Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe Brings Local Flavours to Vietnamese Sandwiches

Joo Chiat Road is well known for its many cafes and its fair share of Vietnamese eateries. Among these options, Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe stands out. It offers Vietnamese baguettes with familiar local flavours and attracts passers-by and photographers with its unusual roadside seating arrangement.

Simple Photogenic Setting

The physical setup of Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe is simple and unpretentious. Inside, the space resembles a Singaporean coffeeshop. There are booth seats and a handful of tables with plastic stools. A mural of a Ho Chi Minh City night market on one wall supplies a distinct Vietnamese touch. Colourful posters and signs are all over.

Outdoor seating along the five-foot way adds a casual atmosphere for people-watching. The shop makes clever use of the height difference between the higher roadside curb and the lower walkway. Low wooden and small chairs stools line the curb, while regular tables and chairs sit on the five-foot way below.

From the road, diners on the low stools appear to sit almost at ground level. It is like a typical street scene in Vietnam. In reality, because of the height difference between the curb and the walkway, diners can rest their legs comfortably on the walkway while sitting on the low stools. The setup makes the shopfront charming and photogenic.

Menu of Banh Mi and Local Additions

Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe caters to different tastes. The main feature of the menu is the selection of Vietnamese baguette sandwiches or banh mi. A Classic Chicken Cold Cut with Floss combines traditional chicken cold cuts with chicken floss and standard salad trimmings. The Organic Mushroom Floss Vegetarian is a meat-free option. The Earthquake Banh Mi is a hearty combination containing chicken cold cuts, grilled chicken thigh, and a lemongrass beef patty. There are also pressed bahn mi with swet or savoury fillings.

In addition to bahn mi, the eatery serves local breakfast options. Diners can order kuning fish nasi lemak, mackerel otah or curry chicken with banh mi kosong. Apparently, the owners previously ran a mackerel otah stall. So they continue to sell otah even thogh they are now runnung a bahn mi cafe.

The beverage menu features traditional drinks prepared using in-house blended coffee grounds. Options include drip coffee, sock-brewed coffee, mocha, chocolate, and herbal teas.

Banh Mi and Sock Coffee

We ordered the Signature Lemongrass Grilled Beef Patty Banh Mi ($8.50). The freshly baked baguette had a delicate balance of textures. The crust was thin and crisp, giving way with a crackle when bitten, while the interior was soft, airy and light. It is simple, good bread that could be enjoyed on its own. The filling combined fresh and pickled vegetables with a mix of sauces. The lemongrass beef patty was well seasoned and paired nicely with the tangy pickles, making for a satisfying banh mi.

Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe Lemongrass Grilled Beef Patty Banh Mi

We also had the Grilled Mackerel Otah Banh Mi ($6.50). It was a Vietnamese-style baguette with a very Singaporean otah as the main ingredient. The filling included cucumber, lettuce, coriander, Vietnamese mayonnaise and homemade chicken pate. Otah lovers would enjoy this cross-cultural combination.

Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe Grilled Mackerel Otah Banh Mi

During our visit, we tried the Iced Sock Coffee ($3.90). Prepared using the traditional sock-drip method, the Vietnamese-style coffee had a strong with a subtle, pleasantly bitter aftertaste. Served over ice, the drink was very refreshing.

Iced Sock Coffee at Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe

An appealing option in Joo Chiat

Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe offers an appealing option in Joo Chiat for breakfast, lunch, or a quick break. The eatery serves a variety of well-made banh mi alongside several distinctive local fusion dishes. Budget-conscious patrons will appreciate the reasonable prices, with a satisfying meal available for under $10. Its unique street-style seating also provides a photogenic backdrop for a memorable visit.