The tastiest Italian dishes in London
17 Sep 2024
17 Sep 2024
A spotlight on London's Banh Banh
Located in the heart of Peckham since 2016, Banh Banh has been delighting Londoners with authentic Vietnamese cuisine, having established a permanent home after two successful years as a pop-up at Rye Wax.
The restaurant, founded by five siblings who drew inspiration from their grandmother’s culinary legacy, offers a chic and welcoming ambiance where the flavours of Vietnam come alive. With a menu that artfully blends traditional recipes with contemporary twists, Banh Banh has quickly become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of Vietnam in South East London, and we simply can’t get enough. Banh Banh is brought to us from Saigon with love.
Banh Banh has certainly carved out a special niche for itself by delivering authentic Vietnamese flavours in a modern, vibrant setting.
The establishment is the brainchild of five siblings of the Nguyen family who were inspired by their grandmother, a chef in Saigon during the 1940s, who has passed down her recipes and passion for Vietnamese cuisine, which the siblings have expertly adapted to cater to contemporary tastes while maintaining the essence of traditional Vietnamese food. With the concept of the eatery being rooted in family heritage and generational culture, Banh Banh certainly feels homely and warm.
The interior exudes a cosy yet contemporary charm. The dining area features sleek wooden tables and chairs, complemented by framed pictures depicting scenes of Vietnamese street life. Subtle lighting enhances the warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions.
The menu is concise but holds everything you need to fulfil your Vietnamese cravings. We’d suggest starting with their homemade prawn summer rolls, sticky chicken wings with fried garlic, fresh chilli & onion, the papaya salad which as been tossed in nuoc cham, chilli & hot mint, topped with prawns & crispy onions and served with black sesame crackers, and their signature beef betel leaves.
Moving on to mains, opt for a steaming bowl of pho (classic beef or chicken), a yellow chicken curry, lemongrass tofu noodles, Bahn khot (mini turmeric & coconut pancakes), or the bun noodle salad with grilled pork. You can’t go wrong with a side of Mama Kim’s kimchi either. Everything on the menu is light and refreshing, but packed full of flavour, leaving your feeling satisfied with a spring in your step.
We can’t forget about the drinks menu – you can get your hands on a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee, complete with condensed milk for the ultimate sugary caffeine hit, or opt for their Saigon lime soda to cool down on a hot day. They also carry an array of beers, wines, and ciders, including a few Saigon specials to try. For a non-alcoholic option, we’d go for the kombucha, S&N seltzer, or coconut water.
Banh Banh is the ultimate easy-going eatery for good food, good service, and a reliably good time. From flavourful home-cooked food and conversation-provoking decor to new ingredients and dishes to discover, it’s an all-encompassing experience sure to quench your thirst.
You’ll find Banh Banh at 46 Peckham Rye, London SE15 4JR, open Wednesday to Mondays from 12pm. Be sure to book your table right here on Dish Cult.
