Vietnamese street food worth finding a park in Braddon for

Posted on 26 February, 2024

There is no shortage of fine Vietnamese food in this city, but we’d like to acknowledge a hidden gem which has emerged recently in Braddon.

And when we say hidden, we really mean it.

BanMe was established late last year by Tommy Nguyen and his partner Kathy Phan, in the tiny strip behind Waves carwash on Lonsdale Street.

During the day you will need to duck and weave around the shiny clean cars to get through to it, but after 5pm, the team gets to set up  tiny tables and stools on the concrete.

It allows diners to watch the passing street traffic and gives a very cool Cabramatta-style street-food vibe. And that’s just the start.

Tommy, who has worked under Luke Mangan and Peter Gilmore  in Sydney, is an energetic force in the tiny kitchen space, overseeing some delicious northern-highlands style street foods and a truly superior line of Banh Mi.

This includes the signature crackling pork, charcoal chicken, charcoal beef, meatball, crispy tofu and a new vegetarian option heavy on smashed avo.

There is a range of Pho soups, sides including spring rolls and wantons, and main meals featuring charcoal meats, crunchy Vietnamese salad and often a fried egg.

The food is fresh, substantial and remarkably reasonably priced, making it a must-visit spot for anyone feeling those cozzie livs pinching.

For instance, the Big Plate, is groaning with a selection of charcoal pork, beef and chicken with spring rolls and tofu, accompanied by pickles and vegetables. Even two people would be hard-pressed to get through it and at $26 it is deliciously good value.

What sets BanMe apart is the focus on elevating the smoky elements from the chargrill rather than deferring to any sticky sauces.

The food is clean and fresh and feels good for you (especially if you are a carnivore)…

And if you wander down, make sure you leave space for one of BanMe’s delicious fruit shakes, home-made iced teas, or authentic Vietnamese iced coffees.

It’s a little oasis of authentic street life on a street which can sometimes feel a little manufactured. Honestly, we highly recommend a visit.