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Indochine Banh Mi
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 12 pm - 7 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
30 reviews for Indochine Banh Mi
Review Highlights
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"...a sub and heading over to the Public Gardens to enjoy it." In 5 reviews -
"...can't wait to get back in to try the veggie meatball treat." In 1 review -
"It is topped with shredded carrot and daikon (picked radish..." In 2 reviews
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Ashley L.
Wow.... just wow.
I'm not going to say I'm an expert in Asian cuisine, but I am always on the lookout for the true tastes and smells of my past.... and I found it - modified slightly, but I found it.
The man and I were heading out for lunch and he suggested the "Korean Taco" saying "You'll love it! It's Korean and it's in a tortilla wrap, best of both worlds" but of course, I was skeptical. We walked in and I thought, "I don't think I'm going to like this - who is crazy enough to combine Korean with Mexican" I ordered one up regardless, with chicken. One bite and I was hooked. The flavours in that little wrap brought me back 6 months and I was back, sitting on a stool at my favourite little everything restaurant in my home of Dangjin. The flavours are the same as the side dishes or those you'll find in bibimbap. OMG it was soooo good. When my boyfriend asked if I wanted to try his I said "No, that's okay. If I take a bite of yours, that means you have the right to take a bite of mine and I'm not sharing." (At this time I didn't know he was eating a lemon grass sub.)
After I inhaled this concoction, he offered a bite again, this time saying that it was lemongrass, I immediately passed him the last bite of my food and took his and it was a-mae-zing. The lemongrass blew me away and it was the perfect cleanse after the Korean spiciness and goodness that I had been eating.
With it being conveniently located just 7 minutes walking distance from my home, I have a feeling I'm going to become a regular there. :)Listed in: My Day Off Checklist
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Review from Christian B.
Halifax, NS
I have had a lot of Banh Mi's in Vietnam and this is a far cry from the original this is a real Bahn Mi
http://www.youtube.com...
the Pho needs a lot of work the noodles are out of a box with no flavor. -
Review from Charles T.
Halifax, NS
I was introduced to banh mi last summer at The Harbourview Weekend Market in Dartmouth of all places. For a dollar to get in the door, you can pick up a premade banh mi sandwich that is a foot long for five dollars. I loved it from the first bite, and became a regular pick up for me anytime I was in the city on the weekend. Although you had to go early to make sure you got one before they sold out.
Back to Indochine, I was going in very hopeful and sadly left disappointed. Well actually I left hopeful since I got take out and went to the Public Gardens, but I left the Public Garden disappointed. The ducks and the flowers were beautiful though!
I picked up a Korean taco since I have heard so many raves about it and a sate pork banh mi.
The Korean taco was up first, I opted for the beef one. First thing I noticed was after putting the tortilla through the oven made it start to fall apart. I prefer soft shell tacos because the tortilla doesn't fall apart. The beef was nice, I would have liked more spice. If I had of ate in I guess I could have put some more sriracha on it. I was just underwhelmed, it wasn't bad, but just wasn't this power house of flavour I was looking or hoping for. I liked the bean sprouts, the daikon, carrots, and even the cucumber... it is one of those things where besides the shell, I enjoyed the parts but not the sum of it together.
The banh mi was the real disappointment for me. I figured if I loved the premade banh mi from the Harbourview Weekend Market which I often didn't eat until hours after I bought it or even the next day, then I should be over the moon about a freshly made one.
Let me be clear, if someone said lets grab a sub and was leading me towards Subway on Spring Garden, I would say lets pop around the corner and go to Indochine, it is not that it was terrible, just given my expectations it was disappointing and probably not a place I will visit again unless someone else wanted to go.
I found the bun lacking, the pork just odd tasting, and I did not enjoy their mayo. The veggies like on the taco were good, but it was really all I felt stood out about it. I found all I could taste was the mayo and the cilantro when I took whole bites of the sub. After a few bites I opened it up and picked at the inside of it, it is how I discovered the pork didn't appeal to me.
I am looking forward to trying real banh mi in the near future, but in the mean time I will stick to the Harbourview Weekend Market. For the dollar you pay to get in and the five for the banh mi you get a better tasting, cheaper, bigger sub plus you can also browse the rest of the market while enjoying it! -
Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
I'd never heard of a Korean taco, but on a recommendation of a friend, the combination of two things I like separately sounded good enough to try together, and I was blown away by how awesome these are. I basically want to find excuses to eat them all the time, and in less than two weeks since my introduction, I've already been back twice. (And I have zero shame in admitting that.) Yes, I'm forming an addiction. Yes, I'm 100% okay with that.
So what is a Korean taco? Think of it like a soft shell Mexican taco exterior with Korean add-ins and Asian spices. And, what I didn't realize until the end of my initial visit is that they offer a Gluten-Free rice wrapper, so you can opt for a GF taco!
Instantly my new favourite food just became belly-friendly, and that's a major plus. Pro tip: The GF wrappers are slightly bigger than the regular ones, so if you're feeling like more than one regular taco, and don't want to deal with two messy wrappers, go with the heftier GF option. It's the same price as two tacos, and it's just as tasty and satisfying.
Now, this review shouldn't just be about the tacos - I mean, they do offer more than than just tacos. This past week I opted to place a delivery order for a work lunch, and the tacos + pho combo was fantastic. Delivery worked out well and the pho was hot and came with all the add-ins (sprouts, sauces) packaged separately so each person could customize their bowl. It was an awesome alternative for lunch and everyone enjoyed it.
If you haven't taken notice of this spot on South Park yet, make sure you soon do. It's got the feel of a subway counter that's been classed up a notch or two and won't leave you with the stench of the submarine sandwich. Plus, the food is ah-maz-ing!Listed in: Gluten-Free Fare, Workin' 9 to 5, Spring Garden Road
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Review from Carolyn H.
Halifax, NS
If you're wondering WTF a Korean taco is, then you'd better get down to Indochine ASAP and find out because they're fAAAAAAntastic!
Also, the smoothies are really good, and you can mix and match whatever fruit flavours you want, which is so much better than selecting from a list of pre-determined combinations. You can also get "bubbles" or coconut jelly in them. Ya, that's right: IN the smoothies. -
Review from Rhia P.
I am not wild about the sandwiches at Indochine, and their Pho is only average, but I love, love love the Korean tacos.
So tasty, so easy, so cheap! GO!
It's an adorable place and so handy to everything. -
Review from Maureen J.
Halifax, NS
Let's talk tacos! Before trying them at Indochine, I have never had Korean Tacos before but after trying them, I'm going to have to resist making these a daily staple to my diet. They were delicious!! They were put together with the perfect balance of seasoned meat and fresh vegetables. With a price tag of $4 per taco, it's a delicious and guilt-free lunch.
I ended up having the lunch combo with the pho soup and, although I've had better pho in the city, it was pretty tasty and a perfect way to warm me up on a crisp spring afternoon.
The restaurant itself is pretty tiny so I wouldn't recommend going with a big group but it's a perfect spot for lunch for two or take-out. They also deliver on the peninsula - very handy for a south end gal like myself!
I'm looking forward to my next visit to try out their other menu items - if I can tear myself away from the tacos! -
Review from Ben B.
Obligatory 'I just had Korean Tacos and freaked the freak out' Update:
I've decided that Indochine Banh Mi is more like an addiction than a lunch option for me. When I'm 'on' Indochine, it's all I can think about and I end up sneaking in wearing disguises in hopes of the staff not worrying about my well-being. When I'm 'off' Indochine, it's simply because friends have intervened or I have fought the cravings off long enough to regain my self-control.
But after trying their new Korean tacos, keeping 'off' Indochine just got a lot harder.
I still love their Buddha bowls but now that the tacos have arrived, the banh mi is totally dead to me. I first had awesome Korean tacos in Portland (OR) and fell in love. Now that they're in Halifax, I'm afraid I just don't have room for other lunchtime sammies.
Small enough to justify eating several, but big enough that one could tie you over for a light lunch, these tacos are my jam. Soft tortillas packed with spiced Asian coleslaw, pickled daikon, cucumber, beansprouts, citrus mayo and sriracha sauce plus your choice of Bulgogi marinated beef, chicken or tofu? At just $4 a pop? There is literally nothing better.
Spice warning: I was sweating. But in a totally good way.Listed in: Worldly Treats, Vegetarian Bliss, Cheap Halifax Lunches, South Park Street, Fast Food Favs.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/31/2011
So within a week of my first taste of Indochine, I went back twice. TWICE.
I know. It got a little… Read more »
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5/31/2011
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Review from Andrew P.
I have been nervous to write this review and give justice to this glittering jewel of Halifax cuisine.
Always nervous of Vietnamese food, I was urged by a friend to give it a try, and within a week, I had made 5 trips for lunch. Since then, I have tried every meat sandwich on the menu as well as the noodle bowls, smoothies, and new Korean tacos.
I have never had a banh mi better. Anywhere.
The new spicy bbq chicken on a whole wheat bun is my favourite, but I also highly recommend the pineapple beef and pork meatball subs.
What is a banh mi exactly? You can't really call it a submarine sandwich as that is trivializing it...
Picture a warm baguette bread (in either white or wheat), piled with the meat or veggie option of your choice, and smothered in pickled daikon, shredded carrot, and cucumber with a squeeze of citrus mayo.
For a lighter option, there is the Korean taco. Similar to the banh mi in toppings but uses bulgogi beef or chicken (as well as tofu) in a tortilla. Delicious.
Then comes the wide variety of drinks, from local Propellor soda to coconut water. The best option though, are their bubble tea smoothies (4.50$) made with real fruit and blended on demand (kiwi-banana is my personal favourite.)
With sandwiches averaging at about 6.95$ this makes one of the best working lunches that I can think of in town.
The only downside is their early closing time of 7pm on weekdays.
Seriously. Go here. Now.
But don't blame me if you become hooked. Or actually, go ahead, I'll probably be there anyway...Listed in: Lunching in Town: Halifax…
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Review from Mike B.
I've been meaning to check out Indochine for ages before I finally did. Any little restaurant tucked away to the side of the main streets in downtown Halifax always gets my attention because I love to see the little guys doing well. It benefits the city to have places like these.
My first visit in here, I just got a lemongrass chicken sandwich. After one bite, I was blown away and won back immediately! I think it was the pickled diakon that has converted me but that with shredded carrots, cucumbers, chilis and cilantro makes an absolutely incredible sandwich! My only complaint might be the type of bun they use for the sandwich. It's a bit tough but at the same time, I honestly couldn't imagine it with any other type of bread...
Like most places where I stumble upon something fantastic, I never really venture to anything else on the menu so I can't really be helpful in offering any other suggestions or advice when coming here. Maybe someday I can edit this review to include my thoughts on some of the other things but until then all I can say is, their sandwiches are worth the visit! That and a bottled beverage come to about $10. A bit more if you want one of their delicious fruit smoothies. -
Review from Murray W.
I may not be a banh mi expert, but I do know what I like, and I like Indochine and their namesake dish.
I went here for a light lunch with my girlfriend on a lovely first day of spring. With a prime location just off Spring Garden and across from the as-yet-unopened Public Gardens, Indochine definitely has the 'location location location' mantra nailed. I go for their pho and 1/2 sandwich deal so that I can try a chunk of their small but delicious sounding menu. I settle on the beef pho and spicy BBQ chicken banh mi, and after a few short minutes, my banh mi cherry is ready to be broken.
My banh mi isn't large, but packs a flavour punch with the spicy of the chicken, the pickled yet crunchy veggies and the powerful cilantro. I'm gonna have to be honest, I'm not a huge fan of fresh cilantro in these quantities as I find it somewhat overpowering, but like my ethnicity. I'm probably in the minority here. The pho is hearty with tender beef and crunchy bean sprouts, and a broth that is rich and not too salty.
A refreshing start to my day, I'm looking forward to many other nice spring days where I can fill up on more of their menu. I'm looking at you, Korean tacos. I'm gonna eatcha.Listed in: SGR
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Review from Derek S.
Dartmouth, NS
Indochine ... why won't you let me love you?
I love banh mi, and when I heard a banh mi place was opening in Halifax, I couldn't have been happier. I mean, who wouldn't love the idea of a Vietnamese meatball sub on french bread, topped with lots of fresh veggies?
Nonetheless, my experiences here have been extremely mixed. I have loved some sandwiches, while others have left me cold. The pork ones seem to be the most consistently delicious. The bread and veggies are great and usually have a fresh flavor. But the prices are a bit at the high end compared to what you might pay for banh mi in other cities.
Oh, and the one time I had the pho it was bad. Really bad. Unforgiveably bad. Stay away from the pho.
That being said, there are few better options in the Spring Garden area on a nice day than grabbing a sandwich from Indochine, and heading over to the public gardens to enjoy it.Comment from Liz S. of Indochine Banh Mi 3/10/2012
Thank you for your review. If you are willing to provide… More » -
Review from Philip Y.
Now, I am giving a 3 simply because I am reviewing it for the drink and the beef noodle only and keep in mind that this is Halifax and not Toronto or Vancouver. To be fair, I have not tried their vietnamese sandwich which I believe is what they claim to be specialize in.
If it was not for the noodle, I would have rated it higher - by an additional half star (unfortunately Yelp doesn't have 1/2 star feature).
Sitting just at the other end of Smiling Goat (a coffee house), Indochine Banh Mi offers an alternative to Iced Coffee for those in need of a cooling drink to quench their thirst on a typical hot summers day (on in my case, a hot spring day). The bubble tea they produce does live up to its name and the pearl (bubble) adds to the excitement for every single slurp. Have 2 at a go or more, whatever makes you roll, the bubble would give you something to chew while you cool down under the hot sun.
Of course, I'd be back to give the sandwich a go and will update this review then. -
Review from Meghan W.
I just wolfed down the pork meatball sandwich, tofu and spicy chicken tacos plus a coconut-kiwi bubble tea smoothie. Actually I only had half, I wanted to try a bunch of things I read about here so we shared. All the dishes had spicy mayo and I rate the spicy chicken and the pork meatball sandwich as extra hot the tofu medium spicy. The food was full of fresh vegetables and the counter woman happily answered all my questions; I will return!
Listed in: People in Your Neighborhood…
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Review from Navoda S.
At the risk of sounding like a 12 year old girl doodling in her notebook - I HEART INDOCHINE. In fact, hand me a notebook, I have an urge to draw little hearts around their logo right now.
Their semi-perma special of the day, mango chicken, is the stuff dreams are made of. Sweet, salty, curry-licious and oh so spicy. As with all their sandwiches it comes with carrot, daikon and lots of little red chili peppers. AND they don't wimp out by removing the seeds and 'pulp' so if you don't like hot stuff, ask them to leave it out. (And be prepared for me or someone like me to shake my head at your audacity). I've also tried their coconut chicken, lemongrass pork and pineapple beef. All really, really, really good. If you can, try to eat it at the restaurant. It is a small location, but when the bahn mi is wrapped up and in small spaces (elevators, offices etc.) it does not always smell entirely appetizing.
The bad news: their pho and noodle bowls leave a lot to be desired (hence only 4 stars). Stick with a banh mi and join me in my obsession - I dare you!Listed in: Food worthy of death row...
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Review from Stephanie R.
Bedford, NS
I finally went to Indochine Banh Mi two weeks ago for the first time. It's only a block away from my office so I really don't know why it took me so long to go. Since then I have already gone back three times.
My first three visits I ordered the sate chicken Banh Mi sandwich. It is outstanding! I'm not a big sandwich person at all but I would have this for lunch every day if I could. The last time I went back I decided to switch it up, which I hardly ever do because I almost always regret it and this time was no different. I ordered the sate chicken rice noodle bowl with spring roll. It wasn't awful, but I found it really dry and lacking flavour. Although, the addition of their hot sauce fixed the problem pretty quickly. I might have just gone on an off day.
Overall I love this place for their Banh Mi sandwiches and I will continue to go back for lunch regularly. -
Review from Laura C.
Halifax, NS
5 stars for this place. I had my favourite tonight, the veggie meatball with citrus mayo, coriander, carrots on the mandoline, cucumber wedges and thinly sliced, pickled white radish served up on a multi-grain roll. Hold the chilis please. It was delish. Crusty, fresh, tasty, healthy. Can you ask for anything more? Highly recommended you try one!
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Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
Perhaps the experience isn't as "authentic" or as cheap as a hole-in-the-wall on the west coast would be, but Indochine has something I'm yet to see - new age banh mi served in a cute, clean and modern interior with bar stools and a compost including refuse area. Indochine was the best stumble upon at lunchtime! (And late on a Sunday afternoon in November, no line!)
With a menu consisting of lemongrass and satay (pork and chicken) as well as veggie options, any baguette loving diner will approve. The prices are stiffer than what I'm used to at home, but for $5.95 for the lemongrass pork, I'm still not complaining. The pickled daikon and carrot satiated the sourpuss in me while the cilantro delivered just that right kick of potency. A little heavy handed on the chilies, but that's also personal preference. If you're a spice-wimp like me, ask for less and bulk up on the pickled veggies, delish!Listed in: Sprinkled With Haligonian…
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Review from Dee B.
Halifax, NS
I can honestly say that the lemongrass chicken sandwich is quite possibly the greatest sandwich I have ever eaten.
I also recommend the spring rolls, and the pork meatball sandwich.
A really great, fresh, somewhat affordable meal. Very flavorful. -
Review from Victoria P.
Halifax, NS
This place is clean and friendly, and tries to obtain as much locally produced meats and veggies as possible.
My favorite is the pork meatball sandwich (so flavourful!) and I'm not usually one for pork or meatballs, so that should tell you something.
The sandwich is about 10" and is served on a fresh, soft white baguette. It is topped with shredded carrot and daikon (picked radish), cucumber, cilantro, hot peppers and a citrus mayonnaise (I ask for it light on the mayo). It is SO fresh and delicious and you can even split one with someone if you just want a snack. Prices run $6-7 for the sandwiches. They also have Pho and bubble tea.
One of my favorite new places! -
Review from Lacey H.
This place seems to have sprung up overnight, like the spring blooms in the neighboring Public Gardens. I popped in today like a tulip shooting forth from the earth, and was informed that they've been open now for three weeks (I'm working with a mega urge to constantly use botanical metaphors - bare with me).
There was a bit of a line, but the three smiling women had everyone served and snacking in no time flat. My lovely pal and I opted to share a Buddha sandwich, topped with marinated tofu, daikon, citrus mayo, and other fresh ingredients. The sammy was warm and flavorful, with a perfect fusion of simple and tasty ingredients.
They serve another grand looking vegetarian sandwich; a TVP meatball sub, and as well serve a plethora of meat and seafood options. Their featured bevies are rich and fruity looking bubble teas of the mango, coconut, kiwi, pineapple persuasions. These thick drinks weigh in at about $5 but look like they'd satisfy a peckish hunger.
I'm very impressed with this new locally conscious sammy shop. They've working to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices and are making an effort to procure local products when possible. I can't wait to get back in to try the veggie meatball treat. -
Review from Doug C.
Toronto, ON
-update a week later-
The good news: the chicken satay is even more awesome than the lemongrass.
The bad news: I changed my flying bid, and after a return trip to Halifax tomorrow- I won't be back in town until at least the fall. I may have to start scoring YHZ layovers just to get more of these subs...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/21/2010
I ordered a lemongrass chicken sub here yesterday and when the very-Canadian lady asked what… Read more »
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7/21/2010
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Review from Kathy N.
Banff, AB
Yum! I just finished my lemongrass chicken on a multigrain bun, and it was fantastic! I've never had bahn mi before, so I have nothing to compare it to; But the chicken was tender and lemony, all of the toppings (including shredded carrot, cucumber, cilantro and chilis were super fresh. They had fast service, considering there were about 5 people ahead of me. At 7.77 taxes in, it isn't cheap, but a certain chain of sub-making restaurant can't even compare with the quality. They also only had Propeller Soda (yay local!) and some other drinks like smoothies and coconut water. I definitely recommend getting a sub and heading over to the Public Gardens to enjoy it.
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Review from Nick B.
Halifax, NS
I discovered this place during the Terry Fox Run when I happened to pass it. Then a few weeks later Groupon offered a deal on a sandwich and bubble tea, so I went and checked them out.
I had a fairly traditional pork meatball banh mi, and it was excellent, very good balance of flavours, a good sized sandwich and a nice crusty baguette. In fact, it was so good I went back a couple of days later, only to run into a Vietnamese colleague of mine having a sandwich of his own and savouring their pho which he said was quite good...
Definitely worth becoming a regular. -
Review from Sue A.
The latest addition to Vietnamese cuisine in Halifax is Indochine Banh Mi, a fast food place serving Vietnamese subs (banh mi). Located across from the Public Gardens, the location practically screams picnic lunch. A counter with a few stools runs along the inside wall. In warmer weather there are a few tables and chairs outside.
I had no idea what a Vietnamese sub was but for the record, it's a sandwich served on white baguette topped with fresh pickled carrot & daikon, onion, cucumber, chilis and cilantro with a selection of fillings, mainly chicken, pork and vegetarian, although there are beef and shrimp options. I've never been to Vietnam so I don't know how authentic this is.
I've only eaten there once because any other time I've gone by, there's been a line and I haven't had the time to wait. I guess a line is a sign of success. I'll just have to be more organized. I had the lemongrass chicken sub and it was very good. The condiments were very fresh and the bread was nice soft and crusty, not your typical chewy supermarket baguette. The meat seemed high quality and was flavourful.
Indochine Banh Mi's other specialty is bubble tea. Not the traditional sweet version, but a healthier version, more like a smoothie with tapioca pearls. All smoothies are made with real fruit. The combination of chewy tapioca pearls and the sweetness of the strawberries just seemed off to me. Perhaps with a little milk in there, I would have liked it more as it would have more closely resembled a traditional bubble tea.
Overall, I enjoyed my lunch. The sub was felt healthy and light, not heavy like a typical fast food sub. I'd take a pass on the bubble tea next time or maybe try a different flavour.
I will say it was a bit pricey for a take out lunch even with the fresh ingredients. Not an everyday takeout option for me. -
Review from Dr. H.
Halifax, NS
Excellent for a quick bite to eat. Authentic, affordable and delicious. This is a great little place for a quick lunch. Lemongrass pork is my favorite!
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Review from Laura P.
Great spot for a date.
This little café sure is growing on me. Home of some delightful sammies, its quiet presence amongst downtown musings is one not to miss. Vietnamese sandwiches and bubble tea are the specialty, and with a range of both meat and veggie options to choose from, it truly is the happy medium for light and indulgent appetites.
The Coast has a coupon this week thats worth clippin'. Purchase any sammie at regular price and receive 50% off a bubble tea. Ok so its not the biggest bargain out there, but the bubble tea is delicious, and you were going to get that sandwich anyway. Get on board, get a date, and test out a Halifax downtown setting with astute personality.
Service and food ultimately provide marveling results.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/2/2010
Yes! I read about about Indochine Banh Mi in The Coast, and it was definitely a new business I… Read more »
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7/2/2010
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Review from Dave W.
Dartmouth, NS
I had heard good things so I was expecting a lot, and I was still surprised. Had the lemongrass chicken sandwich and it exploded with freshness and flavour.
And some nice heat, too. It truely was one of the best sandwiches I've had in metro. The mango smoothie bubble team was just a fabulous.
I can't wait to go back. -
Review from Paul B.
Fabulous food in modest settings. The pork sate sandwich had lovely flavour mixes from start to finish. The toppings are fresh, taste and unique for Halifax. The pho was nice and spicey with some fresh mint on top. It was the best Vietnemese food that I have had outside of Vietnam.
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Review from S P.
My favourite place to eat! I love the sandwiches. The white baguette is amazing. The flavours are so fresh and delicious. I do get here almost once a week since first introduced to the place.
