This is Bae Mi, a shop in Riverwood opened in 2025 with a strong following centred on bánh mì.
Bae Mi Special Roll ($13.00) — cold cut meats, caramelised pork (thịt kho) and crackling (ordered without onion or chilli).
Initial contact delivered an unusually generous amount of filling, supported by bread that was crisp and light while still structurally firm enough to contain the contents. The cold cuts, pâté, and mayonnaise established a rich savoury base, while the crackling contributed an airy crunch. The inclusion of thịt kho was distinctive. Rather than incorporating the full braised format, the kitchen extracted the savoury-sweet caramelised coconut profile without the accompanying liquid, allowing it to integrate cleanly into the sandwich structure. Through the mid-palate, the flavour balance became less controlled. Fried spring onions and spring onion oil introduced a strong lingering allium profile that increasingly dominated the finish. The pickled vegetables, while fresh, lacked the tanginess, thickness, and crunch necessary to offset the volume and richness of the pork components. Towards the finish, the spring onion oil remained the dominant aftertaste, lingering well beyond the meat itself.
Crackling Pork bánh mì ($13.00) — classic pork crackling
Initial contact delivered a cleaner and more balanced flavour structure than the Special Roll. The simpler pork profile allowed the crackling, pâté, and mayonnaise to integrate more evenly without excessive competition between components. The bread again performed well structurally, retaining a light crispness while holding the substantial filling. Pork and crackling portions were similarly generous, with the crackling contributing consistent crunch throughout. The same issue with the pickles remained. Their thin cut and restrained acidity limited their ability to cut through the richness of the pork and fat. Towards the finish, the spring onion oil remained the dominant aftertaste, lingering well beyond the meat itself.
Overall, decent bread and generous fillings, though sharper and more substantial pickles would improve balance considerably.
Bae Mi is located at 282 Belmore Rd, Riverwood NSW 2210.