Was walking around the Jurong East neighbourhood the other day I noticed a rather unfamiliar sight whilst going around the 咖啡仔来了coffeeshop (previously 喜多福 Happy Hawker coffeeshop) at Blk 132 Jurong Gateway Road. Ba Buông Bánh Mì is a fairly recent addition to the neighbourhood — situated just in the row of shops across from 咖啡仔来了coffeeshop, Ba Buông Bánh Mì has taken over the former premises of Your Deli Bite (previously known as Bly’s Banh Mi — their original location being this exact shop unit though they had once had an outlet within the now-defunct Xin Tekka food court at Tekka Place) which has since opened a bistro-style concept named Your Deli Bite Cafe at Novena Regency. With the space being pretty much a hole-in-the-wall, Ba Buông Bánh Mì operates primarily as a takeaway kiosk — that being said, there is a haphazardly set-up small dine-in area comprising of a cabinet and two dining chairs that would allow those who wish to sit down and enjoy their Banh Mi to actually have them on the spot. Ba Buông Bánh Mì’s concept is centred around its Banh Mi offerings — the menu comprises of Banh Mi featuring a variety or ingredients, though those looking for other offerings apart from Banh Mi can opt for the Sticky Rice. Ba Buông Bánh Mì also offers a variety of beverages — this includes usual suspects like Vietnamese coffee and canned drinks, though they also seem to have on the list other items like tea and fruit smoothies as well.

Just as per most other Banh Mi establishments that we had visited previously, the Banh Mi is being prepared upon order. We went for the Special Traditional Banh Mi during our visit to Ba Buông Bánh Mì, which is the equivalent of the Banh Mi Dac Biet which is served at other establishments. Here, the Banh Mi is being sliced into half with one side being lathered with pate, and the other side being lathered with margarine. It is subsequently being lined with sliced cucumbers, before coming with all the pickled radish and carrots — then a few pieces of coriander with the two different types of ham that comes in between; all that then goes into the toaster oven before the Banh Mi is placed in a paper bag to be served to the patron. Taking a bite into the Special Traditional Banh Mi, it is noted that the baguette is toasted to a crisp here; there is certainly less emphasis on the firm bite that some Banh Mi from certain establishments have. It is also noted that the Banh Mi also tastes heavier of the pate here — we did like it being this way though, since the saltish flavours of the pate would gel well with the savouriness of the various types of cured meat that comes sandwiched in between. It does seem that there is an inclusion of Hoi Sin Sauce or a richer flavour — not particularly overwhelming, while the pickled radish and carrots provided a refreshing crunch and a tang to reset the tastebuds; the crunch further enhanced by the slices of the cucumbers that lined the baguette. The coriander also deserves a mention here; its crisp leaves carrying its signature note that cuts through all of the carbs and meatiness of the Banh Mi, making it especially easy to have.

We often keep saying that Banh Mi Saigon and Miss Saigon are establishments that are hard to beat — those folks have certainly changed the local Banh Mi scene ever since the opening of Banh Mi Saigon at Ang Mo Kio. Nonetheless, Ba Buông Bánh Mì is one of those establishments that serve quite a good rendition of the Banh Mi — this is especially the case considering how there are fairly little establishments that are serving up Banh Mi in the West as opposed to that of the East, Central and Northern parts of the island. Having tried only the Special Traditional Banh Mi from Ba Buông Bánh Mì, the Special Traditional Banh Mi comes packed with a generous load of condiments — each bite comes full of every single element that has been added into the Banh Mi based on the description of its composition on the menu; the Special Traditional Banh Mi also not being one that is unnecessarily laden with sauces, yet flavourful and easy to have. It certainly checks all of the right boxes in the making of a Banh Mi that suits our preferences — perhaps, the only downside being how there isn’t a spicy rendition of the Banh Mi to opt for. Prices of the Banh Mi at Ba Buông Bánh Mì are fairly reasonable and in-line with what other similar establishments charges for their Banh Mi — the lowest priced Banh Mi offerings would be the Egg Pate and the Vegetarian Banh Mi that are priced at $5; all other Banh Mi offerings are priced at a flat price of $6.50. Patrons can also opt for a Combo; the Combo comprises of a Banh Mi and the patron’s choice of coffee at $7.50. With Banh Mi that is served at quite a good quality and at prices that are fairly reasonable against the competition, Ba Buông Bánh Mì is a spot that is well-worth checking out for those looking for a decent Banh Mi around!