London is a city that is deeply in love with the sandwich in the many myriad forms it takes. Whether it’s messy subs, dainty afternoon tea finger sandwiches, or a simple Pret – Londoners have strong opinions about them. Makes sense, then, that one of the world’s greatest sandwich creations – the bánh mì – is being celebrated with the return of the much-loved Vietnamese pop-up, Viet Populaire. And to commemorate the opening of the latest iteration, they’re hosting a bánh mì giveaway. Free bánh mì – well that’s lunch sorted!
Londoners fell in love with Luke Farrell‘s bánh mì sandwiches at his Soho pop-up, under the same Viet Populaire name, back in 2021. Served Hanoi-style on freshly baked baguettes, they partner rich, unctuous pork or fried tofu, with bright, acidic pickled vegetables, and creamy pâté. Still-warm-from-the-oven bread ensconces the perfectly balanced sandwich in a crackly-crusted textural delight. Each bite is an explosion of complementary and balancing flavours, textures, and temperatures.
Alongside the classic bánh mì and their vegetarian tofu bánh mì, a special breakfast bánh mì will also be on offer from 10am-4pm each day. Crowning the whole affair with a perfectly crisp fried egg, it makes for a properly satisfying start to your day. They’ll also be serving up Vietnamese ‘phin’ coffee for a delicious caffeine hit. It’s an intensely strong dark filter coffee roasted with butter and vanilla, that is dripped over condensed milk. Strong, sweet, and bitter, it’s just as balanced as the bánh mì sandwiches.
Hungry?
Head to Viet Populaire for their opening and the bánh mì giveaway on Tuesday August 2. From 12pm, 100 free bánh mì’s are going out to whoever turns up first. One lucky visitor will also win a golden ticket entitling them to free bánh mì’s. You’ll definitely catch us in line!
You can find Viet Populaire at Arcade Food Hall, near Tottenham Court Road. They’ll be open from Tuesday – Sunday, starting this week (opening August 2). Keep up to date with them at their socials. You can also find out more about Arcade Food Hall’s many other vaunted offerings at their website.