The trickiest part of visiting this unassuming Lynnwood favorite might be navigating the parking lot, busy during peak business hours. Any hassle is well worth it, though, for the variety of banh mi that includes grilled meats (pork, chicken, and beef), tofu, ham, BBQ pork (or ham with BBQ pork), and what looks like a Northeastern U.S.-inspired section of the menu — brisket, pastrami, and Philly cheesesteak.

The name reflects the initial location (in the Little Saigon neighborhood) of this beloved deli before it opened the now-remaining location in a Korean strip mall in Edmonds. While there are a few appetizers, entrees, and other Vietnamese treats, the bulk of the business focuses on excellent execution of four types of banh mi: chicken, cold cut with pate, tofu, and the signature grilled pork.

Located on Highway 99 in Edmonds, Rise and Shine meets wholesale demand for crackly baguettes while also serving rotating specials like banh mi chao (“breakfast” skillet), bo ne (Vietnamese beef stew), and banh mi made from the baguettes. All the sandwiches, including the lemongrass-infused grilled beef, the tofu and mushroom, and grilled pork and fried egg, are freshly prepared.

An import of a longstanding family business in Vietnam, this International District spot makes all its banh mi ingredients on site — from the bread down to the mayonnaise and bologna — and keeps the prices competitive. (It even offers one free sandwich with the purchase of five.) The banh mi are divided into three menus: Saigon (it’s here you’ll find fish in tomato sauce or shredded pork and skin), Seattle (featuring mostly grilled and BBQ meat), and Paris (with lots of pork and pate).

Often confused with the nearby Saigon Vietnam Deli (also a good choice) on the same block of Jackson (and unrelated to Saigon Deli in the University District), Saigon Deli is a long-time favorite for banh mi and other Vietnamese deli delights. Portions of BBQ pork and roast chicken, for example, are generous. While the line can be long at lunchtime, the sandwich makers assemble banh mi orders rapidly, wrapping filled crusty baguettes in white paper, rolling on a rubber band, and placing each one in a plastic bag with a napkin in an orderly fashion.

Having started as a pool hall selling Vietnamese sandwiches about 30 years ago, an expanded menu hasn’t taken away anything from the quality of the banh mi at Billiard Hoang. The BBQ pork and Vietnamese sausage banh mi is especially popular, and they are reasonably priced at $6 each (definitely add a lightly fluffed scrambled egg). Get them to go or to dine in — with an option to play pool as a bonus.

Tony’s Bakery is a kaleidoscopic affair crammed full of all kinds of colorful products, particularly the desserts. Even the walls and windows are overrun with splashy signs, including pictures of the ten banh mi that are always available. Take note of number 7: banh mi ca xa ot, made with basa fish (a type of catfish) that’s marinated in lemongrass and chili pepper, then battered and fried. The true secret to the sandwich’s success, however, is its super-flavorful smear of garlic-chive aioli. 

At Q Bakery, customers buy bread by the bagged bunch. The bakery also offers banh mi, with classic flavors like grilled or BBQ pork and shredded chicken. There are also some less-common options ones as well. Banh mi ca moi comes with tinned sardines in tomato sauce, the vegetables countering the sandwich’s fishiness. Even better is banh mi chao tom, with a shrimp paste “cake” that’s squishy and slightly salty, a perfect par to a fried egg.

This sliver of a store in West Seattle justifiably draws crowds for its four banh mi offerings. It is especially known for its mayonnaise and liver pate, both made fresh daily. That pate is spread lightly on the grilled pork and grilled chicken sandwiches, with a more generous layer on the “classic,” which includes sliced jambon, sliced pork roll, and dried shredded pork. Oh’s also has a wide variety of milk tea, iced tea, smoothies, and other beverages.