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Viet Sub
Categories: Restaurants Vietnamese Restaurants Sandwiches Vietnamese, Sandwiches [Edit]
520 Robson StVancouver, BC V6B
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 569-3340
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- 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:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
41 reviews for Viet Sub
Review Highlights
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"...get full on an amazing Banh Mi that makes my mouth water..." In 7 reviews -
"I love the creamy spicy sauce." In 3 reviews -
"Great sub, and excellent pho." In 5 reviews
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41 reviews in English
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Review from Evanna F.
Vancouver, BC
5/6/2012
This place has one of the best bánh mì sandwiches I've had. And it's downtown! It's the blend of sauces with the tasty ingredients and crusty baguette. Love the cilantro. So glad it didn't disappear for too long when it relocated a couple storefronts down. Would recommend this place to all.
Date of meal: May 4, 2012 -
Review from geoff a.
1/16/2012
A great bánh mì for under $5 including a tea.
I've walked by this little place on Robson several times and wanted to give it a try but it's so small that there never were any seats available.
Today I finally got my chance when I spotted a free seat.
I had a super tasty quality chicken sub loaded with flavourful veggies.
I'll definitely be back to try the other menu items if I can find a seat. -
Review from Dylan P.
Burnaby, BC
12/4/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I love Viet Sub.
It's very well priced, it's tremendously tasty, and you'll have your food within 5 minutes. It's a perfect lunch joint if you work downtown.
I get the Veggie sub Bahn Mi every time. Loads of pickled veggies, cilantro, fried tofu and delicious sauce loaded onto a crisp and fluffy baguette.
As Ted Danson might remark to Larry David, "It's Heaven".
The downside to this place is it's tiny, and can only house about 4 customers at time. It feels very claustrophobic inside at times.
If you're looking for a tasty, cheap, lunch on the run, Viet Sub totally fits the bill. -
Review from Crystal L.
Burnaby, BC
4/11/2012
I love bánh mì. I wish it was as easy to get as a Subway sandwich - blegh!
Dirt cheap, I think all the sandwiches are under $5. If you've never had a viet sub you need to give it a try. My chicken sub today was nice and warm, served on delicious crusty bread. Great balance of meat, veggies, and cilantro finishes off the magic. -
Review from Jitesh M.
Burnaby, BC
5/6/2012
The vegetarian sub is not only delicious (tofu squares instead of meat) but a bargain at just over $4.
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Review from Vicky L.
Vancouver, BC
4/19/2012
Let's be perfectly honest here! Is it the best banh mi or pho in town? Probably not. I definitely have had better pho elsewhere. However, given it's in downtown and for that price, it's pretty much as good as it gets. I work/live nearby, so I'm one of the regular customers. Their service is quick and friendly. The banh mi has a really nice flavor to it, and for under $5?? I'm a fan!
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Review from Patricia L.
Vancouver, BC
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you're looking for decent Bahn Mi in the downtown core, look no further. They are a great goto place for lunch or early dinner and they do everything right. The French bread is fresh, the sandwich meat is warm and the pickled veggies are done well.
They also manage to keep the prices reasonable considering that they are paying Robson overhead prices. Sure you aren't paying Bale prices and they aren't Au Petit Cafe, but they will do the trick when you are seriously craving Bahn Mi and can't get out to the East side for the real deal.Listed in: I HEART Food!
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Review from Amy T.
11/23/2011
Walked all the way to this little place for some... you guessed it, Viet subs!
To be the only place downtown serving Vietnamese subs has its advantages. No competition and fast turnaround times. The down side is you can make them however you like. I didn't find the subs particularly tasty. It was a little dry and needed a bit more pate. Mind you, they aren't bad... I've just had my fair share my whole life and these could have been a lot better. -
Review from Edward L.
You know the place is authentic when a) nobody inside speaks proper English, b) the store reeks of fish sauce, and c) the place is diiirty. Haven't seen anything like this in a LONG time.
Prices are a bit high, but it IS downtown after all. Sandwiches are some $3.75. The rice dishes are much more reasonable, at around $7.
Outside are a couple of plastic tables and chairs. My only complaint is that it's not ghetto enough. In Vietnam, everyone sits in dirty kid-sized chairs, with kid-sized tables. It took away from the experience a bit.
The sandwich (banh mi) I had tasted mostly authentic, but was off. Mainly due to the lack of jalepenos, and some local ham instead of the Vietnamese variety.
I will definitely be back.Listed in: 2011 Cheap & Tasty
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Review from Mike S.
Vancouver, BC
10/10/2011
Fast, inexpensive and tasty - I'm a fan for sure...
I've had the Pho and the wonton soup; call me crazy but the wonton is off the 'hook as the kids say..:)
Oh yeah, they take AMEX - sweet! -
Review from Beck C.
10/18/2011
My default pitstop for a bargain lunch in DT.
It's all about the subs:
bread - toasted til warm & crusty, soft interior stands up well.
ingredients - meat:cilantro ratio is 1:4. varies depending on the day.
cold cuts - my fave by far, the eclectic mix of meat products just works.
BBQ pork - tasty but more fatty than meaty.
meatball - expected more Viet-inspired pizzazz in the seasoning. sadly letdown.
Regardless, still a top-rate grab & go joint in my book.
I'm delighted they moved into the bigger space next door = no more awkward waiting in line with one foot out the door! -
Review from Wes K.
Vancouver, BC
10/18/2011
I stopped by this place as it was close proximity to my work and I enjoy eating pho at least once a week.
Once ordered, I basically got a "to go" pho for around $7.50 with about 4 pieces of meat.
By the time I finished, I was still hungry. The pho was average and the portion is ridiculously small. Anyone who's been to a lot of authentic Vietnamese restaurants will understand what I'm talking about. -
Review from Lori K.
1/5/2012
While I was in Vancouver I ate here twice. The Bahn Mi's were served warm, they were spicy, cheap and delicious!!!
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Review from Jee M.
Vancouver, BC
2/10/2012
Amazing Buns such a good snack also a little caught off by the price considering that back in toronto you can get those viet subs for 2 dollars but overall nice place
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Review from Angela F.
7/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Tiny little shop, super-friendly dude working the cash register, and crazy fast service. I felt like I was walking out the door with my food before the order had finished leaving my lips.
With the delicious aromas tempting me from the bag, I raced back to my hotel to indulge. The spring rolls were fresh and light - crispy veggies packed inside a crunchy, yet chewy wrapper. The dipping sauce is a wonderfully balanced sweet heat.
Both the hubs and I went with the BBQ pork sandwich, and were glad we did. Lots of tender pork bathed in a creamy, spicy sauce and covered in fresh, crunchy veggies. And oh, the bread! Be still my heart, the perfectly crusty, chewy baguette.
If ever I should find myself in Vancouver again, I won't hesitate to hit up Viet Sub. -
Review from Ryan G.
8/15/2011
Great sub, and excellent pho. Perfect To-Go place!!
Cheap too! Happy I found this small place. -
Review from Youna C.
Vancouver, BC
3/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Banh mi - Wahoo!
I ordered the BBQ chicken sub and it was delicious! Loaded with meat, greens, carrots, cukes, onions, and topped with a yummy sauce that compliments all the flavours of the sub . The french bread was nicely baked and crisp, and everything tasted so fresh yet hearty! And all under 5 bucks, yay!
The staff are really nice, and are meticulous with providing everything. The lady who made my sandwich almost freaked cuz she almost forgot to give me napkins- haha she was so sweet!
Also, the people working there MUST put strong emphasis on cleanliness. 3 honkin' huge costco-sized bottles of hand sani right by the counter. It made me chuckle seeing how ginormous they looked in that tiny place.
This is a great place for lunch! Will come back to try other flavours of viet sub. They even have a...kimchi sub?! :D -
Review from Johnson C.
Vancouver, BC
4/4/2011
Gonna be a bit mean here - poor execution on an a great idea: when I worked in the area, I would have absolutely killed for a fast food counter serving up banh mi. Really - my lunch choices were limited: street hot dog, sushi combo or shawarma. These were the days before all the Japanese fast food places in the area opened up and I was still slave to the dreaded 1/2 hour lunch. Office drones - you know the plight I'm talking about: http://www.youtube.com....
They use the standard ubiquitous Paris Bakery bread, which I've learned to avoid - toasted to give a bit of crunch. I got the Special Sub (Vietnamese Ham/Cold Cut/Meat/Meat Ball) for $4.25. Pretty pricey for banh mi - but I guess reasonable considering the area and alternative options. Unfortunately, the sub was pretty bland - where's the pate? Outside of the veggies, I really couldn't tell I was eating banh mi.
And really - bragging about being the "only Viet sub in town" in your tagline is like bragging about being the last man on earth or being the last restaurant for [insert number here] miles.
If Viet Sub was around during the time I worked here as a poor student - my youthful exuberance slowly and surely crushed and drained beneath the wheels of bureaucracy, eating my lunches while wearing an ill-fitting dress shirt - I probably would have given it at least 3-stars. Filling and relatively cheap - yes. But not in the same league as Tung Hing or Ba Le.
Fear not if you work in the area and have 30-minute lunches, there's hope: with enough practice, you'll learn (like I did) how to sprint down to Babylon Cafe, beat the lineup, run back with a hot shawarma, have a cigarette and be back at your desk with one minute to spare. Sure you'll have to eat your lunch while working... but even though my boss didn't know it, he owes Babylon Cafe. It was the sole reason why he didn't get a fist to the back of the head every Tuesday.Listed in: Shots Fired, Nam-couver
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Review from Theresa W.
Vancouver, BC
11/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is the best place to go for lunch if you're looking for something cheap and different. For $4.00, you can get full on an amazing Banh Mi that makes my mouth water just thinking about it. There are lots of options as well, and there's also pho for those who want to sit down in their small place. The house sauce is delicious, but be warned about the hot peppers that are hiding in there. I forgot to tell them once I didn't want peppers, and I did an embarrassing run of shame to the office kitchen to douse my mouth with water...
Regardless, I'll keep coming back here for a quick and awesome lunch. I'm so glad I finally decided to try this place!Listed in: Cheap Eats in the DT, Pho Party!
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Review from Jenn L.
Vancouver, BC
11/14/2010
The is actually a review of the veggie Banh Mi because I can't make myself order anything else. I suppose if it weren't so damned filling I could get two subs, but otherwise there is no way I am spending my $3.75 any other way.
Dear Veggie Banh Mi,
You are the creamiest tofu concoction I have ever laid my lips upon. You are crusty and toasty. You come with tea and lush veggies.
Never Leave me.
-J -
Review from Gina I.
11/15/2010
I'm new to the world of viet subs.. or banh mi.
I had the BBQ sub and it was freaking fantastic. Really, it's how a sandwich should taste! I was scared by some of the reviews, but then a coworker and I walked here for lunch. It was packed outside the door, which to me is a good sign.
I'll definitely be back to enjoy another combination of tasty sandwich with the yummy spicy sauce! -
Review from Salim H.
7/29/2010
Its not easy to satisfy, when you have smile and have some of the best prices in Vancouver for a decent meal. Chicken Vietnamese sub with extra chili, is $3.64 cents with tax. I feel silly even saying the price, because that is just amazing.
Its a great place, with really really really really fast service. And you get free tea, what more can I ask for? well A cream puff from beard papa's. That will be my next review. -
Review from Awesta M.
7/13/2010
Ok, here's the thing I've been looking for in Vancouver: a cheap Vietnamese Sub sandwich. One that I can just grab on my way home.
Viet Sub heard my pleas and made itself known. As Crystal said, it's kinda dodgy, kinda dirty, kinda clean but then makes up for all that by knocking the sub sandwich out of the park. It then adds its secret weapon: their special Viet Sub sauce which is a combination of "I really don't care, because it's so good I probably don't want to know" and easily keeps me coming back for more.
To top it off, the service is friendly and quick so I'm in and out in a timely manner. If you're looking for something fancy schmancy, do not go here! But if you're looking for something cheap and solid...Viet Sub is what you're looking for. -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
8/16/2009
* When will I learn to respect the magic line? *
There is that magic line that runs between East Vancouver and Vancouver West for Vietnamese food. Go West of the line at your own peril!
There should be a Vietnamese food lifeguard in Vancouver West (perhaps wearing a red Yelp t-shirt?) to save you when swimming in the shallow offerings.
But bánh mì in downtown? I had to try. (Yes, I am like Homer Simpson that keeps hitting himself in the head wondering if it will hurt the next time!)
Had the "Special Sub" which included Vietnamese Ham, Mystery Meat, and Meat Ball. There was almost no pate on the bread (perhaps a little trickle?!?!?!). The limited veggies (cucumber and cilantro only - there were no pickled veggies! WTF? Guess they ran out?) were fresh. They toasted the bread too instead of it being naturally crunchy and fresh. Humph.....
Overall the pickings are slim downtown and in a pinch I would return. But I would probably just be hitting myself in the head again!
It is definitely worth the trip to go a bit east on Kingsway and visit Tung Hing (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) instead!Listed in: Which wich is which?, Vancouver Vietnamese/Cambodian…
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Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
7/13/2009 1 photo
After reading Bill T's FTR, I all of a sudden had a craving for a bahn mi! My review in rewind:
I savored the last bite.
I loved the sauce, the crunchy veggies, lots of cilantro and tasty chicken.
Willing to chance it I gobbled down the entire sandwich.
When I sat down to eat it, I thought to myself, the worst thing that's going to happen is I might get sick.
I took my sandwich to go.
I shuddered when the woman making my sandwich (plastic glove on one hand, tongs in the other) all of a sudden forgot the tongs and started adding veggies by bare hand.
I stood inside and watched them make my sandwich.
I was outside snapping pictures for business listing purposes.
I almost got hit by a car backing up.
I paid.
I ordered a chicken sandwich.
I assessed the facilities...kinda dodgy, kinda dirty, kinda clean. Sounds about right! -
Review from Larry L.
12/15/2010 1 photo
I never expeced this meal to be as good as it was. Something about little hole in the walls, a dash of ghetto, quick bite, styro bowls and window view dining. This place is mostly for take out, but the two of us were looking for quick cheap eats before the pub. I guess we were both a bit stressed from forgetting stuff, (not usually her, she remembers everything), hunger, and tired from long weekend and no sleep.
The soup was very good. tasty, hot and good to warm the cockles of the very soul. I had the Wuntun soup and that was good too! Throw in a springroll, not oily and crispy and seasoned just right.
And a sandwich. In particular a Vietnamese ham Sub. Not the best, but tonight it served it's purpose.
The the price? Well, I fellt like a king by insisting to pay for the whole meal.
I know I know, not a place to take a date, but really, if it was the right person, it'd make for a great date! Not that this was a date. It was just two hungry people needing nourishment, and then off we went, back into the cold weather for a walk.
I'm going to come back. It was that good. Solid food meant not to wow and amaze, but just fill you so you're not cranky hungry as you venture on to wherever you are going. After all, that's what a hole in the wall is for. -
Review from Kelly M.
Vancouver, BC
2/22/2011
Fear not, fellow sub-lovers! It looks like viet sub will be re-opening just a few doors down. What a relief! There's a message to this effect on the door of the new place (on the other side of Japa Dog).
Viet sub is one of my favourite places for a quick take-out lunch. I always get a barbecue chicken sub. I love the creamy spicy sauce. They also make a nice pho, but when you take it out you end up with a giant bag of Styrofoam containers to contain all the components. Hopefully there will be more room at the new location to sit and enjoy the pho sans styro. -
Review from Scott M.
Vancouver, BC
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very tasty Vietnamese subs, quick service and cheap to boot. My new stop for a bite to eat before a Canucks game.
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Review from Doug C.
Toronto, ON
6/4/2010 2 photos
I had a chicken sub. I liked it so much, I immediately bought a BBQ pork sub. Not as spicy as Thi Thi in Calgary but very nicely done. Fresh, crispy bread. Fresh veggies, a light sauce (with other kinds in bottles on each table), my only complaint- they're stingy with the meat. BUT- that's why their subs range from only $3.25 to $4.25.
Service was excellent- speedy, smiley, very friendly. The food was delicious. The price was VERY cheap. :-) -
Review from kath r.
Updated - 1/5/2011
I think these guys have closed permanently. I walked past today and there was sign on the door thanking us for our support and patronage. However, the way it was worded....well, I wonder if they're reopening under a diff name/concept/location. I guess time'll tell.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/1/2010
I am by no means a Banh Mi connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination. I am, however, a… Read more »
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Review from John T.
Vancouver, BC
7/21/2011
Great place. Soft, crusty baguette with tasty fillings. Complimentary tea if you eat in. Super friendly staff and great value.
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Review from Dani B.
Updated - 12/21/2009
They have a veggies sub and its super delish!
Grilled onions, fried tofu, and you can have it as spicy as you want.
The staff is also super duper friendly and although the place is small it has a nice feel to it.
If you are not a vegetarian the sky's the limit at this place and if you are I guarantee you won't be disappointed by the veggie sub.Listed in: Cheap and fast, just how I…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/6/2009
I really shouldn't be a fan of this place because they have next to nothing for vegetarians, but the… Read more »
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Review from Lani H.
6/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not as good as what I get at Saigon cafe in Philly but not as bad as the other reviewers say it is.
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Review from Rahelio S.
Vancouver, BC
8/6/2010 2 photos
I have been a Pho junkie since my friend popped my 'Pho cherry' a few years back.
I arrived at Viet Sub and ordered my usual rare beef noodle soup. It arrived pipping hot within minutes and had a delicious flavor to it. Meat was thinly sliced and very tender unlike some other places I have been to in the past. The standard bean sprouts & lime accompanied the soup. I devoured the entire thing not leaving a single drop of broth in the bowl. Very tasty!
Negative - Place is tiny, not much seating space, so don't plan to eat there! Only use throwaway utensils, I guess they have no dishwasher space since the place is so small and meant for take out only.
If you want a Vietnamese sub to go, this is the place. If you are looking for a sit down bowl of Pho with the family, look elsewhere. -
Review from Andrew C.
Vancouver, BC
11/11/2010
This isn't my favourite banh mi joint, but it's the most convenient. I order one of the cold cut, the special (vietnamese ham, cold cuts, and meatball), or the fried pork subs regularly.
Viet Sub makes a rather more mayo-sauce-heavy banh mi than most every other banh mi outfit I've ever eaten at, but it's still quite good... just a little different. -
Review from Bill T.
BC
7/12/2009
Located on the 500 block of Robson, where all sorts of International food places like to hang out, this place offers "the only Vietnamese Sub in Town!" which is not really true actually. Anyways, I went in on a Sunday, not busy at all, and I ordered a chicken sub. And then I waited for about 5-7 mins for it to be made. I know they use fancy ingredients and all, but should it take that long for a sub? Oh well, at least it's cheap (under 4 bucks) for a relatively large sub filled with chicken, cucumber, greens, peppers and sauce that's pretty good, but not exactly my cup of tea. There's notthing really wrong with it, so I am sure it will do well. They also offer soup as well.. 4 types.. Rare Beef,. Well Done Beef, Beef Ball, and the most intriguing "All Of The Above". Pretty interesting addition to that bustling group of restaraunts.
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Review from Alice A.
1/8/2011
The first time I stopped by, I really appreciated the hot tea they served while waiting for my Viet sub especially since it was a cold cold day. Found out today that they're closed (indefinitely?) so there goes a super cheap lunch spot downtown. Hopefully they'll reopen soon.
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Review from J N.
Vancouver, BC
9/2/2010
"Woohoo! As good as it gets!"
Exactly. Forget McDonald. Forget SUBWAY. Forget Tim Hortons. If you find yourself at a lunch break and want some sub? THIS IS IT.
The good
Vietnamese sub is like no other. I've come here a few times. Always ordered the BBQ sub. It's delicious. The BBQ meat, the French baguette and the house sauce just go too well together. One bites and you'll be convinced to go back. They also offer a variety of rolls and a small portion of Pho--not a big fan of this but whatever. The sign said VIET SUB, isn't it?
I have never seen a nicer waiting staff at any Vietnamese restaurant in Vancouver. You feel like you are being served at a 5 star hotel's restaurant. No joke. A smile, "please", "thank you" and promt service is a combo that is hard to find these days.
The price are dirt cheap. Cheaper than the fraud subs at SUBWAY I should say.
If anything, there is limited seating in this place. They can sit about 5-6 people. But you can always carry your delicious subs and find somewhere nice to sit down and enjoy it. -
Review from David R.
10/31/2010
Traveling I find myself often on a shoe string budget. That is why while in Canada, I had to learn to eat cheap. Viet Sub is one of the best deals in town. For 4.00 dollars I had an awesome meatball Bhan Mi sandwich.
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Review from Andrea T.
Vancouver, BC
9/16/2010
I went to Viet Sub for their chicken soup and the broth smelled funny, the mint had brown spots all over it. I haven't tried the subs, sounds like they are better, its close by so maybe I will go back because the prices are good.
