Photos by Roberto Rodriguez; Banh Mi So #1
Banh Mi So #1
The stretch of South Grand Boulevard south of Gravois Avenue has seen several Vietnamese restaurants — some good, some unremarkable — come and go over recent years. Meanwhile, a little farther south on Grand, Lynne and Thomas Truong keep doing exactly what they’ve been doing for two decades now at Banh Mi So #1 — Saigon Gourmet, serving some of St. Louis’ best Vietnamese food. Wife Lynne still keeps her menu brief: soups, noodle bowls, charbroiled meats. Husband Thomas still watches over the oasis-like dining room, serving and clearing, arranging the elements of your iced coffee, chatting.
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From the owners
In 1994, the Truong family opened its doors for the first time on South Grand Boulevard as a Vietnamese specialty sandwich shop, appropriately named Banh Mi So #1, which is translated to mean "# 1 Sandwich".
Word quickly spread throughout the Vietnamese community praising the homemade delicacies of this small family take-out. Soon patrons began requesting the much-craved spring rolls that have made Banh Mi So #1, the crown jewel of Vietnamese cuisine.
In 2000, Banh Mi So #1 expanded its facility to accommodate the demands of its patrons with a new dining room, outdoor patio, and private room for parties. Today, it is known as Banh Mi So #1 - Saigon Gourmet.