Where to eat bánh mì in Calgary
Calgary has an unusually deep Vietnamese submarine culture, from old-school counters in Chinatown and Forest Lawn to creative newer kitchens.
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Why Calgary is a bánh mì city
Vietnamese Calgarians established restaurants, groceries and services after late-twentieth-century migration. Forest Lawn and International Avenue became especially diverse, while Chinatown remains the central gateway.
Begin in Chinatown, then explore Forest Lawn, International Avenue and the northeast.
10 shops to know
1. Thi Thi Vietnamese Submarine
Address: 209 1 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2G3
long-running classic counter. Check current hours and menu before travelling.
2. Thai Thien Sub
Address: 811A 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 7N2
compact takeaway specialist. Check current hours and menu before travelling.
3. Saigon Deli
Address: 4527 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 4X2
fresh baguettes and traditional fillings. Check current hours and menu before travelling.
4. Kim Anh Vietnamese Submarines
Address: 626 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B4
quick central subs. Check current hours and menu before travelling.
5. My Tho BBQ
Address: 575 28 St SE, Calgary, AB T2A 6X1
barbecue meats and value. Check current hours and menu before travelling.
6. Paper Lantern
Address: Basement, 115 2 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
modern Vietnamese food and cocktails. Check current hours and menu before travelling.
7. An An Kitchen & Bar
Address: 1111 7 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1A1
creative contemporary combinations. Check current hours and menu before travelling.
8. Trung Nguyen V-N Sub
Address: 132 3 Ave SE #10, Calgary, AB T2G 4Z4
traditional neighbourhood counter. Check current hours and menu before travelling.
9. MyMy Sub
Address: 1012 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0K5
grilled and cold-cut subs. Check current hours and menu before travelling.
10. Banh Mi Nhu Y
Address: 6114-2255 32 St NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 0C2
specialist shop; verify current details. Check current hours and menu before travelling.
Compare the shops
| Shop | Area | Good reason to visit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thi Thi Vietnamese Submarine | Chinatown | long-running classic counter | $ |
| Thai Thien Sub | Downtown/Chinatown | compact takeaway specialist | $ |
| Saigon Deli | Forest Lawn | fresh baguettes and traditional fillings | $ |
| Kim Anh Vietnamese Submarines | Downtown | quick central subs | $ |
| My Tho BBQ | 28 Street SE | barbecue meats and value | $ |
| Paper Lantern | Chinatown | modern Vietnamese food and cocktails | $–$$ |
| An An Kitchen & Bar | Inner city | creative contemporary combinations | $–$$ |
| Trung Nguyen V-N Sub | Northeast Calgary | traditional neighbourhood counter | $–$$ |
| MyMy Sub | Calgary | grilled and cold-cut subs | $–$$ |
| Banh Mi Nhu Y | Calgary | specialist shop; verify current details | $–$$ |
Choose a neighbourhood
Begin in Chinatown, then explore Forest Lawn, International Avenue and the northeast. Start with the densest cluster and keep outlying shops for another excursion so each roll is eaten while crisp.
How to order
Try a house combination, grilled pork or chicken before moving to a speciality. Good bánh mì balances crackling crust, airy crumb, savoury richness, sharp carrot and daikon pickles, cucumber, coriander and chilli. When tasting several, request chilli on the side.
Vegetarian and vegan advice
Tofu and satay vegetable subs are common, but confirm that pâté, butter spread, fish sauce and mayonnaise are omitted.
Follow the full route
The Calgary bánh mì food crawl links a manageable group of shops with local history and cultural stops.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start?
Begin in Chinatown, then explore Forest Lawn, International Avenue and the northeast.
How much should I budget?
Most takeaway counters are inexpensive to moderately priced. Premium meats and sit-down service cost more.
Are vegetarian choices available?
Tofu and satay vegetable subs are common, but confirm that pâté, butter spread, fish sauce and mayonnaise are omitted.
What should a first-time visitor order?
A house combination reveals the shop’s approach to bread, pâté, cold cuts, pickles and herbs.
Why do styles vary?
Family recipes, Vietnamese regional influences and local tastes change the bread, pickles, seasoning and fillings.
Keep exploring
Read the history of bánh mì, use our recipe, or compare more cities.