Looking for the best banh mi in Calgary? I’ve worked through more than 20 spots across the city and these are the ones that actually hold up. Not all bánh mì are equal. Some are all bread. Others miss the balance. The ones worth eating get it right: a crisp crust, soft interior, proper pâté and homemade butter, crunchy pickled vegetables, and fillings you can actually bite through.
These are the spots in Calgary I’d go back to and the ones I recommend first. If you’re figuring out where to eat in Calgary, read on.
🥇 Start Here
These are the best banh mi in Calgary to start with.
My Tho BBQ
Calgary has no shortage of options, but consistency is where most places fall apart. My Thou 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 the better pâté and butter in the city. My favourite banh mi is the Thập Cẩm Đặc Biệt, Assorted Sub ($9). Another popular option is the Roasted Pork Sub ($9).
→ Read the full review: My Tho BBQ.
If you want variety, this is one of the better spots in the city — AA beef satay ($13), lemongrass tofu ($11), and combinations that go beyond the usual. Consistency depends on who’s working, but when it’s on, it holds up as one of the stronger options for banh mi in Calgary.
→ Read the full review: Banh Mi Nhu Y.
Saigon Deli
People in the know swear by Saigon Deli. Consistently made by people who know what they’re doing. My favourite is the Cold Assorted Sub ($9). The bread is better than most competitors’, and the portions of meat, pâté, and vegetables are generous. Note that the pate’s flavour is a little metallic.
→ 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.
→ Read the full review: Banh Mi Cay.
Located in Crescent Heights. Layers of distinct cold cuts, fresh toppings, and well-balanced pickles. Crunchy cucumbers, lightly sweet carrots, and the usual hit of onion, jalapeño, and cilantro (if you’re into it)
→ Read the full review: Soc Trang.
Good, easy options on 17th Ave and in Chinatown
Thai Tai
A convenient 17th Ave stop with generous portions and decent value for the area. → Read the full review: Thai Tai.
Kim Anh Vietnamese Subs
Also located on 17th Ave, Kim Anh’s Lemongrass Beef ($12.50) is heavy on lemongrass but light on value. 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.
Trung Nguyen
A solid Chinatown option. The baguette is one of the best in the city. Try 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 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.
To Me Sub
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.
If I had to pick one:
My Tho BBQ.
It gets the balance right every time.
Hitting the Sauce 