Simply Banh Mi

I'm calling it now, this is going to be a Big Thing for the Ballston neighborhood. I happened upon the new location of Simply Banh Mi on a walk and was lucky enough to get to try it out during its soft opening. I got the BBQ pork belly banh mi with sriracha and jalapeños and it was everything I could've wanted in a banh mi -- the bread was fluffy and crunchy and perfect, the pork was flavorful and tender, the veggies had a great crunch, and the jalapeños were actually hot. I overheard that the bread is made fresh, which I loved. They've got a couple of 2-top tables and a few booths, for those who are interested in dining in. It was great meeting John, the owner - he shared that their food is halal, which I didn't know! He also shared that they will have an upcoming grand opening -- I'll be keeping an eye on their Instagram (@simplybanhmi) for when that date drops. Currently, their soft opening is offering a limited menu of banh mi and pho (see attached menu). Likewise, it sounds like you can shoot them a DM on Instagram or give them a call if you're looking to check out the soft opening. Ultimately, we left knowing that this will become a regular spot for us, and I'm thrilled to have it as a new addition to the neighborhood. PS: If you've read this far and are looking for a laugh, I'm obsessed with their website (simplybanhmidc.com) - it's not yet updated with the Arlington location, but it's a hoot.

Simply Banh Mi took over the old Lee's Sandwiches location which was vacant for a while. I'm excited to see a banh mi place open up so close to me in Ballston. A few of us decided to grab lunch here this past weekend to give it a try. We got our orders to-go, but there's also a few booths for dine-in.BANH MI: PATE & COLD CUTS - 9.45One of the flakiest baguettes I've ever had. It was super crispy with a nice chewy texture. I am a huge fan of the pate! However, I didn't think there was enough meat in the banh mi, and my friend who got the same banh mi thought the same. The pickled veggies were juicy, providing a good crunch.They're still pretty new/possibly in the soft opening stage. Our orders had a few hiccups (e.g., my friend's banh mi didn't have jalapenos) but I'm sure they'll improve over time. I could see myself stopping by in the future to grab a quick lunch.

Soft opening and welcome back! Cold days call for warm comfort, and Simply Banh Mi delivers. This friendly family-run spot offers a clean and inviting dining room with friendly service. Join them for their Grand Opening - on Vietnamese New Year (January 29th) and experience their cuisine.While the menu is currently limited, we enjoyed the fresh spring rolls and a light and flavorful Chicken Pho. For takeout, the concept of receiving the broth separately is intriguing. However, the current packaging (pint of broth and a small tin for noodles) makes it challenging to pour and leaves the noodles barely submerged.A suggestion: Consider placing the noodles in a larger plastic container and the accompanying bean sprouts, jalapeños, and herbs in a separate ziplock bag. This would simplify the pouring process and ensure the noodles are properly covered.Despite this minor packaging issue, this a welcoming atmosphere, a clean and inviting space, and a genuine commitment to quality. I encourage you to support this promising new local business.

The place is really efficient and staff are friendly. Plenty of seating indoors at lunch. I got the lemongrass tofu bahn mi with peanut sauce and vegan Mayo. The carrots, daikon, cucumbers, and cilantro were fresh... and the baguette the best I've had in years. I only wish the sandwich had slices of jalapeno. I should have asked to make sure it was included -- it's a necessary ingredient!

John and team are doing a great job with the new store. Very friendly and easy going vibe. Looking forward to many more visits. Try the mango habanero sauce!

Very nice establishment for Vietnamese food and drinks! This location is currently in a "soft opening," and I only tried their Vietnamese iced-coffee. Although I did try one of their banh mi sandwiches at their other location in Georgetown a while back, which is now temporarily closed last time I heard. I am happy that this location was recently opened up here in Ballston! The owner is very nice as well, and this place has a bit of a hole-in-the-wall look to it, which adds to the charm I think!

Excellent service, Palestina sodas, extended hours (till midnight for Ramadan). We will be back for sure!!

Definitely one of the best Bahn Mi I've ever tried. I tried the pork Belly and the lemongrass chicken and both were amazing but the pork was my favorite. The bread was very good and crispy and all of the vegetables were super fresh and refreshing. Amazing service! The restaurant has a very warm, family vibe and everyone was exceptionally nice. If I could give it 6 stars I would!

Amazing sandwiches the-bread is fantastic and it's the best Banh Mi I ever had. The service was outstanding

Stopped by when I saw the sign changed from Opening Soon to Open now. Was excited for this place open. The owner and his mom were they are they are currently soft opening while they get the restaurant setup. But soft opening doesn't mean soft on flavor, because this place is great!I asked them the banh mi they recommended and went with the pork belly. First, the bread is baked in house, you can literally see the oven and bread racks right when you walk in! A good banh mi bread is gonna be crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and this hits all the marks. The pickled veggies break up the fattiness of the pork belly and there is the perfect amount of heat.Also picked up the chicken Pho. It's all about the broth with Pho and it brings the flavor! I appreciate the perfectly seasoned broth and the good amount of chicken and noodles you get with it. No notes on this one.I cant wait until they are fully open and the full menu is available to choose from, but even if you stop in when they are soft opening you wont be upset. Also the owner and his mother couldn't be nicer, so warm and friendly! A great addition to the neighborhood.