Banh Mi Kitchen is a Vietnamese takeaway at 185 Manchester Street in Christchurch CBD, open 5pm to 9pm every night of the week and rated 4.7 on Google.
The measure of a good banh mi is the bread: a proper Vietnamese baguette is lighter and crisper than its French cousin, crackling on the outside and airy within. The classic roll works on contrast — warm, savoury filling against cold pickled carrot, cucumber and fresh coriander, with chilli to taste and a swipe of pâté or mayo binding it together. Each roll is assembled to order in a couple of minutes, which is why banh mi rewards eating straight away; the bread soon suffers in a bag or on a desk. Regulars tend to find a favourite combination early and rarely stray from it.
With its evening-only hours, this Manchester Street shop suits the after-five rhythm of the CBD — its Facebook page is the place to check before you head in.