In the bustling city of Da Nang, where the culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes, there lies a humble eatery that has stood the test of time, providing locals and travelers alike with a taste of authentic Vietnamese street food. “Bánh Mì Cô Thông” located at 64 Dien Bien Phu, Chinh Gian, Thanh Khe, Da Nang, has been a beloved spot for those seeking a unique taste.

Specializing in “bánh mì chảo” – a type of Vietnamese dish which is similar to banh mi but served in a hot pan with basic ingredients including egg, meatball or roasted pork, veggies, and a special sauce. The harmonious combination of ingredients along with the special preparation method has created an attraction that makes customers return to Mrs. Thong’s eatereatery many times.

From a Pushcart to an Eatery: The Journey of Mrs. Thong

The story of Bánh Mì Cô Thông begins in 1983 when Mrs.Thong was just 20 years old. Armed with little more than a simple pushcart, she started selling banh mi on the bustling streets of Da Nang. Back then, her banh mi was a basic yet delicious offering, sold primarily to local students at the incredibly affordable price of just 3,000 VND per sandwich. It was a time when the simplicity of life and food created strong bonds between sellers and their loyal customers.

For years, her modest street cart became a fixture of the neighborhood, with students and passersby stopping for a quick bite. As the years passed, Mrs. Thong’s reputation grew, thanks to her dedication to quality and her personal touch. Eventually, fortune smiled upon her when she was able to open her own eatery. No longer constrained by the limitations of a street cart, she transformed her small operation into a permanent fixture in the local community.

Her eatery, now a cozy and familiar sight on Dien Bien  Street, has been serving up her famous bánh mì chảo for the past decade. While the business has evolved, the heart and soul of Bánh Mì Cô Thông remain unchanged: a commitment to quality, tradition, and family.

A Family-Run Business Rooted in Tradition

Nowadays, the eatery is run by Mrs. Thong and her children, who have all inherited her passion for cooking and hospitality. The family-run business opens its doors twice a day, catering to both the early birds and the night owls of Da Nang. From 8:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m, the morning shift welcomes customers looking for breakfast, and from 5:00 p.m until 4:00 a.m, the shop serves night-time diners, making it a go-to spot for late-night cravings.

What sets Bánh Mì Cô Thông apart from other eateries is the personal touch that Mrs. Thong and her family bring to the table-literally. Every day, the family works in unison, ensuring that each dish maintains the same standard of quality that their patrons have come to expect. Whether it’s Mrs.Thong herself or one of her children behind the stove, the dedication to excellence never wavers.

The Signature Dish: Bánh Mì Chảo

Though bánh mì in its various forms can be found on nearly every corner in Vietnam, it is the bánh mì chảo at Bánh Mì Cô Thông that keeps customers coming back time and again. This version of the traditional Vietnamese sandwich is served in a hot pan, paired with a variety of delicious toppings that make it a complete meal.

What sets Bánh Mì Cô Thông apart from other eateries is the quality and care that goes into every element of the bánh mì chảo. The sauce, for instance, is not just a simple condiment but a labor of love. Mrs. Thong prepares it herself, using a recipe that she has honed over the years. The base is made from broth that is simmered for 3 to 4 hours using pork bones, allowing the flavors to develop and deepen.

In addition to the sauce, two key ingredients are the homemade meatballs (xíu mại) and pate. Both are made in-house by Mrs. Thong, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor and authenticity. The meatballs are tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection, while the pate offers a smooth, rich contrast that elevates the dish.

Another component that completes the bánh mì chảo experience is the roast pork (heo quay). While this is the only element that Mrs. Thong outsources, she remains deeply involved in the process. She works closely with her supplier to ensure that the pork is of the highest quality, meticulously monitoring the seasoning and roasting process to maintain the standard that her customers have come to expect.

More Than Just a Meal: A Community Tradition

One of the reasons Bánh Mì Cô Thông has remained a staple in Da Nang’s food scene for so long is that it offers more than just a meal – it provides an experience that keeps customers coming back. The shop’s atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming, reflecting its humble beginnings as a street cart.

Despite its humble appearance and affordable pricing, the quality of the food at Bánh Mì Cô Thông rivals that of much more expensive establishments. This is in line with Mrs. Thong’s philosophy that good food should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their income. Her dedication to serving quality dishes at reasonable prices has earned her a loyal following, with some customers having frequented her shop for decades.

At the heart of Bánh Mì Cô Thông’s success is its founder, who has poured her heart and soul into the business for over 40 years. From her early days selling bánh mì to students from a street cart to running a beloved neighborhood eatery, Mrs. Thong has built a legacy that extends far beyond just serving food. Her commitment to quality, her hands-on approach to every aspect of her business, and her family’s involvement have made Bánh Mì Cô Thông a cornerstone of the community.

For anyone visiting Da Nang, a stop at Bánh Mì Cô Thông is a must. Not only can you taste some of the city’s best bánh mì chảo, but you’ll also experience a slice of local culture and tradition, carefully preserved and nurtured by one woman’s unwavering passion for food over decades.

Bánh Mì Cô Thông
Address: 64 Dien Bien Phu, Chinh Gian, Thanh Khe, Da Nang, Viet Nam
Tel: 0906902759