Ba Le Sandwich Shop

Sandwich shop · Strathcona

Ba Le Sandwich Shop

Sandwich shop · Strathcona

1

638 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2V4, Canada

Photos

Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null
Ba Le Sandwich Shop by null

Highlights

Ba Le is a no-frills Chinatown spot serving fresh, crispy baguette Vietnamese subs and stellar iced coffee at wallet-friendly prices.  

Placeholder
Placeholder

638 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2V4, Canada Get directions

@vancitycu

1–10 $

Information

Static Map

638 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2V4, Canada Get directions

+1 604 662 8108
@vancitycu
𝕏
@vancity

1–10 $

Features

Tap to pay
reservations

Last updated

Aug 3, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@roserenity

Amazing bahn mi's

Asian Eats in Vancouver
View Postcard for Ba Le French Sandwiches (Banh Mi)

Daniel

Google
The one and only store. Probably the best Bahn mi in the world. The ham is unique and you can’t get it anywhere else. Of course it depends on personal taste and I have also given 5 stars to other banh mi places but this one is my all time favorite ❤️

Racquelle Baysa

Google
Not the best banh mi I've had but it is definitely quick and convenient if you're on the go. Small menu that offers sandwiches and Vietnamese coffee and other drink selection in the refrigerator. Service was fast, inside has two small tables so it's not ideal for sit-in dining. It did it's job but the sandwich was lacking in filling. The bread to meat ratio was off but the coffee carried my experience. Overall, nice mom and pop shop.

Yvonne C

Google
Ok this is the original location and original owners. Went in the pick up a quick bite. Cost is $7. But disappointed. They presale the sandwiches now as I ordered. The man grabbed a sandwich and put it into a bag. Not much meat. Pickled veggies were sliced quite big . About 1/3” wide all around. Sandwich Tasted off. Maybe the pickles, maybe something else. But definitely not good! My new fave is oh ban mi. Much better quality and taste for similar price! Will not be going back to this location any more.

Elizabeth Snowdon

Google
Great authentic Vietnamese sandwiches. Reasonably priced and owned by an older couple.

Kevin Vu

Google
Hello, Viet person here. Went here and ordered the #1 (cold cut) and #8 (BBQ pork) on a Saturday morning. Parking was easy to find, ordering was quick and quiet, and the shop is owned and operated by an older couple. For a $7 (the BBQ pork) sandwich, the sandwich is fine. For a Vietnamese sub, it’s very sub par. It is the smallest Viet sub I’ve ever had, and the quantity of the meat and veggies is about non-existent. Compared to “Banh Mi Saigon”, the size of the entire sandwich is about 60% of it, and even the ingredients used are very minimal. Again, it’s great as a $7 generic sandwich, but the fact that they’re charging the same for most of the sandwiches as “Banh Mi Saigon” while only giving ~60% of the portion and quantity should tell you whether or not I’m returning and if I recommend here or not. I see a lot of the reviews being quite stellar from years ago versus trailing more towards mixed as we get closer to 2024, so I’m not sure what happened but it seems like a lot of people enjoy this shop. I am not a “Banh Mi Saigon” fan boy, it was just much easier comparing this shop to one that is well known for its Viet subs.

Emma D.

Google
I was looking to buy some steam buns (banh bao) as I thought they would have the same menu like the Kingsway location. Turned out they have sandwiches only. I got the Vietnamese bacon one and it was very good, the taste was the same as the banh mi I had in Vietnam. Price is very reasonable too so I’ll definitely come back to try all other banh mi.

A L

Google
The meat is sliced so thin, you're biting in air. People who give high reviews don't know what's good banh mi!!!

J X

Google
Look, I love ba le. I’ve been visiting their primary shop on Kingsway and Fraser for over 20+ years. However this ba le on main st just doesn’t cut it. The Bread isn’t as fresh, the ingredients doesn’t taste the same and even the pate taste a bit off compared to the other ba le. Worst is the meatball which has tomato sauce in it. Taste more like an Italian sub than a Vietnamese one. The special is still good, just not as good as the one on Kingsway.
google avatar

Anna L.

Yelp
The food is more like 3/5, it's an average cold cut banh mi, pre-made, and could use a bit more filling! It's an unassuming place, not really meant for dine in. But it is a consistent spot for a quick lunch. $6.5 for a sub is pretty good. Plus you don't have to wait in line since the usual subs are pre-made. What makes it a 4/5 star for me is that they have nem chua! The fermented pork sausage. Again it is not a great nem chua, but just that they have it is a bonus. For me it's a mom & pop shop that has food I feel nostalgic about.
google avatar

Myk V.

Yelp
Received a brick hard piece of pre-made banh mi. After I asked for a new one, he pretended to not speak english... I took a bite of this viagra inspired sandwich and coughed bread dust and cold cut particles. Will definitely come back... when it's a different establishment.
google avatar

Kenneth W.

Yelp
Heard so much about this place through the years and finally made it to the Chinatown location. The store is nice although a bit old given its long history. The staffing is adequate but they seemed a bit tired. We ordered two banh mi, one pork and one chicken. Both are fine and not different in any way. The meat is a bit bland and relied on the sauces to give it taste. Parking has to be on the side street at Main is a bit busy. Overall, it was fine.
google avatar

David N.

Yelp
Great place for a vegetarian lunch. The couple running the restaurant has a very basic restaurant but the food itself is high quality in ingredients and tastes!
google avatar

Mei Fu L.

Yelp
A small unassuming shop near chinatown run by a husband and wife. There is no seating available inside. They have a super simple menu with 9 different sandwich options. Number 1 combo was what my group ordered and they had them ready to go super quick. They also took card which was convenient. I loved the quality of the bread and how perfectly toasted it was. I thought that the filling was a bit lacking, with only a thin layer of meat and veggies. However, overall a simple and convenient banh mi!
google avatar

Racquelle B.

Yelp
Not the best banh mi I've had but it is definitely quick and convenient if you're on the go. Small menu that offers sandwiches and Vietnamese coffee and other drink selection in the refrigerator. Service was fast, inside has two small tables so it's not ideal for sit-in dining. It did it's job but the sandwich was lacking in filling. The bread to meat ratio was off but the coffee carried my experience. Overall, nice mom and pop shop
google avatar

Lex S.

Yelp
Same name not the same quality or taste. It's different owner all together. Don't get this Ba Le Sandwich shop confused with Kingsway and Fraser Ba Le Sandwich shop they are totally different. I was so disappointed with the sandwiches they serve the quality and taste the ingredients in the sandwiches it's not even close to the original. I was suckered in by the same name. Not recommend this place at all. Get the real deal it's worth it.
google avatar

Carolyn L.

Yelp
I wish I had read more reviews of the place before entering the shop. It is a tiny place with just 2 small tables (seat 2 each). You are faced with the owner making the banh mi. The menu is on the right side of the wall, not very prominent to me. It took me a while to decide what to have as I was confused with the whole set up. I saw ready made banh mi in the cold display case and other items. So I thought this was it, until I looked up to my right and saw the menu. Not much description on it. I wanted banh mi which had pate and the cold cuts in it but I did not see that. So I ordered the meat loaf banh mi which was decent. Then I read the reviews - you could add the pate for extra cost. I did not see that anywhere on the wall. There was also no sriracha or hoisin sauce added to the banh mi. I guessed I was spoiled by the banh mi shop in New West where it had that and everything was nicely indicated. I also had the iced coffee which was really nice. This is not a place I will come especially to for banh mi. There are many other good options elsewhere. Plus parking is a pain here.
google avatar

Duong V.

Yelp
Best Bánh Mì and Vietnamese coffee in town. The shop has been there for more than 15 years or so and they couldn't survive if their food aren't good. My rating for this place are: - 5/5 for food: they make their own bread, which is exactly like the Bánh mì I have in Vietnam. My favorite type is Vietnamese bacon with an additional of pate. I feel like the pate really smooth all the flavor, and it's also the way we have Bánh mì in Vietnam. Most of the time you have it with pate and different kinds of meat. You can also ask about the "special one", the off menu order. The shop also sells Ice Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk which is super good. Just try it! They also have traditional Vietnamese desserts: chè. Personally, I like the corn one. - 4/5 for space: the shop is quite small, only 2 tables, each for two. But considering bánh mì was invented as a fast-food for busy people, come and grab it to go, it's reasonable that they dont need a big shop. The place is pretty clean. - 5/5 for service: this is a local, family owned shop, which ran by an old Vietnamese couple. The husband is the one you mostly speak with. He's super nice and patient when you are not sure what to get or asking abt stuff. Since I discovered this place, I always want to come here for breakfast.
google avatar

Steve T.

Yelp
Excellent Vietnamese sandwich shop, but I did a banh mi tour in Vietnam this past April and this is not the same. The "dac biet" was missing some of the fundamental components, such as the pate and butter. The veggies seemed a little light as well, and the bread was good, but not super airy or crusty. The meats were okay, but I don't remember seeing any cha lua in my sandwich. For a few bucks, with a pre-made ca phe sua da, it's a decent place to get a quick and cheap bite. Depending on the direction you're coming from, you may have to walk through East Hastings, which I recommend you take one of the parallel roads. On my walk back to Gastown, I saw two homeless men fighting in the streets. That's something I didn't see in Vietnam neither. Note that this is a CASH-ONLY place.
google avatar

Lindsey D.

Yelp
This a mom and pop Vietnamese sandwich shop I prefer the Kingsway Vietsubs more... my grandma enjoys their dessert selection very much.
google avatar

Erick H.

Yelp
This Vietnamese Banh Mi baguette was very satisfying. I had it as a leftover, because of my meticulousness, I decided to cut the meat into small pieces before placing it in the toaster oven, once warmed up, I added the sour pickled daikon and carrot, cilantro and sliced jalapeño pepper, it was worth every bite.
google avatar

Lauren S.

Yelp
Saw the high reviews on Yelp and thought we try this place out. I have to say, the lack of meat and flavors (besides the pickled carrots and daikon) on the sandwich was disappointing. They tried to skimp on even the jalapenos and I had to ask for it after opening up the sandwich. I have been to many Vietnamese sandwich shops around the Bay Area in California and by far this was a faux banh mi. The Lemongrass chicken did not tastes like lemongrass chicken, as it appears to look like chopped up chicken mixed with some brown sauce. He didn't bother giving us Jalapenos since we were with our boys. Usually they put some Vietnamese butter or mayo, but this sandwich was straight up flat (lack content) all together. The sandwiches cost more than what I pay in the Bay Area. I do not recommend this place. We should have just settled for normal deli style sandwiches instead. Save your money. Service was okay, had to ask for napkins as well.
google avatar

Nina S.

Yelp
I know I shouldn't have expected much for $5 sandwiches but I love amazing hole in the wall joints run by families. Sometimes they are a gem. This place was unfortunately average as it lacked veggies not enough and too much bread compared to the filling. Vietsub is so much better.. Value 4/5 Atmosphere 3/5 Service 3/5 Quality 2/5 12/20
google avatar

Ray P.

Yelp
One of the key ingredient that makes for a good Vietnamese sandwich is the French-style bun. They make it bang on with the right crunchy exterior and the soft and slightly chewy insides. Combine that with fresh and tasty fillings and you got a winner sandwich. Don't let the hole in the wall look turn you away. If you like this type of sandwich then it's a must try place.
google avatar

Vince C.

Yelp
Nice little Viet sub shop. I was first introduced to Vietnamese subs a while back and was confused about the food, but learning that Vietnam was a French colony made things much clearer. The baguette came toasted-crisp crust, soft and warm insides. The Vietnamese sausage was not too overpowering like others I've had. The pickled veges added an nice refreshing crunch and tang. I recommend adding the pate. Priced very reasonably at 4.5-6 dollars.
google avatar

Derek P.

Yelp
Banh Mi: 4/5 Great spot for banh mi to go. For what you're getting, an authentic Vietnamese banh mi with in house baked bread, the price of $4 is ridiculously reasonable when just up Fraser, a banh mi shop with the same name charges more. If the sandwiches weren't excellent, with its dirt cheap prices Ba Le would have gone under by now, but as it stands it has been at this same location for over a decade, closing on two. Their Vietnamese ice coffee, while good, is served in a plastic bubble tea cup which for me diminishes the experience of Vietnamese ice coffee. It is understandable as there is next to no seating in the shop and they would like to keep customer flow as smooth as possible especially during peak hours, but I do enjoy waiting for my coffee to drip while perhaps having conversation with a friend. Of course many people do want their coffee quick and to go and if that's you, Ba Le has exactly what you need. For me, if I have a second to spare, (or more depending on the lineup) I'd prefer to walk up the block to Phnom Penh for a nice cold cup of Joe.
google avatar

Tyler R.

Yelp
Ba Le is a little chinatown shop thats been owned and operated by the same couple for multiple decades now. They offer fresh, delicious Vietnamese subs at a great price. My personal favourite is the Vietnamese bacon, but all their sandwiches come with a hefty topping of raw or pickled veggies that really brighten it up. One of my favourite places in the area to stop by for a late breakfast. The value is great too, two people can eat for around $15
google avatar

Colene C.

Yelp
I am surprised by the high reviews here. My sandwich was lacking in ingredients, as in it literally didn't have much in it - hardly any chicken or veggies. The only redeeming part was the bread which was fresh, crusty and chewy. Lemongrass chicken is not like real lemongrass chicken. More like chicken with strange brown sauce? Shop owners were nice. A shame the subs weren't better.
google avatar

Vincent T.

Yelp
Was one of the best because there weren't competition 25-30 years ago. Still alright but many better Viet sandwich places around now.
google avatar

Janet L.

Yelp
Found this local spot in Chinatown on our visit to Vancouver. Love the fresh baked bread. It's not hard and/or stale and doesn't cut the roof of your mouth! It's $4 for a cold cut. I added extra pate! Bomb. One thing I would have added more of is cilantro and a slice of jalapeño for a kick. Otherwise, it's a pretty solid spot to get a quick bahn mi sammich on the go. Craving satisfied.
google avatar

Robert C.

Yelp
Germ police. I know the owners have been kids who work here. Please tell your parents what's the use of wearing gloves on one hand when you handle food with the other hand, and even worse, why are you eating with food in your mouth while you make sandwiches! The sandwiches itself are ok. Not great, nor not bad. Skimpy on veggies. Like eating bread with hoisin sauce though the bread itself is pretty good.
google avatar

Jackie M.

Yelp
Decent sandwiches. Even better when you add extra meat. Good nems. Love the garlic pepper burps!!!! Lmao. My favorite Vietnamese coffee in Vancouver hands down. Will come just for coffee sometimes.
google avatar

Monika C.

Yelp
What's not to love about a little mom & pop sandwich place that has great food at a great price? My favourite is the BBQ pork. It has the perfect amount of seasoning, the pork is tender, the veggies are crisp, and the bread is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Utter perfection. At $5 there's nothing to complain about. Just a heads up though, it is cash only.
google avatar

Simon R.

Yelp
How can a store so bland and non-descript make the best Vietnamese sandwiches in the city? It's really the efficiency of the place that initially impresses the customer, with sandwich artists that use ancient muscle memory to assemble a time-tested and true perfect sandwich. Anyone who knows the hidden benefits of Vietnamese subs will appreciate the quality here, with prices under $4 and pleasant service from the elderly staff. There's an enormous amount of small French baguettes sitting nearby, and deep wells of meats and vegetables, like headcheese and marinated carrot strings just waiting to be added into the fresh bread. The hot peppers are just spicy enough, and the portions are very generous. You can tell that this place must make hundreds of sandwiches everyday, which is in itself indicative of how reliably good the food is. I recommend buying one of the exotic drinks too, like lychee juice, or the canned iced coffee questionably called "Mr. Brown".
google avatar

Carmen P.

Yelp
Best tasting sandwiches and great value hole in the wall. Prices have gone up to $3.50 but its still very flavorful. Grumpy service but hey we're here for the food right? Meatball and cold cuts are the best ones. Ask for jalapenos if you like them spicy. Over the years this has been my favorite spot for an awesome quick bite to eat.
google avatar

Jon L.

Yelp
my go to place for a straight up good ban mih!! so many choices from classic cold cut combo to bbq chicken to meatball to bbq pork....ive tried them all and came to the conclusion that cold cut is my go to! :) french bread is 95% percent made just right...fresh, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside...sometimes tho, like my recent visit, the bread was a day old...i can tell just with 1 bite by the texture... but cold cuts still good and fresh and tasty....i usually say add more meat and its only $.50..and then add peppers for free to give it a kick. 100% hole in the wall honest to goodness family business. all my years of going there its aways the husband and wife tandem....when they close...usually mid may to early june....they always go to the same place...Vietnam to relax. way better than any chain sandwiches...they sell asian drinks and dessert drinks as well and of course, the ever famous viet iced coffee for $3.50. aways greeted with a smile when u walk in the door. purely take out biz...just 1 table for 2 inside.. a hidden gem in the heart of chinatown in east van! happy eating !!
google avatar

Seda U.

Yelp
OK guys, you can't really complain about a $4 sandwich can you? I mean, come on. I've been to Vietnam twice and went to the famous banh mi shop that Anthony Bourdain popularized in Hoi An. Several times. Per day. Does this place compare? No. Do I care? No. I got the classic cold cut on everyone's recommendation and the owner literally pulled one from behind his back and handed it to me. Was he exceedingly polite and gregarious? No. Was it the freshest bread? No. Was the sandwich packed with ingredients? No. Was it damn delicious and filling? Yes! There's always some buttery, sweet sauce in banh mis that I've just given up on trying to figure out. I've concluded that I'm better off just enjoying them. If I supplement with a steamed bun from New Town down the street, I have myself a filling and delicious lunch for under $8. I'd rather that than paying $10 plus for a comparably filling sandwich in Gastown.
google avatar

Addie F.

Yelp
I was really excited to visit Ba Le because I hadn't had a Vietnamese sandwich since I left New York. And New York had some of the best banh mi stores with the best prices. So coming to Vancouver from Seattle I have to check out Ba Le. And these were my two experiences over the span of two days consecutively. Day 1: Get the sandwich. No one else is there, except the owner / or man running the store - and he looks real grouchy. The sandwich is mostly bread and small amount of veggies and ham. But that's okay because overall I still get the kind of flavor that I missed and it was pretty cheap. All the sandwiches here range between $3.50 - $5.00. Cool, I would go again for a cheap sandwich even if it's just average tasting and no service. Because, really sometimes you dont always need A+++ service if the foods good enough. I paid with a 5 dollar bill here. Day 2. Im not sure if he remembers me just from one day ago. I smile at him over the counter (and almost wave because I'm excited to come back and eat their sandwiches) but he just looks at me, and looks away and continues making sandwiches behind the counter. He continues chatting with another lady who is making sandwiches next to him. Since he looks busy I look for exactly $3.50 in coins to give him time and I wait patiently. I stand here for OVER 5 minutes and he knows I'm right there waiting. The woman has been eyeing me while talking to him, so I know that they both know there's a customer. But they just didn't seem to care. She says something specific about me and finally he comes over. He looks really upset that I am interrupting their conversation, by just standing there. (And please note that I have not said "excuse me" or anything, I'm just standing here trying to be patient and wait. I just smile at him and her both while I'm waiting.) I leave 2 one dollar coins, and the rest in 25 cents. I place it on the table and ask him sweetly, "hey is this accurate? I just want to make sure I have the right amount!" I smile again to show him that I'm no trying to be a dick, just wanna make sure I got the right amount since it's my first time using Canadian money. At this point, he shouts at me "THREE FIFTY!!!" in a very loud angry tone. I am shocked. Needless to say. This kind of attitude does not deserve a business. Keep in mind, I was extremely sweet the whole time, and I had been patiently waiting instead of doing any action to garner this bullshit. I felt like I had to beg him to accept my money for his sandwiches. I do not recommend his sandwiches and this business. And if I lived in the area, I much rather go elsewhere to get a banh mi.
google avatar

Joshua T.

Yelp
This review is based on a combination of two take-out experiences and two dine-in experiences recently. Value: 5 stars Food: 3-4 stars Experience: 3 stars For take-out orders, you get 1 free when you buy 10 of the subs. From the time you walk in to the time you walk out, if you already know what you want, this won't take more than five minutes. The subs come with are great if you have them as is on the same day or if you toast them, open or closed face, after the first day. The other nice thing about take-out is that you can add some of your own favourite ingredients to add some incredible flavours. When ordering 10+1, they usually give additional little plastic baggies of peppers if they know you like spicy, but it's worth confirming or asking for this if not already included. Also note that the fridge by the counter has ingredients if you would like to prepare your own at home. For dine-in, there is very limited seating and there isn't a public washroom to use. It's very much self service after you receive your food. This place is driven by volume and take-out. Expectation for dine-in should be: come, order, eat, clean up, leave. If that's your expectation, all good :) Summary: you go to Ba Le for great value, consistent food, and super convenience so don't expect any bells and whistles. Note: cash only. Note 2: there are desserts in the fridge which are a nice treat!
google avatar

Marc D.

Yelp
* Better than their other location - but still not Tung Hing! * Ok, finally got to try this location. I have to say it is definitely better than their other location on Kingsway (http://www.yelp.ca/biz/ba-le-sandwich-shop-vancouver#hrid:cE2F3Q7AS5px3f_XmiO8vw), but I still much prefer Tung Hing (http://www.yelp.ca/biz/tung-hing-bakery-vancouver#hrid:6DnfqJQyF1bAl_vlbjW7zA). But compared to the Kingsway Ba Le, this spot was better: - Didn't toast the bread - it was fresh and crunchy on its own - Veggies were fresher - The quality of the meat seemed higher to me This is by far the best bánh mì West of Main Street. (It is on the Western side of the street!). But when I'm craving bánh mì I'll be more drawn towards Tung Hing!
google avatar

Kimberly N.

Yelp
The lady that works here is a grumpy bear. Ordered a #4--meatloaf sandwich. I asked for veggies on the side & she just ignored me. You can see her making the sandwich right in front of you. Since she ignored my request about the veggies on the side--I see her putting onions in the sandwich & had to stop her and said "no onions please", she gives me a dirty look then took out the onions and some of the regular veggies, Whyyyyyyy.... When there is barely any veggies in the first place, I cry. Overall don't buy your banh mi here--and avoid the grumpy bear!!!
google avatar

Yvonne C.

Yelp
Before I tried the viet sub at Bale on Fraser, Tung Hing on Kingsway, and Au Petit Cafe on Main, I thought this place got the best viet subs around. Little did I know that there were much better viet subs in town. I've tried most of their subs here and it's just okay. I'll rather go to the other three locations for my namwich fix. Note: Pay parking lot on the side.
google avatar

kath r.

Yelp
On a quest... My 2nd Banh Mi in 2 days; and this one was also pretty good *disclaimer: this was also only my 3rd banh mi ever* Today I ordered the spicy cold cut; the baguette was nice and crunchy with a varied selection of meats and pate and a good amount of daikon and carrots. Still, after living in the US for so long and getting accustomed to the size of their sandwiches, I'm feeling jipped on my fillings. More More More All assembled and wrapped in a matter of seconds and washed down with a can of Cammomile Tea in a matter of minutes. A busy little place, there was constant foot traffic through the doors of Ba Le as I sat and enjoyed a late afternoon lunch people watching over Main Street.
google avatar

Cathy S.

Yelp
A really solid banh mi in the heart of Chinatown. This might be a tricky place for the uninitiated because the menu on the wall contains no English, but if you are familiar with banh mi and you know what meat you want you will do just fine. The lady making my banh mi was really pleasant and kindly accommodated my request for extra veg. For the most part, all components of the sandwich were really good and worked well together with a nice balance. My only grievance was the bun itself. I like a nice fresh crusty bun as much as the next person but when I finish eating I don't want it to look like a hyena ate the sandwich based on the amount of crumbs everywhere. It is particularly bad if consuming the sandwich sitting down and it looks like a snowfall when you stand up. With a correction in the bun crust, this place could be stiff competition for Tung Hing in my books.
google avatar

Melissa F.

Yelp
WHAT??!!!! 3.50 for the BEST bahnmi you've ever had? Best price Best value. Get the classic. Only ever get the regular classic. With extra veggies. Come here. This place is an institution in Chinatown. It sits probably more at 3.5*, the great price bumps it up to 4* (in fact $3.50 is their recently RAISED price), and the history bumps it up to 5. But if you do go also get the gord-melon drink to accompany it). Other than getting a couple steamed buns from New Town or similar bakery in Chinatown, there aren't many places you can actually get a filling meal for under/well under $5.00 even.
google avatar

Peter X.

Yelp
You'd really have to be a pretentious food snob wanker to give this place a bad review. Honestly - anyplace I can walk in and get TWO delicious spicy subs with crisp veggies, cilantro and ham on a fresh baked crusty french loaf and a can of Mr Brown iced coffee for $5 and change.. hello! my only "complaint" is upon ravenous devouring of said tasty sandwich, I've been known to cut my mouth on the bread crust. I've been going here for years and have never once seen either husband or wife looking angry - they're quite pleasant, especially considering how many subs they must assemble in a day!
google avatar

Kim D.

Yelp
Delicious fresh Vietnamese subs at a great price from a clean, small, local business. What more could you ask for? My favourite is a lemongrass chicken.
google avatar

Tee A.

Yelp
Ba Le in Chinatown is a hole in the wall.. clean with the perfect amount of dirt. It's authentic (no English menu here!) Buns are fresh, chewy and crusty. I recommend the #1 here. Dac Biet (spelling might be off.. apologies) I'm not a fan of pate or the butter spread viet sandwich shops use. The reason why I love Ba Le is because even without adding on the extra spreads, the subs are flavorful and tasty. Ps. parking lot right beside Ba Le is a bonus. Tip: don't pay for parking.. you most likely would not want to eat in there even though there are tables :)
google avatar

Cristina P.

Yelp
Ba Le is the best authentic Viet sub place in town. Perfect for a meal on the go, their bahn mi are fresh on the spot, hours later, or even the next day! Tip: call in advance and they can do large orders. If you are bringing them to a dinner party and don't plan on eating them right away, keep the paper wrapper on! This will keep them fresh until you are ready to devour. (That isn't really a Ba Le tip but a bahn mi tip in general) :)
google avatar

Jellly B.

Yelp
One of my favorite banh mi sandwhich places in vancouver. Exceptional customer service with very friendly staff.
google avatar

NienTzu C.

Yelp
The sub price is lower than other Banh mi places, so the size is a little bit smaller than others too. Coffee is great. It made me awake til midnight. Also the Vietnam sausages is good treats for me before meal.
google avatar

Stephanie W.

Yelp
I'm a big fan of their Kingsway and Fraser location, and I've only recently been to this one for the first time! The appearance was basically what I expected, a smaller version of the other one. I was terribly disappointed though. I ordered a Grilled Pork sandwich, and it tasted very different from what I was used to at the other location. The other location uses a sweeter, lighter coloured sauce which is delicious! The sauce at this location seemed like an oyster sauce in colour and consistency, and a bit in flavour. I'm not sure what it is. I was confused and a little put off. I'm happy to come back! But I'll be getting something different...
google avatar

Joyce D.

Yelp
Tried the special Banh Mi but quickly realized its nowhere near as good at the other location on Kingsway. This is almost like its trailer park cousin so to speak. I asked for jalapenos and extra cilantro...did I get it no. I did get a Vietnamese sandwich though that was lacking when it comes to the filling and after all isn't that the best part. It almost seemed like two totally different sandwiches but really they weren't. I guess I like the pride that the Kingsway branch puts into their food. There is no real pride here, the sandwiches are slapped together factory style. Although the location is handy, that isn't enough for me to go back. I think I will stick to my Kingsway location where they do it right.
google avatar

Rick Q.

Yelp
Not the best I've had but very good. $3.00 can't complain. It's actually best to go when busy for the best flavor. The reason being is because of the high turn over they warm up the baguette fresh so you get that warm crispyness. Which I think makes up a large part of the appeal. The couple that runs it is very fast and friendly. I live in Chinatown and the location is super convienent.
google avatar

Chanelle D.

Yelp
The sandwich was okay beef lemongrass BUT the woman who was handling my food was not wearing gloves and was handling the money as well as the food. I believe this is a food safe issue. both the workers were not using gloves and I saw them working on a large catered order.

Anthony W.

Yelp
This is my must-stop place every time I'm in Vancouver. Their sandwiches looks simple, but they are delicious! And their pickle is spot on.
google avatar

Jennifer Y.

Yelp
Just wanted to say that they've been pretty good about using gloves between the banh mi making and the money handling. Thumbs up! Plus, you can get Vietnamese Iced Coffee in a to go cup now at this location! Another thumbs up!
google avatar

Yutaka T.

Yelp
mmmmmmmmmmmm ban mi This place is legit. They don't mess around... their menu consists of ban mi and..... more ban mi Is it the ban mi you'll have? probably not But I'd say it's better than most places. It's a small store. It's designed for takeout. They just have 2 small tables for 2. It took me 20min to walk here in the pouring rain (40 min roundtrip). But it was well worth it. They deserve a solid 4.