Nhu Lan Bakery — Footscray, Melbourne

A Footscray benchmark for classic bánh mì

Nhu Lan Bakery is one of Melbourne’s best-known Vietnamese hot-bread shops and a natural first stop for anyone exploring Footscray’s food scene. The compact Hopkins Street counter works at a fast pace, with baguettes baked on site and a filling range that includes traditional pork, meatball, lemongrass pork, roast or crackling pork and tofu.

What to order

Start with the traditional pork roll if you want to understand the bakery’s balance of pâté, cold cuts, pickled carrot, cucumber, coriander, seasoning and fresh chilli. Crackling pork is the stronger choice when texture is your priority. At busy times, deciding before you reach the counter keeps the line moving.

Good to know

Nhu Lan is only a short walk from Footscray station and sits close to To’s Bakery, making the pair ideal for a shared-roll comparison. A tofu filling may be available, but vegetarian and vegan diners should confirm the pâté, mayonnaise, butter, bread, sauces and preparation.

Neighbourhood: Footscray, inner west
Best for: a first Melbourne bánh mì and the start of a Footscray food crawl.

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More shops nearby

To’s Bakery & Cafe — Footscray, Melbourne · Luke’s Bánh Mì — Moonee Ponds, Melbourne