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ZipPicks Awards
Best Vietnamese in Downtown LA
Best Sandwiches in Downtown LA
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
My Dung Sandwich Shop
8.1
A Chinatown market counter that has been building banh mi on warm, crusty French bread for three decades—the kind of place where the bread-to-filling ratio and pate spread feel dialed in by sheer repetition. Locals line up for sub-$5 sandwiches that hold up against shops charging twice as much, making it a reliable default for anyone passing through Ord Street on a lunch run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dac Biet #1 Special Banh Mi, #12 Pork Belly Banh Mi, Tofu Banh Mi
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A 30-year-old Chinatown market stall turning out some of the cheapest and best banh mi in Los Angeles on warm, crusty French bread.
Who should go: Banh mi devotees and Chinatown explorers on a budget
When to visit: Early morning weekdays for shortest lines and fresh bread
What to order: Start with the Dac Biet #1 Special for the full cold-cut experience, add a Pork Belly if you want something richer, and grab a Vietnamese iced coffee to wash it down.
Insider tip: Cash only — hit an ATM before you go, and don't skip the fruit displayed out front.
Logistics & Planning
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Tofu bánh mì—crispy julienned tofu shards steeped in dark soy sauce on a crusty French loaf with pickled veggies, cilantro, and jalapeño. Standout option even for non-vegetarians.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No — this is a tiny deli counter inside a Chinatown market, not a sit-down restaurant. There's no indoor seating, no ambiance, and you'll be eating $5 banh mi on folding chairs outside. It's an amazing casual food stop, but zero romance factor. If you're both adventurous foodies who'd enjoy a Chinatown food crawl together, it could work as one stop on a walking date — but not as the main event.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-in only. There are no reservations here; it's a cash-only counter-service deli inside Yue Wa Market. You order at the counter and grab a seat outside. The space fits about 10 people at a time, so during peak lunch hours there may be a short wait, but turnover is fast since most people grab and go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, with caveats — the sandwiches are simple and affordable ($5 each), and the casual outdoor setup means no one will care if kids are noisy. However, there's no kids menu, no high chairs, and the standard banh mi comes with jalapeño and pâté, so picky eaters may need modifications. Best for older kids who are open to trying Vietnamese flavors. The quick in-and-out format keeps antsy little ones from getting restless.
Is it good for groups? Difficult — the shop is extremely small, fitting roughly 10 people at a time, and outdoor seating is limited to a few chairs. A group of 3-4 can make it work by ordering and eating outside, but anything larger gets logistically awkward. There are no large tables or private dining options. For groups of 6+, consider ordering to-go and eating at nearby Alpine Recreation Center or a Chinatown plaza.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — there's no formal indoor dining, so the outdoor chairs are effectively the only seating. The shop provides folding chairs outside the market entrance on Ord Street. It's uncovered and unheated sidewalk-style seating. Dog-friendly. Fine on a mild LA day, but no shade or shelter if it's hot or raining.
Best For
Better for: A fast, $5 bánh mì that punches way above its price—grab-and-go from a tiny Chinatown market stall with no seating. Cash only. One of the cheapest and best Vietnamese sandwiches in the city.
Consider Alternatives If: You need to pay by card (cash only), want to sit down and eat (no seating—it's a walk-up counter inside a small market), or are looking for a trendy restaurant experience.
Hours
Monday7:30am - 6pm
Tuesday7:30am - 6pm
Wednesday7:30am - 6pm
Thursday7:30am - 6pm
Friday7:30am - 6pm
Saturday7:30am - 6pm
SundayClosed