Bánh Mì Ba Lẹ

Great and affordable banh mi. The man who owns the shop is very nice and efficient. The bread they use is always fresh, with the perfect ratio of soft interior and crunchy baguette exterior. The vegetables they use are also always very fresh. My favorite banh mi spot in the east bay for sure! Cash only and no ATM. so make sure that you bring cash with you.

I ordered the # 7, which is supposedly BBQ pork (char-siu), and the #9, supposedly BBQ chicken. They both contained smaller than expected amounts of shredded proteins. I’m guessing they are made from the advertised protein, but neither of these is flavorful nor even close to what I was expecting to receive. If you’re going to serve shredded proteins, you need to identify them as such on your menu. I've had Chinese style BBQ pork and Vietnamese style BBQ chicken, both in Bahn mi previously, as they are both a very common filling. These both failed miserably by comparison. I would much rather pay more for a sandwich that arrives with the fillings as expected. Sadly, I won’t be back.

Easy in and out spot. Bahn mi are good, don’t sleep on the pre-packed lunches in the fridge. The chips and snacks they got have all hit

I came here when it was first opened and the sandwiches have been delicious and continues to be currently. The only difference now is that the prices are a lot higher but that is to be expected. The selection of sandwiches is good enough and basic and that's a great thing because you don't want to be overwhelmed with so many choices that it gets hard to decide what to get and it compromises the quality of the food and ingredients. It's best to just stick with a small amount of food and specialize in it and that is what this place does. I forgot to mention that they offer other vietnamese food to like Pho and some ready to go rice and noodles dishes. They have a cooler case that has some interesting desserts and drinks. The unique assortment of snacks by the entrance piques my interest every time I go there. One thing I wish I could buy from them is the little french breads they use to make the sandwiches and the pickled vegetables. Overall great spot for a quick delicious meal or snack. Highly recommend them. I think they have a second place in the Oakland chinatown area too unless I'm mistaken by the name. Update Fall 2025: This place continues to be the best Banh Mi (vietnamese sandwich) place around the area. Unfortunately the owner was recently robbed and assaulted by the criminal. Please help support this mom and pop place stay in business. We need more places like this. I recently bought over $50 in sandwiches in support of them. Their sandwiches are so good I can eat several at a time.

I tried their #1 and it was pretty good. $6.50 for a sandwich and a coke. Cheap and filling! Love the cucumber slices in the sandwich, it’s crisp and refreshing. The jalapeños give it some heat. I wish they offered sirracha sauce cause I like my banh mi drenched in the stuff. Fire! Fire!

Love this mom and pop place for banh mi sandwiches. Great price and quality. The French bread is fresh, soft inside and crunchy on the outside. Love the fresh veggies and pate in the sandwich. My go to is order is #1.

Do not mistake my rate as a bad experience. It was a good experience asked the cashier his recommendation and he don’t let me down nor the price point of the banh mi . Only reason I’m at 3 stars was no seating for you to take in the atmosphere and eat ,yet only take cash . Otherwise then that I definitely recommend the number 8 with a Vietnamese coffee definitely a place for a quick grab and go and I’m definitely coming back and telling others . Please give this place a shot

Love this place! Hole in the wall sandwich shop. Dont be discouraged by the look of it, sandwiches are amazing. CASH ONLY. I forgot during my last visit and had to scramble to the bank. Super affordable, sandwiches are around $7

My favorite banh mi place! Please note that they are cash-only. Also, the plaza they are located in has a very small parking lot. Plus, this is a take-out spot. It's very small, and there are no tables to sit inside. I always get the "ham and pork cake sandwich." I love the pate in it, but I know some people don't enjoy it. I would say it's a must!

Finally got to try the famous Banh Mi Ba Le up in Albany. Came by for a late lunch on a weekday off, and I was glad that they were open. I got the grilled chicken banh mi and one of their pre-prepared grilled chicken and vermicelli to-go boxes as well. The banh mi baguette is fresh. Toasted to perfection. I was kind of surprised that the grilled chicken had more of a canned tuna texture. Honestly was expecting more solid chunks of chicken, but that's alright. It was still tasty, just threw me off. Love that they have tons of veggies from cilantro to jalapeno and yummy fish sauce. The vermicelli was great, I love having something to go, and it's much more affordable than most takeouts. The sweet man behind the counter is so kind. I think his wife also works in the back. Bring cash because we all know our Asian elders love to do business with payper. They also had fridges full with drinks like coconut water and typical Viet desserts like sago and jellies. It seems like their banh mi is what they're known for. PLUS everything is under $10, which is so hard to do especially in 2024. Shop is no frills, and there's really nothing to be desired on the interior. Parking can be rough if it's a busy weekend, but it's really your typical banh mi grab n go stop.

We are lucky to have this place! Yes, it's cash only, and the hours are hard to understand. The food is fantastic. I wish they still had pho.

Cash only banh mi place with other Asian food and snacks. I got the vegetarian banh mi. I liked the bread as it was a good consistency between soft and crunchy, filled with lots of vegetables, and a good size for the price! The tofu (or what I think was tofu) was well portioned and tasty but looked weirdly gray. The sandwich wasn't too dry but also wasn't amazing hence 4 stars. But I would get it again!

I love getting Bahn Mi sandwiches here. Prices keep going up over the years that I have been coming, but still a good price for Bay Area. Super fast, took 5 minutes to get my sandwiches.

As a child and picky eater, the only sandwich I liked was a plain ham sandwich. My Dad introduced me to Ba Le when I was in elementary school and from there, I grew to love their ham banh mis. It's been several years since I've been back but not much has changed aside from the prices. The tiny and casual sandwich shop operates as cash only and takeout only. You can order in person or on the phone--regardless banh mis are made fast. They have several options of pork, chicken, or vegetarian banh mi along with Vietnamese snacks, drinks, and desserts. My favorite item as a child was Banh Mi Dac Biet (Ham and Pork Cake Sandwich). I split this with for lunch with my companion. Based on reviews, the bread can be a hit or miss. Ours wasn't stale instead it was semi-soft, crunchy, and flaky. The meat was both fatty and lean with bright pickled veggies but I feel their portion size has gone down since I was a kid. For those craving a banh mi around the area, Banh Mi Ba Le is an affordable takeout option. The shop is located in Peppermint Tree Plaza with free parking out front. This isn't the best but will always be a nostalgic go-to for me whenever I'm home and want a banh mi.

I've been to ba Le in Oakland when I had made the time. I'm glad this one is here, though I hear it is owned by a relative. It's pretty close to the freeway and is a nice, filling, meal. The tastes and smells are there, like the other. The shop is pretty small, but 5 were given to me pretty fast. Crispy bread. Meat was good. I got the bbq port which was the "sweet red type." $6.50/bahn mi, but cash only.

If you're looking for great banh mi sandwiches in El cerrito, this is the spot! It's the best. Remember though they only accept cash. But the good news is you won't need a lot of it if you want to eat here. It's a take out place so prepare to grab and go. I always go for the head cheese combo!

I prefer the Oakland location, but this one is decent. The prices are a bit steep, and it's inconvenient that they only accept cash. I might return if I'm in the area to explore other options.

Accepts money cash only, rinses hand with water no soap Makes sandwiches Roast pork charsiu sandwich is a bit pathetic just shredded pork with food coloring Sandwiches are average and cheap.

You want hole in the wall with zero ambience but great food at excellent prices? This be your strip mall find. I can't say it's the best Banh mi ever. The bread is just not the perfect crunchy chewy and flavor needs just a bit more of a kick. But it's a hella good banh mi for the price and hits the spot. They don't take credit cards so be prepared with grubby cash. The other prepared items were yummier than the banh mi so I might just go for a salad or spring roll next time. Anyway, definitely worth it when you're hungry.

Great hole in the wall banh mi place in a mini mall. I've placed large, urgent orders here twice and they were both filled on time with no drama. And they're tasty! Great if you need to feed 10 people urgently for lunch, on a budget - just be aware they're cash only.

tl;dr Humble lil' mom & pop shop, with the best banh mi for your dollar. Cash only as of writing this review, so don't forget to hit the ATM on the way here. ------ Full Review: Having grown up in San Jose, banh mi and pho were the main staples of eating out. With the large Vietnamese population in south bay, we had a wealth of quality options to choose from. The same could not be said when we moved to the east bay. That was until we discovered Banh Mi Ba Le in Oakland on International. They quickly became our favorite go-to banh mi joint in the area, and always made sure to stop by at least once a month for our fix. Since then, we've moved to El Cerrito and we were pleased to discover that our favorite banh mi spot has a location on San Pablo (the business is owned within the same family). This location, however, is much smaller than its Oakland counterpart, with a more limited menu. I'd keep that mind before visiting if you've been to the Oakland location, so peep the menu photos so you can get the right expectations. Regardless, they've got most of the banh mi variations, and still maintain being the best value for your money as far as banh mi goes, especially on this side of the bay. **As of writing this review, they are still a cash only business, so don't forget to stop by the ATM on your way here.

Haven't been here in quite a while but the sandwiches here are still some of the best Vietnamese Banh Mi's in the East Bay I think! I always get the BBQ Pork Banh Mi which is "still" loaded with their yummy pork filled with assorted marinated daikon and carrot, with cucumber and cilantro and peppers for a nice kick all for $6.50 on a nice flaky bun. Note this place only accepts cash so be prepared! Parking is available in front or in the lot as well.

Probably the best banh mi place that's closest to where I live! This is a mom and pop stop so don't expect too much! There's a small menu, no place to really eat and some drinks available for purchase. It's located inside a small strip mall so there is parking available. I believe it's cash only as well! I love the cold cut combo so that's what I got and wow it was so good! I will definitely be coming back here and trying out the other banh mis (but I have a habit of always ordering the same)

I've been told good things about this place and finally stopped by today. Sandwiches are amazing and affordable. Cash only!

It's a small shop that's been around for years. The banh mi is just mid. I've had better and I've had worse. I usually get the pork banh mi. Everything else is just meh.. this place only accepts cash so have that handy.

This was my first time here after hearing about it for a few weeks. This is a small shop with simple decor in a plaza that I never noticed before today. The service is quick, and I love that this business opens at eight am. I ordered the bbq pork and the meatball sandwiches, and both sandwiches were filled with vegetables, and the flavors shined, though. I can't wait to return and order something new soon.

**CASH ONLY** Super stale rolls for a shop specializing in banh mi. This small shop would've had a 5-star review if their rolls were fresh! The sandwiches were stuffed generously with meat and fresh veggies, but the overly hard roll killed it for me. My first bite cut into the roof of my mouth and I proceeded to vigilantly dissect the inner layer of sandwich after that. Grabbed a #2 Ham and Pork Cake and #8 BBQ Pork Sandwich with a side of premade Cha Lua Pork Rolls. The pork rolls (after I microwaved them back home) were a nice texture and surprisingly sweet. The price is still unbeatable for the area (even with cost of eir banh mi doubling since he pandemic), just be cautious of the rock hard rolls!! Don't forget to bring cash, they do not accept card!

Always a reliable spot to get some tasty bahn mis! My girls and I were heading to an Alamere Falls hike adventure and we needed some provisions before and after we got to the falls. This location is a hole in the wall in a plaza in El Cerrito and offers a variety of bahn mis for decent prices, similar to its older sister cafe in Oakland. The El Cerrito has a smaller menu but still does the job. Got the bbq pork one and it had flavorful meat, fresh cucumbers, pickled carrot/radish, cilantro, jalapeño on a crusty French loaf. Would definitely come back for my usual meatball one!

*CASH ONLY* Prices are reasonable considering inflation and all. $5 for all sandwiches. $5.25 for Dac Biet I don't like how you have to order a full order of eggrolls, 5 for $5.75. Which was good, typical viet eggroll with taro inside. (But I like Oakland's Ba Le filling more) The fish sauce was also on the saltier side... The sandwiches are ok overall but -we didn't get the same amount of pickled veges on both sandwiches, the meatball one had significantly less which was way too little for me. I like my sandwich loaded with veges. -veges tasted barley pickled -first time ever where I've seen big pieces of slices daikon/ carrots on a sandwich!! It's nice we didn't have to wait long but idk if we'd come back unless we're in the area and needed a quick meal.

Been coming here for over 20 years. Still my spot to come to for Bahn mi. Same guy still there making my sandwiches.

Ok, this is actually my favorite Banh mi place!! I am sad that my boyfriend and I will no longer live close to here because this was a weekend stop for us. But because this is my favorite Banh mi place, I know that my boyfriend and I will try to go here if we were in the east bay. I usually order two sandwiches for myself- the meatball and egg & the chicken. There's also different Vietnamese snacks, Vietnamese coffee, and other food items available too. Street parking may be difficult, but the store has its own designated parking on the side.

While grocery shopping next door, we noticed Banh Mi Ba Le, a very intimate mom and pop shop with a menu featuring about ten items. We ordered two BBQ char siu sandwiches and one grilled pork sandwich, all of which were delicious. The grilled pork was smoky, and the char siu had a pulled pork consistency I had never experienced before. The bread was soft and flaky, complemented by flavorful meat, well pickled vegetables, and jalapeños that added a nice kick, tying the whole sandwich together. The service is both quick and friendly, and it is important to note that they are a cash only business. Overall, the sandwiches were reasonably priced and of a quality that I would come back for.

I have only tried the Banh Mi here, but it was very tasty. Don't be fooled by how short the sandwich is compared to other Banh Mi places. I was first disappointed by how short the baguette was, but the sandwich was filled with ingredients and plenty of pate YUMMMMM. My favorite was definitely the combo and the daikon and carrots were pickled well! I phoned in my order and did not realize it was cash only. So I had to go back home to get cash haha.

Best $5.00 Banh Mi out there! Total hole in the wall, ca$h only. Yes, the bun could have been softer, but the filling was divine. Discovered this place back in 2007 when I saw it in the San Francisco Chronicle. Their sister shop still reigns 3/17 https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/best-vietnamese-food-restaurants-sf-bay-area/ Enjoy!

CASH ONLY! (Also... TAKE OUT ONLY!) I wasn't in the mood for just any banh mi. I wanted one with ham, pork, head cheese and pate liver. The only place I can find closest to home who has something close to this specific sammich is this place. The only downside is that it's a 15-20 minute drive from away. Was it worth it to satisfy a craving?? YES. Even if it meant driving by a few other Vietnamese spots much closer to home (had to... they didn't have what I wanted.) I came through after (what I thought) was a lunch rush to avoid a line, but that didn't work out as well as it did in my head. Not an issue, though, since the staff was FAST! Two people ahead of me but this team of 2 (husband-and-wife, maybe? Partners?) were lightning quick about putting out orders! I initially went for #1 "but please add pork and liver pâté." The gentleman taking my order said, "So... you want a #2." (Insert chuckle here.) Hey, I didn't know, but now I do! Added a #8 for Hubbers and 2 orders of their egg rolls. Hubbers also wanted to try one of their pho bowls, but sadly, "We don't serve pho anymore." No biggie... Anyway! When I say they're fast, I mean, they're fast. I was walking outta there in less than 5. The sammiches were made to order, the egg rolls were hot when I got 'em and still warm even after the 15 minute drive home. Cut my sammich in half, took a bite and... WOW!!! (If you've seen that Disney movie SOUL and the bit where 22 reacts to her very first bite of pizza?! Yeah, it was kinda like that.) The taste of the meat and pâté, the texture of the bread, the way the sidekicks (cucumber, pickled carrots and daikon) did their job... this sandwich was exactly what I wanted. And I'll admit: I ate the whole thing! Egg rolls were fantastic as well. Definitely home made, and the fish sauce elevates each bite. Hubbers enjoyed his #8. Oh, and for the record, almost every person ahead and behind me in line at the store put in an order for #8. Makes me wonder... FOOD: 5. SERVICE: 5. VALUE: 5. At $5/pop?! It's a steal! PARKING: Private lot shared with others. Street parking also available. I completely set myself up. I'm afraid I'll be doing plenty of those 15-20 minute drives in the near future... and it'll be worth it!

TLDR: cheap decent banh mi sandwiches. -- The banh mi sandwiches are not the best I've had, but this place is one of the few places where you can find them for a really good price. It's not uncommon to see banh mi going for $10 or more in the Bay Area. However, this place sells it for half that price! They do sell other snacks and drinks, but be aware this place only accepts cash! It's a small little shop in a small plaza, so it could be easy to miss. Overall, I'd recommend this place for a cheap banh mi to go.

I've been going here for years...always get the #9 BBQ Chicken sandwich. Love it! Fast service, friendly owner and very reasonably priced.

My sister and I visited around noon on a Saturday. The small parking lot was full so we had to wait a couple minutes for a spot to open up to avoid parking on the street. Inside, there were 2 parties ahead of us but it only took a few minutes before we were able to place our order. The sandwiches were made as soon as the order was placed. Unfortunately, they are cash only. My sister and I each ordered a Vegetarian Sandwich (#10, $5, 4/5). The baguette is toasted for about a minute, then generously filled with vegetarian ham, pickled carrots/daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeños. I wish they used a vegetarian spread because it can get a bit dry. Overall, this mom-and-pop shop is our go-to for banh mi in the area and we will continue to support this small business!

When I discovered there was a local banh mi place near me that had banh mi's for only $5/ea, I was stoked that I might have found my new, local hangout spot for most of my lunch needs. The small shop itself is located in a little strip mall right off of San Pablo, with limited amounts of free parking in the attached private lot. Upon entering, you'll find the shop filled to the brim with a variety of snacks, pre-made cold meals, and drinks to choose from. As well as the hard-working owner behind the counter diligently making more food and ready to take your order. We were doing a picnic that day, so we decided some banh mi's would be perfect to pack up in our basket. We opted for the ham & pork cake, as well as the bbq chicken. Unfortunately, we found the bread for both to be stale, and the meat and filling inside to be rather dry. Prices here are definitely a plus, as you simply don't find $5 banh mi's in the SF Bay Area anymore. The taste however was lacking, so it's unlikely we'll be back. Cash only

After a years long search, we've finally found our go-to banh mi place! We tried their banh mi this past weekend and they hit the spot. I got the #2 dac biet/special and my boyfriend had the grilled pork. We both really enjoyed our sandwiches. And for $5?! What a steal in bay area! Mine had lots of meat and head cheese, which I love. Their service was super great and fast too - and I think their prices include tax? We had two sandwiches and picked up the eggrolls as well and it came out to $15.25! So cheap. Keep in mind they take cash only though, so come prepared! Also their service is so fast! We waited like probably 3ish minutes for them to make our sandwiches and there were a couple people ahead of us too. All in all, a yummy hole in the wall experience and we'll definitely be back for more! I'll need to call them to check their actual hours though - not entirely sure if the ones on Yelp are accurate. The Google Maps hours are not accurate because it says they're closed Saturdays, but they were definitely open this past saturday! Doesn't hurt to call before heading over. Also they're take out only so grab some sandwiches and go on a picnic or something!

Figured it was cash only. As I counted out the total and gave the cashier approximate cash and tip money too. I was putting my cash away. The cashier told me I was short on cash. Hmm I thought not but I wasn't going to make a fuss or a scene. Please be careful when paying with cash here and hopefully this business doesn't take advantage of folks who aren't able to specifically count out their cash and speak up for themselves. & Hopefully if the owner is reading this they can hold themselves accountable.

My favorite Vietnamese deli in el cerrito! Quick and good quality viet food! Yup, this is the spot!

I was craving Vietnamese sandwiches and saw that this one was close by. After seeing the pictures and other reviews, I just knew that I had to stop by. This spot doesn't look like much if you're simply walking past or if you happen to be in the area. Surprisingly, it is actually quite hidden on the busy San Pablo Ave street. I ordered the char sui sandwich. It was so delicious. I love the sweetness of the meat and how all of the flavors just come perfectly together. What I really like about these sandwiches, is that they have fresh vegetables to kind of balance everything out. It includes fresh cucumber, cilantro and jalapeno slices. The spiciness of the jalapeno and the sweetness of the meat is PERFECTION. Everything placed together inside that crunchy Vietnamese roll, mmm mmm mhmm... You have got to try it for yourself. Inside: The inside is very small. There are other items like Vietnamese snacks and dessert puddings inside the refrigerator. Staff: 5/5 stars The guy who works inside there (I'm assuming that he's the owner) is very nice. I usually call ahead to order after I leave work because they close at 5:30 P.M. and I get there just in time before closing. Overall: 5/5 stars for everything....

Best Vietnamese sandwiches to get combination is my favorite!!!! And the other sandwiches you can't really go wrong with them either

Definitely a popular hole in the wall. We were taking advantage of BART'S half off fares and trying out restaurants I had bookmarked that were near a BART station. We really were picking up a couple doors down but I saw this place and for $5 you can get a BBQ pork Banh Mi. Spend another $5 and you can get egg rolls. Now we typically get our Banh Mi in San Francisco at Saigon Sandwich. This is just as good but different. We get our egg rolls at Good Luck Dim Sum. Again just as good, less greasy and comes with sauce. So I was pleased and would return if I was doing a food run at the other restaurant nearby. Cash only.

Service was good. The people were kind and fast to get my order together while juggling a steady flow of customers. The lady made my banh cuốn fresh after ordering, including my egg roll. The egg roll was thick and filled with a taro, carrot, and likely pork mix. Love supporting family owned restaurants. Prices are great for a banh mi. The bánh mì had really good quality pate and maybe garlic butter? There was something different and I loved it. Please remember this place is CASH ONLY

I've been to the Banh Mi Ba Le in Oakland and loved their sandwiches, but the ones here in El Cerrito unfortunately weren't as good. We tried a couple different kinds of banh mi: ham and head cheese, ham and pork cake (x2), meat ball, and BBQ char siu. The bread didn't have that crisp crunch and ended up tasting pretty stale / chewy. The BBQ char siu and meatball were also pretty dry compared to similar ones we had gotten in Oakland. I also wish there had been a bit more pate in some of them. The head cheese and ham (#1) one was definitely the most interesting. The head cheese is basically like a meat jelly (not a type of cheese like I had originally thought haha). My favorite was probably #2, which is similar to a typical combination banh mi. Overall, flavors are fresh but I think the Banh Mi missed the mark for me, especially when it comes to the bread. I've never had Vietnamese dessert before and tried one in the fridge. I really enjoyed the different textures and trying new ingredients, but it was a bit on the sweeter side. However, the Vietnamese iced coffee was really good and had a strong flavor. In the future, I'd probably try to stop by the Banh Mi Ba Le in Oakland instead though.

Cash only & in a small strip plaza with limited parking during lunch hour. I love the Oakland location (best banh mi in the bay!) and had high expectations. Overall was disappointed with this location. They have a smaller menu and ingredients didn't taste as fresh (esp the bread which tasted like stale, day old). Will not come back

My friend brought me here because it's the best place in Oakland for banh mi. I usually go to Cam Huong, but wanted to try a new spot. The line was long, so you know it's good. They sold drinks, desserts, Vietnamese coffee, and premade dishes and appetizers like spring rolls. It's a sandwich shop where you order and take it to go. The cashier was friendly and funny. We got the meatball (the most popular) and banh cuon. I really liked the banh cuon. My friend inhaled the meatball sandwich. I would come back to try the other sandwiches.

It's been awhile since I had a good Vietnamese sandwich, maybe since I was in Vietnam. $6.50 cash only meat combo sandwich, definitely will return.

Fresh affordable Banh Mi's to-go. Love the veggies, the crunchy bread, the #8 grilled pork was so flavorful and they didn't skimp on the pork. No complaints on my end. I hope they keep providing fresh food at a low cost, that's amazing!!!! Will come back if I'm in the area for sure.

So easy and consistent! Perfect picnic food and Saturday game food or quick lunch food Cash only!

My significant other & I called for 4 bbq pork sandwich's good customer service. Good sandwiches! I say the best out there... I would post a picture of the food but I ate it.

This is the East Bay's answer to Saigon Sandwich. I didn't find this place as it found me. Last year, I was just wandering around this unassuming strip mall while I was waiting for the Wifey as she was making her purchase at another store. I got a whiff of a familiar aroma of a sweet, smoky BBQ wafting in the air. I look up and saw the sign and immediately knew it was coming from here. I walked in an and a nice, fine gentleman greeted me warmly. I studied the menu, but I already knew what I wanted as the smell beckoned me to get the BBQ Char Siu. While waiting for my order, I noticed there were your typical Vietnamese "snacks" and street food in ready to go containers inside a the cooler shelve. Since Wifey was already purchasing food, I had to hide the Banh Mi and attempted to eat it in secret as we got home. Of course she eventually found out about it, so I gave her the other half. Man, I regretted giving her the other half since it was delicious, and half of it didn't fill me up as I wanted more. I know, I'm being selfish, but I'm just being honest. The pork was tender, had a nice chew and flavor. I also liked that it had a slight burn on the fat giving it a crispy texture, which added another dimension. Hey, fat is flavor. Burnt fat is umami. The sauce was also sweet, but it was balanced and didn't overpower the Banh Mi. I came back a couple more times and tried the Grilled Pork, Ham and Head Cheese and Ham and Pork Cake. All exceptional and you can't beat the price. After a hiking session one day, I ordered two Banh Mi's and added fried eggs on both after getting home. Maybe I should suggest they add that on their menu. What I like about this place is they don't charge you an arm and a leg for a Banh Mi unlike some places in the city that serves fake and fusion Banh Mi. Currently, the prices range from $4 to $4.25, and it's still cheaper and better than a $10 faux Banh Mi. This is the real deal made by a Vietnamese immigrant whose been making Banh Mi's for years and have perfected his craft. He makes it with TLC and a smile as he hands you his wonderful creation. Gotta respect his piece of the American dream and I totally support, especially in times like these. Note: Ca$h only #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 17

I've been going here for years, and I personally think this place is my favorite banh mi shop if I want one and don't feel like driving too far. My go to sandwich is the #4 (menu has never changed even for the many years I've gone to this place). With COVID, since the shop is so small, I think at max 2 people can be in the shop since there's 6ft away stickers marked on the ground. They also sell other things like Asian snacks, Viet desserts, drinks (soda, ramune, etc). Only downside is that the shop ONLY accepts cash so make sure you have cash on hand!

** The following review reflects my takeout experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Peppermint Tree Plaza is the hidden gem of El Cerrito, which I realize sounds like a contradiction in terms for an unadorned strip mall, but it's true. First, there's the coconut chicken soup and grilled skewers at Larb Thai Food & Tapas. Then there's the salmon kama and chirashi don at Nori Roll. In between is this modest mom-&-pop sandwich shop which had piqued my curiosity several times before when Jamie W. and I strolled by on our weekend constitutionals. What sparked me this time was a local foodie's blog where the writer said the pork banh mi was a must-have during our endless quarantine state. Now keep in mind I don't eat much bread these days, but I figured I could savor the ingredients and work my way around the carbs. It's tiny inside, so safe distancing was a challenge, especially since the guy behind me was impatiently standing behind me inches from my neck. Even though the blogger praised the pate sandwich (which they understandably call 'pork cake'), I went for the BBQ Char Siu Sandwich. It just felt like the right choice for the first time. All the banh mis sold for just $4.25 each. The husband makes each sandwich individually which only becomes a bummer if the customer ahead of you ordered sandwiches for the block. The crunchy baguette was stuffed liberally with the requisite ingredients - cucumber slices, pickled carrots, pickled daikon, cilantro, green peppers, and the char siu pork minced for easier spreading presumably (photo). Sure enough, I used the roll as my serving dish. I haven't had a good banh mi in a long time. My best find, however, came from the refrigerated section where I picked up the $2.75 Raw Papaya Salad with a drizzle of sweet rice vinegar (photo). It tasted like it was just made, which could very well be since his wife was busily preparing everything but the banh mis. This makes it a true troika of fine eats at Peppermint Tree Plaza. FOOD - 4 stars...a fine banh mi, an even better papaya salad AMBIANCE - 4 stars...crowded but you don't stick around SERVICE - 5 stars...a very hard-working couple TOTAL - 4 stars...when a sammie is what you need RELATED - Exploring El Cerrito? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2VyCP18

I came here on a whim after taking my dogs at Point Isabel. Saw that it had great reviews and took a chance. Glad I did. I ordered four sandwiches, two grilled beef and two Vietnamese bacon which were all delicious. The only thing that was missing which is a key component of Banh Mi was the pate spread on the bread. The delicious bread however - made up for it. Also - I was able to call in advanced so by the time I came in which they were super busy - my sandwiches were ready and I was in and out in a jiffy. The nice guy (I think husband and wife team?) were super nice. I told them I just came back from the beach at Point Isabel and will be eating it in the car and they gave me extra napkins to go. I'll definitely be back and love the hole-in-the-wall feel. Cheers!