Nhu Lan Bakery & Sandwiches

“Needed a quick bite for lunch and boy… that’s what you called a bahn mi.”

Needed a quick bite for lunch and boy… that’s what you called a bahn mi. BBQ pork was deliciously sweet and the bread had a perfect crunch to it. What I really enjoyed were the fresh toppings that really brought the other flavors together. Mouth watering, quick and simple. Will be returning!

Ryan Morgan

Dec 2025

“The banh mi was so fresh and delicious.”

The banh mi was so fresh and delicious! We also tried the heo quay and ended up buying 2lb to bring more home. Phenomenal crispy skin roasted pork. Fat melted off, tender meat, amazingly crispy skin. My mouth is watering as I write this review.

Loan Bui

Oct 2025

“Roast pork banh mi is the best around.”

Roast pork banh mi is the best around. Don't sleep on their drinks

Alex G

Oct 2025

“This place rocks.”

This place rocks. $9 fresh crispy pork bahn mi, one of the best I’ve ever had. Get the #2 with 50% jalapeños and thank me later!

Jackson Paul

Aug 2025

“Adorable and intimate Vietnamese deli/market.”

Adorable and intimate Vietnamese deli/market. I picked up a lemongrass chicken sandwich on my way to the beach and it was the highlight of my outing. The veggies were crisp and fresh, the chicken moist and flavorful, and the bread very soft. Best of all, only $9 for a sandwich! They also have fresh fruit smoothies, Vietnamese coffee, and other small bites and appetizers in fridges off to the side. This would be the perfect place to pick up some food and refreshing drinks before heading to the beach.

Riley Jones

Aug 2025

“I got the special for $8.”

I got the special for $8. Very classic and typical Banh Mi, which is exactly what you come here for. They have a good variety and the price is very reasonable given the quality. Can't really ask for better. The employees are also local and they speak Vietnamese which is a plus in my book. The atmosphere gets a ding however because it's very small and there is no dining option, meaning you have to take it to go. Luckily the beach is close by so a Banh Mi beach picnic is always an option!

Justin Nguyen

Jun 2025

“Như Lan's bánh mì has to be one of Chicago's best cheap eats.”

Như Lan's bánh mì has to be one of Chicago's best cheap eats. I have tried a handful of options here and you honestly cannot go wrong. Their bread, which is baked in house daily, nails the perfect light and cottony crumb with a super crispy crust. These sandwiches are filled generously with delicious meats, refreshingly tangy pickles, and other vegetables. They also offer a good variety of vegan bánh mì, Vietnamese desserts (mainly chè), and Cantonese BBQ. I recommend their char siu: very flavorful and comes in indulgent thicker cuts.

Christina Huynh

May 2025

“Loved the ginger tofu banh mi.”

Loved the ginger tofu banh mi. When I got it, I was convinced I’d been given the wrong order and that it was pork. It was only after reading about similar experiences in reviews that I accepted it was tofu prepared in a way I wasn’t used to. And it was SO good! Also got spring rolls which were delish

Greta Lowery

Mar 2025

“Very good Bahn Mi.”

Very good Bahn Mi. They have the usual options (i.e. roast pork, lemongrass chicken, headcheese and pate) but also an assortment of vegetarian options as well as a betal leaf-wrapped beef sandwich. Bread is soft with a good crust. Cilantro, jalapenos, and pickled daikon/carrots were fresh. Protein component was tasty. Price is 8-9$/sandwich (gone are the days of <$5 Bahn Mis, unfortunately). They also have the usual Vietnamese deli prepared refrigerated desserts and also sell roast pork and duck by itself although these are more expensive than equivalent Chinese barbeque joints. Take-out only (no seats or tables in the store).

Daniel Kashima

Aug 2024

“Food: The banh mi were delicious and had so many toppings to add flavor, I got the grilled pork which was tender.”

Food: The banh mi were delicious and had so many toppings to add flavor, I got the grilled pork which was tender. The Thai tea was super fresh and creamy Service: The service was quick and attentive Ambiance: It’s a small Vietnamese shop, family owned Location accommodation: Free parking lot in front

V

Jul 2024

“First time trying this place.”

First time trying this place. Bahn mi sandwich was very good. Good size and flavor. The lady behind the counter was very nice and the prices seemed very reasonable. Would highly recommend checking this place out.

Rachel Goat

Jun 2024

“I walked in with one person in line ahead of me, giving me time to look at the menu, which...”

I walked in with one person in line ahead of me, giving me time to look at the menu, which consisted of Banh Mi sandwiches. The place is filled with bright reds, yellows, and fresh air from all the plants hanging around. I almost wanted to ask if I could purchase one of the plants they look so happy and healthy! It was my first time there so I wanted to trust and try their signature meal, which is the number one the Nhu Lan Special. After ordering, not even five minutes later, my sandwich was ready to roll. There are two different types of meats featured in this sandwich that are about four times the thickness of a typical deli cut. If you are a crunchy person, this has crunchy fresh cucumber and daikon on top of the crunchy loaf of bread. The sandwich is filled with bright flavors of cilantro and raw jalapenos, flavorful meat and pâté, mayo, and a baguette to honor the flavors within. The overall the flavor profile is sweet and my stomach is happy.

Alex Anne Mastroni

May 2024