The story
A breakfast cart at the start of Phan Dinh Phung Street, set up in front of a coffee shop. It is run by Le Thi Tam, known to customers as Co Xuan. Counting her mother's and older brother's years, the stand has sold banh mi xiu mai for nearly 72 years (as of 2022). Meatballs come in a clear, slightly fatty bone broth made to the original family recipe, with scallions, cilantro and hot crisp bread. She is also known for writing poems for her customers.
Started with the owner's mother and older brother. Le Thi Tam (Co Xuan) began at about 10, following them in the Hoa Binh area near Da Lat Market, then moved to Phan Dinh Phung. Nearly 72 years in total as of 2022.
What to order
Banh mi with xiu mai
Meatballs in clear bone broth with hot crisp bread.
35,000₫Macaroni in bone broth
Also sold at the cart.
Local tips
Arrive before 9:00: the cart sells about 60–70 portions a morning and is usually gone by 9:00–10:00.
Add chili sate sauce to taste.
Say it in Vietnamese
“Cho em một phần bánh mì xíu mại, ít cay nhé.”
One portion of banh mi with xiu mai meatballs, not too spicy, please.Plan your visit
Opening hours
Mornings
When to go
Opens around 6:00, is crowded by 7:00 and usually sells out by 9:00–10:00 (reported 2022), so come early.
Often sells out before closing — go early.
Getting there
Look for the cart at the start of Phan Dinh Phung Street, in front of a coffee shop.
Open in Google Maps →Good to know
Not suitable for vegetarians
Where this comes from
History and details come from named press or official sources. Hours and prices can change — travelers help keep them current.
- Ngôi Sao (VnExpress) · Press · 2022 · ngoisao.vnexpress.net
- Vietnamese press (research report) · Research
