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oChef » Banh Mi King – San Francisco
Banh Mi King - San Francisco
Photo from Banh Mi King
Banh Mi King at a glance
San Francisco Rincon Hill
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 19 of the guests
#1698 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#55 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 67 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
146
Reviews
67.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Cleanliness
- Friendly service
- Fresh food
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent bread
- Small portions
The restaurant, Banh Mi King, is a vibrant Vietnamese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s bustling Rincon Hill. Here, you’ll discover a perfect spot for a quick bite, offering healthy options that cater to your busy schedule.
Whether you’re grabbing a coffee or a delicious meal, this casual eatery provides a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Banh Mi King
Banh Mi King offers a generally pleasant experience, often praised for its cleanliness and the visible fresh ingredients. Many appreciate the effort put into following local protocols, contributing to a comfortable atmosphere.
The interior is often noted for being very clean, making for an inviting spot. While the friendly service stands out, some guests have noted concerns regarding overall value, particularly with pricing for certain items.
There are also occasional remarks about food consistency, though many find the dishes delicious and made to order.
Good
6.9
out of 10
146
Reviews
67.8%
Satisfaction
41
negative
6
neutral
99
positive
Banh Mi King earns a solid 6.9 overall, indicating a generally good dining experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 67.8%, suggesting that while many enjoy their visit, there’s a notable portion with reservations.
This perspective is drawn from 146 customer comments, with 99 leaning positive and 41 expressing concerns. Digging deeper, the Ambience (8.4) is a clear highlight, often described as very clean and pleasant.
Service (7.1) also performs well, with staff frequently noted for being friendly. The Food (7) receives a good score, though it’s the most discussed aspect.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.9), which customers often find to be average, citing concerns about pricing and portion sizes.
What people like
- Clean interior
- Friendly staff
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Pricing concerns
- Inconsistent bread
- Small meat portions
For those seeking a spot with a pleasant atmosphere and genuinely friendly service, Banh Mi King is worth considering. The 7.1 recommendation score suggests many find it a worthwhile stop, particularly if you appreciate fresh ingredients and a clean dining space.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find the value proposition to be a mixed bag. If you prioritize a consistently good banh mi experience without concern for cost, it might be a good fit, but those on a tighter budget or seeking larger portions might want to explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Banh Mi King
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7 and customer satisfaction at 72%, many diners are leaving happy. Based on 107 comments, including 77 positive remarks, guests rave about the delicious Duck Banh Mi, fresh food, crispy bread, and tender pork.
It seems like a truly tasty experience for many! However, not every dish is a home run. Some patrons noted issues with the baguette, uncooked tofu, and watery sauce.
A few also found the meat in their banh mi to be too fatty. While these are fewer in number (27 negative comments), they're worth keeping in mind.
Food
107
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
27
negative
3
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Duck Banh Mi
- Fresh, tasty ingredients
- Tender, seasoned meats
What people don't like
- Baguette can disappoint
- Uncooked, bland tofu
- Watery, thin sauces
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Bahn Mi King in San Francisco was fantastic! I was treated like a queen from the moment I arrived, and the food was made to order and absolutely delicious. I can't wait to try it again.
- Banh MiMy experience at this restaurant offered a good take on a Banh Mi, though I was surprised to see jalapeños (Spanish chilli/capsicum) as an ingredient. I tried the pork and 5 spice chicken Banh Mi, along with an iced Vietnamese coffee.
- 5 spice chickenGot the 5 spice chicken and the meat is fattier
- banh mitheir banh mi and crab paste soup and both were really yummy
- breadThe bread was crispy on the outside and soft in the inside
- fresh rollsFresh rolls are really good!
- ingredientssee fresh, vibrant, and beautiful ingredients
- phoMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great service and excellent food. We ordered pho, and they were kind enough to offer us some really good tea on the house. I would recommend this place!
- sandwichLove the pate. It's a 10/10 sandwich and very reasonably priced.
- sandwichessandwiches and spring rolls are made right in front of you
Frequently criticized
- breadthe bread could have been a little softer
- foodServing banh mi with unseasoned uncooked tofu
- 5 spice chicken Banh Milacked the 5 spiced flavor’s
- Bahn MiHighly mediocre Bahn Mi. Bread wasn’t fresh
- amount of meatThe Bahn Mi was disappointing, with bread that wasn’t fresh. Additionally, there was a small amount of meat for the price. I will not be visiting again.
- baguetteThe baguette was a miss
- banh miServing banh mi with unseasoned uncooked tofu
- banh mi sandwicha standard banh mi sandwich with no sides
- beef stewthe beef stew was not fresh
- corn oilthey use corn oil for their sauces
If youre looking for generally good and fresh Vietnamese food, especially their highly praised Duck Banh Mi, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some items, like the baguette or tofu dishes, might occasionally miss the mark, so choose wisely!
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.1 score, leaning towards good. Many customers, 13 out of 19, rave about the friendly staff and employees, often highlighting the quick and pleasant service. Terms like staff, employees, friendly service, and service itself frequently pop up in positive reviews, indicating a generally positive experience.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as the 68.4% customer satisfaction suggests a mixed bag. A few experiences, 6 out of 19, point to some hiccups. Negative feedback often centers around service issues like difficulties to make an order due to communication challenges, or even having to clear & clean our own table', indicating room for improvement in consistency.
Service
19
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Language barrier
- Clear own table
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Bahn Mi King in San Francisco was fantastic! I was treated like a queen from the moment I arrived, and the food was made to order and absolutely delicious. I can't wait to try it again.
- staffI've been coming here for years and the staff is super nice. However, the food quality has been slipping.
- employeesThe employees are super friendly.
- friendly serviceFriendly service, fresh food.
- ladies making and taking the orderLadies making and taking the order seem very kind and nice
- peopleVery nice people
- takeoutMy experience at this local Banh Mi spot has been consistently good. I visit at least once a week to grab takeout. The food is excellent, making it a go-to for my lunch meals.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe lady taking our order didn’t speak a word of English so we were using Google translate to communicate and clarify our order.
- clear & clean our own tablehad to clear & clean our own table
- make an orderI like their food, but it’s often hard to make an order. Today, they added liver paste on a vegan Bahn Mi, which was unexpected.
- staff reactionthey reacted very casually as if it's nothing serious
- staying open laterI WISH YOU GUYS STAYED OPEN UNTIL 5:30 PM!!
If youre looking for generally friendly and quick service, youll likely have a good experience here. Just be prepared for a potential language barrier or a need to be a bit self-sufficient with your table, as consistency can be a mixed bag.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! Customers are really digging the atmosphere here, with a solid 8.4 score and a fantastic 85.7% customer satisfaction rate. Folks absolutely love the big window, perfect for admiring fresh ingredients or enjoying a short walk with Bay Bridge views.
The place consistently gets praise for its cleanliness, both inside and out, and for diligently following Covid-19 protocols, based on 6 positive remarks. However, theres one minor hiccup that popped up in 1 comment: the exterior sign. Apparently, it's a bit tricky to spot, leading some to miss the place entirely.
It seems a clearer sign could really help new visitors find this otherwise well-regarded spot.
Ambience
7
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean interior
- Great window views
- Good atmosphere
What people don't like
- Confusing exterior sign
Often praised
- Covid-19 protocolfollowing local Covid-19 protocol
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The place was super clean, and the food was super yummy. I was also impressed with the generous portion sizes, as there was no lacking.
- interiorThe interior is also very clean
- walk to have lunchshort walk to have lunch while looking at the Bay Bridge
- windowLOVE the window so you can see fresh, vibrant, and beautiful ingredients
Frequently criticized
- signneed a better sign because I keep missing it
If you're looking for a spot with a great vibe, sparkling cleanliness, and lovely views, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just keep an eye out for the entrance, as the sign might be a bit elusive. Overall, it promises a very pleasant dining environment.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, some customers find the offerings here quite appealing, noting that items are often reasonably priced and that the overall experience is worth the price for the convenience and taste. They appreciate that the food is excellent, affordable, healthy, and fresh. However, with a score of 4.9, placing it in the average range, and a customer satisfaction of only 23.1%, which is quite poor, its clear theres a mixed bag of opinions.
On the flip side, many feel the pricing misses the mark, with concerns about the price of one banh mi being too high, and general complaints about the pricing being silly or very expensive. There are also mentions of extra cost and specific items like the Viet coffee seeming pricey. These sentiments are reflected in the 7 negative opinions compared to just 3 positive ones out of 13 total customer remarks.
Value
13
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced
- Worth the price
- Affordable food
What people don't like
- High banh mi price
- Small portions
- Pricey coffee
Often praised
- priceWorth the price for the convenience and taste
- reasonably pricedvery reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceThe Bahn Mi was disappointing, with bread that wasn’t fresh. Additionally, there was a small amount of meat for the price. I will not be visiting again.
- Viet coffeeViet coffee seemed a bit pricey—$5.75
- billToday, my usual pork banh mi only had a small piece of meat. Along with a small ice coffee, my bill was nearly $20 including tip. I realize everyone is struggling with inflation and supply chain issues, but there are better banh mi places nearby.
- extra costalmost a dollar on top of that?
- price of one banh mithe price of one banh mi here is closer to what 2 would cost out in the suburbs.
- pricingthe pricing was silly
If youre looking for an affordable, fresh meal, you might find some value here. However, be prepared for potentially higher prices on certain items, especially if youre comparing it to suburban options. It's a mixed bag, so manage your expectations on cost.
How are the prices at Banh Mi King?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 19 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners spend within this $11–$20 range, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience, though a few spend a little less or a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 19 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. Its a good spot if youre looking for a reliable meal that wont break the bank, but isn’t the absolute cheapest option either.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Banh Mi King
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Good Banh Mi, But Pricey
My experience at Banh Mi King was a mixed bag. The banh mi itself was good, though the bread could have been softer, which I suspect was due to getting it late in the day. The portion was satisfactory.
I ordered it to go. However, I wouldn't return primarily due to the pricing. The chicken banh mi was advertised at $11.
75 but the final bill came to $14. 23, and this did not include a tip. While I understand sales tax and a potential health mandate surcharge, the extra cost seemed excessive.
For comparison, Freshroll Vietnamese and Viet Duong on Bush St. offer banh mi of similar size and quality for $9. 75. I had always wanted to try Banh Mi King, but the pricing was simply silly.
- banh mi7
- portion7
- chicken banh mi7
- bread4
- pricing2
- extra cost2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Banh Mi King: A Taste of the Past
My experience at Banh Mi King brought me back to the first Banh Mi I ever had, 10 years ago in San Francisco at a place that’s no longer in business. This one was great with the crispy bread; it was very fresh. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a perfect 5.
- crispy bread9
- fresh9
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Uncooked Tofu Banh Mi - A Disappointment
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, primarily due to the food. I ordered a banh mi, and the tofu was both uncooked and unseasoned. It seemed like it was only microwaved, as it was warm but lacked any flavor.
I really didn’t enjoy it. : -(
- food1
- uncooked tofu1
- unseasoned tofu1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was blazing 5*! The 5 spice chicken was incredibly moist and flavorful, with a perfectly balanced taste. I also enjoyed the shrimp spring roll, which was freshly made and not stiff like premade ones.
The accompanying sauce was flavorful, though I personally prefer a bit more peanut. I absolutely loved the window that allowed me to see the fresh, vibrant, and beautiful ingredients. The ladies taking orders and preparing food seemed very kind and nice.
It's a short walk to enjoy lunch while taking in views of the Bay Bridge. I highly recommend this place; it was a great experience overall.
- 5 spice chicken10
- shrimp spring roll8
- ingredients9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Yummy Banh Mi and Crab Soup!
My experience at this restaurant was great! I had their banh mi and crab paste soup, and both were really yummy. The service was fast, friendly, and pleasant.
I had a wonderful lunch here.
- banh mi9
- crab paste soup9
- service10
What Banh Mi King offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Healthy options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Banh Mi King?
At Banh Mi King, you can enjoy both lunch and dinner with comfortable seating available. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great choice for families, as high chairs are also provided for your little ones.
What convenient service options are offered by Banh Mi King?
For your convenience, Banh Mi King offers a variety of service options including no-contact delivery, standard delivery, and takeout. If you prefer to dine in, that option is also readily available for you.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Banh Mi King?
Banh Mi King holds an overall score of 6.9, indicating a generally good experience, though customer satisfaction is a mixed 67.8%. The Ambience (8.4) and Service (7.1) are well-regarded, while Food (7) is good but Value (4.9) is often seen as average.
Is Banh Mi King a good option for fresh ingredients and a clean environment?
Yes, customers frequently praise Banh Mi King for its cleanliness and the use of fresh, vibrant, and beautiful ingredients. The interior is often described as very clean, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
Are there any common concerns about the value or pricing at Banh Mi King?
Yes, value is a frequent point of discussion, with some customers finding certain items, like the Viet coffee, to be pricey. Concerns have also been raised about the amount of meat for the price and overall pricing compared to other options.