favourite, though I find the sandwiches can be inconsistent. At times, the fillings seem sparse or the bread slightly underbaked. On a good day, however, it’s easy to see why it has such a loyal following. The baguette is soft, light, and pleasantly squishy, while the beef is hot, saucy, and slightly sweet. Melted white cheese adds gooey creaminess, while cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast. Carrots, red onion, and jalapeños bring plenty of crunch, balancing the sandwich’s softer textures.
→ Read the full review: Bake Chef
Recently relocated to Sunridge / Horizon after many years in Forest Lawn. If you’re looking for variety, this is one of the city’s better banh mi shops, with options that go beyond the usual cold cuts and sate beef. Try the AA Beef Satay ($13), Bean Curd ($11) or one of the many specialty combinations. Consistency can vary depending on who’s working, but when it’s on, it remains one of Calgary’s stronger banh mi destinations.
→ Read the full review: Banh Mi Nhu Y.
Located in the Fresh & Local Market & Kitchens, in the SE. The beef banh mi ($17) is generously stuffed with meat, big enough for two people. The bread is among the city’s best. The vegetables are crunchier and assertively pickled, with a rustic tang and texture. Be warned, the chillies are seriously spicy.
→ Read the full review: Bee the Banhmi
Located in Forest Lawn. Hue Thuong’s beef sub ($9) has a soft, warm filling, marinated in a homemade soy blend and hot sauce, topped with sautéed white and green onions. It tastes a bit like pho in a sandwich. The bread is light and chewy, while the pickled carrots and daikon add a sweet crunch.
→ Read the full review: Hue Thuong
Kim Anh Vietnamese Subs
Located on 17th Ave, Kim Anh’s Lemongrass Beef ($12.50) is heavy on lemongrass and flavour. Occasionally, there seems to be a quality issue with the produce or filling, usually late at night.
→ Read the full review: Kim Anh Vietnamese Subs
Located in Crowfoot. Try the sate beef banh mi ($11.50). The lightly toasted baguette is soft and easy to bite into, while a restrained amount of mayonnaise and sweet sauce lets the beef shine. Generously piled on, the beef is smoky, charred, and deeply flavoured from the wok.
→ Read the full review: Pho 99.
Van Express
Located downtown Calgary. Van Express’ beef banh mi ($10.48) is closer to a foot-long sub than a traditional banh mi. The melted white cheese and saucy meat filling remind me of Thi Thi’s version. Crisp, cold pickled carrots provide freshness, while the onions and jalapeños add a bite.
→ Read the full review: Van Express
Looking for more affordable Calgary dining? Check out→ Cheap Eats Calgary: Best Spots Under $30.
Disclaimer: I pay for all my meals. No invitations or comped dining.
Hitting the Sauce 