Viet Deli

For those in search of a proper banh mi in Manchester (and you’re not quite close enough to ‘Little Hanoi’ on Oldham Road), Viet Deli on Blackfriars Street is an essential stop. Run by brothers Bao and Mike, with Andy also part of the team, this small but beautifully formed café has quickly established itself thanks to a menu that keeps things simple while delivering plenty of flavour.

At its heart are four variations of Vietnam’s most famous sandwich. Freshly baked baguettes are filled with classic pâté and pork, aromatic lemongrass chicken, sweet and savoury char sui, or a vegetarian-friendly tofu option. Each comes with crisp pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo, striking a balance between crunch, spice, and softness that makes the banh mi an icon of the street food world. Portion sizes are generous, the flavours sharp and bright, and the queue at lunchtime tells you all you need to know about their popularity.

Coffee is taken just as seriously here, with everything brewed using the traditional phin method. The drip process produces a strong, bold base that Viet Deli adapts into four distinct iced drinks. The condensed milk version is rich and smooth, a direct nod to Vietnamese café culture. A salted buttermilk coffee, finished with a silky foam, adds an intriguing twist, while the so-called ‘egg coffee’ has a crème brûlée-like richness without containing any egg at all. For those simply looking for a clean caffeine hit, there’s the option of taking it black, letting the strength of the brew shine through.

What makes Viet Deli stand out is not an overwhelming menu or elaborate setting, but its focus on doing a handful of things exceptionally well. The space is modest, but the welcome warm, and with both the sandwiches and coffees made fresh to order.

Ultimately, Viet Deli is proof that keeping things short and sweet can pay off. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or looking for a coffee that steps away from the everyday, this is one of the city’s most rewarding discoveries.