This St. Johns’ shop is an example of modern banh mi done right. What it might lack in terms of Cafe du Monde coffee cans and plastic-wrapped pandan treats at the counter is made up for in the meal-sized Vietnamese sandwiches on the menu. In addition to a handful of grilled meat and vegetarian options, the po’ boy-meets-banh mi mashup, stuffed with tempura shrimp, and a version featuring fried chicken katsu are both successful spins on the usual. Banh Mi Up is open for takeout, delivery, and has outdoor seating.

Located on a quiet dead-end street past Pacific Supermarket, TM Banh Mi is a slightly unexpected location for Vietnamese sandwiches. The unassuming takeout spot does have the distinction of being Binh Minh’s Northeast sister location, though, so expect the same quality loaves and a similar selection of sandwiches, with the added bonus of curries and stews on the menu. Similar to Binh Minh, the banh mi are filled modestly to let the bread really shine. Takeout and delivery are available.

Banh mi at Northwest’s Lela’s Bistro is a little pricier than those found along the 82nd Avenue corridor, but they come with a cup of pho, which is the perfect solution for anyone who’s been torn between ordering one or the other. Fluffy baguettes from Binh Minh are filled with items like fried tofu or traditional steamed pork, garnished with house-made aioli; however, the standout is the bulgogi beef with kimchi, a welcome cross-cultural twist. Lela’s is open for takeout and delivery.

The bakery and deli counter near the front entrance of Montavilla’s Hong Phat supermarket isn’t just a great source for pandan waffles and roast meats by the pound, it also sells 10 varieties of banh mi, from the vegetarian bo chay with tofu and avocado to the all char siu sandwich, the xa xiu. Pro tip: there’s usually a selection of readymade sandwiches in the adjacent refrigerated case, if time is of the essence.

This downtown shop is good to keep in mind if anyone finds themselves near Pioneer Square in need of a banh mi fix. Cuon prides itself on its grilled meats, which are allowed to shine in the banh mi filled with nem nuong a.k.a. pork meatballs and kalbi-style short ribs. Delivery and takeout is available.

Practically hidden in a small cluster of nondescript storefronts, Binh Minh has consistently won high praise for its baguettes, Vietnamese sandwiches, and other baked goods like the pate chaud, puffed pastry stuffed with the rich pork liver spread. The sandwiches come on a skinny baguette and are more minimalist than some on this list. For the sake of variety, it’s worth it to try the tomato-sauced sardine banh mi that proves the merits of canned food. Binh Minh is open for delivery and takeout.

For over 20 years, this Foster Road bakery has been producing flaky loaves of French bread, sold by Asian markets and used by cooks around the city. There’s no going wrong with the traditional combo of steamed ham, headcheese, and a generous swipe of spicy pate, often #1 on menus (here, it is #4), or branching out with a tuna salad sandwich, served banh mi-style. An Xuyen is open for takeout and delivery.

Some say the westside Best Baguette is, well, the best, but nothing beats the novelty of ordering drive-thru banh mi at the original eastside location. Either way, this spot turns out classic examples of the form, including the popular grilled lemongrass pork, as well as a few offerings — one featuring fatty, soft-cooked bacon — that could be categorized as breakfast sandwiches. Best Baguette is open for takeout, delivery, and drive-thru.