You've probably heard the hype about the sandwiches in Hoi An. It's almost unavoidable if you spend more than ten minutes researching Vietnam. Everyone talks about the "world's best" this and the "legendary" that. But if you walk away from the glowing lanterns of the Ancient Town and head toward 115 Tran Cao Van Street, you’ll find the real deal. Madam Khanh The Banh Mi Queen isn't just a clever name for tourists. It is a masterclass in how a single baguette can hold the history of a city.
Honestly, the first thing you notice isn't the smell of grilled pork. It’s the wall. Hundreds of hand-written notes from travelers are taped everywhere, literally everywhere, like a paper mosaic of gratitude. People from Brazil, Germany, and Japan have left little scraps of paper basically saying the same thing: "I've eaten banh mi all over Vietnam, but this is the one."
Who is the woman behind the crown?
There’s a bit of a funny story about the name. The "Queen" is actually a woman named Nguyen Thi Loc. She started selling food decades ago, originally carrying sweet bean soup on a bamboo pole. Eventually, she settled into the sandwich game around 1985. So why "Madam Khanh"?
Khanh is actually her husband’s name.
In the early days, foreign backpackers who didn't speak much Vietnamese just started calling her by her husband's name, and it stuck. Instead of correcting everyone, she leaned into it. Now, the awning proudly displays the title given to her by the people. While she’s stepped back from the heavy lifting lately—she’s well into her 90s now—the shop is a family legacy. Her daughter and grandchildren carry on the exact same methods she perfected over nearly forty years.
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What actually goes into a Banh Mi Queen sandwich?
A lot of places in Hoi An, like the famous Banh Mi Phuong (which gained massive fame after Anthony Bourdain visited), focus on a huge variety of meats and a very specific "wet" style. Madam Khanh The Banh Mi Queen is different. It’s about the sauce.
The bread itself is a point of pride. It’s light. Most baguettes in the West are dense and chewy, but these are airy with a crust that shatters like glass when you bite it. They get them from a local bakery every morning and keep them warm in a small wooden oven.
If you order the "Mixed Banh Mi" (the #1 on the menu), here is the architecture of what you’re getting:
- A thick layer of homemade liver pate (this is the soul of the sandwich).
- Slices of char siu pork marinated in five-spice.
- Hand-pressed pork sausage.
- A fried egg, usually cooked just enough so the yolk adds creaminess without being a mess.
- Pickled papaya and carrots for that sharp, acidic crunch.
- Fresh cucumber and cilantro.
- The "Secret Sauce"—a gravy-like reduction that ties the meat and bread together.
It’s a savory, salty, slightly sweet bomb. If you ask for spicy, be ready. Her chili sauce isn't that bottled sriracha stuff; it’s a potent, homemade paste that has a slow, creeping heat.
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Why it’s better than the "Famous" places
Look, Banh Mi Phuong is great, but it’s often a zoo. You’re fighting for a seat, the staff is stressed, and it feels like a factory. Madam Khanh The Banh Mi Queen still feels like a neighborhood spot. Even though it’s world-famous now, you can usually find a stool, grab a cold passionfruit juice, and watch the motorbikes buzz by.
The prices have stayed remarkably grounded too. You’re looking at around 30,000 VND ($1.20 USD). For the price of a cheap coffee back home, you’re getting a meal that people literally fly across oceans to eat.
It’s also surprisingly vegetarian-friendly. Most people don’t expect a "Queen of Meat" to care about tofu, but her vegetarian version with fried egg, tofu, and cheese is legitimately one of the best meat-free sandwiches in the country. It uses the same secret sauce, which is the real magic anyway.
Finding the shop and what to know
The shop is open from roughly 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM. If you go right at noon, you’ll probably wait in a line of hungry tourists, but the ladies behind the counter are fast. Like, lightning fast.
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One thing to keep in mind: it's a cash-only operation. Don't show up with a credit card and a look of hope. Also, while there are a few tables inside, it’s tiny. If it’s packed, just take your sandwich to go and walk a few blocks over to a cafe. Most local coffee shops don't mind if you bring food as long as you buy a drink.
Actionable tips for your visit
- Go Early: If you want to see the "Queen" herself, she’s more likely to be sitting near the front in the morning.
- Order the #1: Don't overthink it. The "Mixed" has everything and provides the most balanced flavor profile.
- The Tea: Try the herbal tea they serve. It’s a mix of goji berries and licorice root—super refreshing and helps cut through the richness of the pate.
- Check the Baguette: If you’re taking it to go, eat it within 15 minutes. The sauce is generous, and if you let it sit too long, that crispy bread will lose its magic.
The Banh Mi Queen is a rare example of a place that lived up to the massive internet hype. It isn't fancy, and it hasn't "sold out." It’s just a family-run shop making really, really good bread.
Next Steps for Your Hoi An Food Tour:
To make the most of your culinary trip, head to the central market after your banh mi to try Cao Lau, the city's signature noodle dish. Just like the Banh Mi Queen's secret sauce, the water for Cao Lau noodles traditionally comes from a single secret well in the city.