What a great little casual spot to grab a quick bite! Fresh veggies, meat, and plenty of gluten free options—without trying to do too much. The staff were friendly and responsive and the food came quickly. The toasted banh mi with five spice pork was especially delicious on a cooler day.
It's a pretty solid Vietnamese option to grab a bite. We called in an order, so it might be a different experience than someone dining in at the source. The pork bahn mi was tasty but felt a little bit overworked. The meat wasn't juicy but felt like it was sitting in juice, so the bread got a bit soggy. The chicken bowl was good. Fresh flavors and plenty toppings to fill up on. The sweet and spicy pickles were 3 dollars for a tiny cup. What monster charges that much for pickles? Good, but that's not a side of pickles. My "side" had six slices of pickles.
I'd get it again in a pinch.
This review is from my visit on Tuesday, May 6, 2023.
Overall, I thought Bon Bahn Mi was good, and if I lived in the area, I would probably go there again. I also liked that it was just down the street from where I was staying.
Vibe: Bon Bahn Mi is a small place, there is some outside seating and counter seating inside. I would have sat outside, but it was a bit windy, so I enjoyed a window seat which was great for people watching. The place has a cool vibe to it. I would say my only complaint, and this is the second place I experienced this in Charleston was the music. I love all types of music, but when eating I am not a big fan of indie/grunge/metal music. The music was certainly for the staff and not the customers.
Food: I had a bowl with the Tamarind Shrimp. Bowls are on a base of Jasmine rice and topped with purple cabbage, tomatoes, scallions, carrots, crispy shallots and Thai basil. It’s served with Nouc Cham Sauce. Overall the flavors were really good and worked well together. If you haven’t eaten Vietnamese before, it’s important to mix everything tougher to really appreciate the combination of flavors. I thought the dish was lacking in Thai Basil, it was there, but I am accustomed to much more than was on the dish. I also, liked the addition of the crispy shallots, but felt they too were lost in the dish. I was a little disappointed by the Tamarind Shrimp as I felt they lacked true depth in flavor and I wasn’t getting much Tamarind flavor, which I love. The jasmine rice was probably the most disappointing, it wasn’t very fragrant and seemed a little tired.
Service: Service was good and I got a great recommendation on beer.
Had a great experience! The food was amazing. Hubs got the 5 spiced pork Banh Mi and I got the 5 spiced tofu taco. Really fresh ingredients, very large portions and great flavors. Highly recommend!
Phenomenal Food!!!! Best sandwich in a decade. The folks that work there CARE and are like friends. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!
Such a great stop! You choose the protein and then how you want it served. I loved the ground pork tacos. Very flavorful! Their semi-sweet tea was also really good. I would go back!
The red curry beef banh mi is top 5 sandwiches I've ever had. So fresh and SO much flavor. The corn salad was awesome too. Can't wait to go back.
We both had the five spice pork sandwich and it was great! We went to the Mt P location in my hope that it was similar to the food truck that we used to visit 8 or so years ago at the Marion Square Farmer’s Market. Glad we did as it was the same place and the sandwiches were as delicious as I remembered from the food truck. Just never realized they had brick and mortar locations because we really did miss that food truck on Saturdays.
I recently had my first dining experience at Bon Banh Mi Southeast Asian Kitchen, and it was truly delightful. The ambiance was inviting, creating a perfect setting for a memorable meal. The Red Curry Beef Rice Bowl I ordered was a culinary masterpiece, featuring Certified Angus Beef, red curry, coconut milk, and a symphony of vibrant ingredients. The combination of Jasmine rice, purple cabbage, ponzu tomatoes, avocado, scallions, carrots, cilantro, Thai basil, and crispy shallots, all harmonized with Vietnamese vinaigrette, resulted in a burst of flavors that left me thoroughly satisfied.
What impressed me beyond the delectable dishes was the restaurant's inclusivity. The menu caters to everyone, including vegetarians, and the daily specials add an exciting touch to the dining experience. The affordability of the prices was a pleasant surprise.
The intriguing backstory behind the name, "Bon Banh Mi," reflecting the fusion of French and Vietnamese influences, adds a layer of cultural richness to the overall experience. The motto, "Simple, Bold, Fresh," isn't just a slogan; it's the essence of their concept. The commitment to simplicity, bold Southeast Asian flavors, and a dedication to freshness is evident in every aspect of their menu and service.
Bon Banh Mi Southeast Asian Kitchen not only offers a culinary journey through Southeast Asian flavours but also encapsulates a genuine commitment to simplicity and freshness. A combination of great ambiance, diverse menu options, and a welcoming atmosphere makes this restaurant a standout choice. I look forward to returning for more culinary adventures at Bon Banh Mi.
Very small place with limited seating and narrow standing room. Probably best to take it to go or make sure you eat quickly! We got the five spice tofu and tamarind shrimp as tacos. Both were killer delicious. Tofu, I think, was the better of the two, though. It is unlike anything I've had anywhere else for a protein option. Really liked it! Fresh veggies in the slaw. Good soda choices. Recommend!
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