Discovering 29 Cafe & Eatery – A Canberra Banh Mi Spot
Exterior view of 29 Cafe & Eatery in Curtin, with outdoor tables available for casual dining.
This banh mi shop was recommended by my husband’s colleague, and that’s how we first discovered it. My husband has always loved banh mi and has tried many places around Canberra. After his first visit here, he said the food was solid and has continued to come back occasionally.
For me, this was my second visit.
First Visit – Pork Me Up Special Banh Mi Review
On our first visit, we ordered the Pork Me Up, which is the most expensive special on the menu. It was very generous in size and quite filling. We took it away and ate it at Kingston Foreshore Park, but even when pressed down, the banh mi was still very thick. Personally, I found it quite difficult to bite through. If you’re eating at home and don’t mind getting a bit messy, it could be fine. But for eating outside, this menu felt a bit too heavy for me.
Menu Overview & Prices at 29 Cafe & Eatery Curtin
The banh mi follows a classic Vietnamese base with cucumber, pickled carrot and daikon, while the protein and sauce change depending on the menu. Menu options include:
- Lemongrass beef
- BBQ chicken
- Lemongrass chicken
- Garlic tofu (vegetarian option)
- Two sunny-side-up egg banh mi
- Roast pork
- Vietnamese sausage
- Traditional banh mi (with cold Vietnamese ham)
Prices are mostly between $10–$12, which is similar to other banh mi shops in Canberra. The most expensive special menu we tried previously was $15.
Close-up of the menu at 29 Cafe & Eatery, Curtin, featuring a range of classic banh mi options.
What We Ordered This Time
This time, we decided to go back to the basics. We ordered the 29 Signature Roast Pork Banh Mi and the Traditional Banh Mi with Vietnamese cold cuts.
Customisation Options & Service Speed
When ordering, we asked for less sauce and more chilli. I’m not a big fan of coriander, but my husband loves it, so we didn’t ask to remove it. Coriander is placed on top rather than mixed in, so it seems easy to customise.
As we were sharing, we requested the banh mi to be cut in half, and each sandwich was served as two pieces, making four pieces in total. Service was very fast. We received our coffee within a few minutes of sitting down, and the banh mi followed almost immediately. It felt like a great option for a quick Canberra lunch.
Food Review in 29 Cafe & Eatery
Banh Mi Size & Bread Texture
At first glance, the banh mi looks quite large, but once pressed, it becomes easy enough to eat. Compared to the special menu, this size felt much more manageable. The portion was filling but not too heavy. The bread, however, was not crispy enough. It wasn’t soggy, but it lacked that extra crunchy texture that banh mi bread is usually known for. Normally, banh mi bread is very crispy and crumbly, but here the crunch felt slightly more subtle.
Traditional vs 29 Signature Roast Pork Banh Mi
After trying both, we preferred the Traditional Banh Mi slightly more. The Vietnamese cold cuts were mild and not overpowering, and the freshness from the carrot and radish pickles really stood out. The overall balance was good, making it a lighter and easier banh mi to enjoy.
Traditional banh mi from 29 Cafe & Eatery in Curtin, served cut in half for easy sharing.
Close-up of the traditional banh mi, showing fresh vegetables and fillings inside the sandwich.
The Signature Roast Pork Banh Mi had pork that was crispy on the outside and juicy inside, which I really enjoyed. However, the house special sauce on top—visually similar to a BBQ sauce—felt a bit strong for my personal taste, as it slightly overpowered the natural flavours of the pork and other ingredients. If you enjoy a richer, more saucy banh mi, this would still be an enjoyable option.
Close-up of the Signature Roast Pork Banh Mi, with thick slices of pork, fresh vegetables, and house sauce on top.
Coffee Menu Review
That day, my husband decided to try the Vietnamese coffee. It had a strong bittersweet flavour, with bitterness from the coffee and sweetness from condensed milk. He mentioned it was perfect after a morning run to recharge his energy. For me, it was a bit too sweet, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys bold, sweet coffee.
Coffee served at the cafe, a popular choice to enjoy with a banh mi.
I ordered my usual weak oat flatwhite. The foam was just right, with no acidity, and a smooth, nutty flavour that went down easily.
Close-up of an oat milk flat white, smooth and well-balanced.
After the Meal
While eating, neither of us noticed the food being salty. However, after finishing, both my husband and I felt a bit thirsty.
✅ 2026 May Update: Re-visiting for the Traditional Pork Banh Mi
I went back in mid-April and had the Traditional Pork Banh Mi (Cold) again. The bread was pretty much the same as last time, and the fillings hadn’t changed much, though it felt a bit more “moist” this time around. I reckon the amount of sauce just depends on the day or who’s making it.
Last time, I kept the coriander in since I was sharing with my husband, but since I was on my own this time, I ordered it without coriander. I noticed some spring onions that I don’t remember seeing before—they added a nice crunch and sweetness to the mix.
The presentation is still spot on. The ham was layered perfectly with matching colours, making it look really appetising. It’s good to see they still put effort into how the food looks.
Traditional pork banh mi (cold) – When I revisited in April, I noticed some spring onions which I don’t recall seeing back in January, but they added a nice texture and a bit of sweetness to the mix.
The different types of ham were layered perfectly, not messy at all, which made it look really appetising.
Who I Would Recommend This Banh Mi Shop To
Overall, this place does a solid job sticking to the basics of banh mi. It’s not overly heavy or intense, making it easy to enjoy. With fast service and many takeaway customers, it’s a good option for a quick Canberra lunch. Especially recommended for:
- People who enjoy sandwiches that aren’t greasy
- Days when you want something simple but filling
- Banh mi beginners or those looking for a safe, classic option
- Vegetarians looking for a meat-free banh mi, such as the Garlic Tofu Banh Mi
Atmosphere, Location & Parking – 29 Cafe & Eatery Curtin
Inside the shop, there are around 10 tables and a bar table with 5 – 6 seats, with another 7–8 outdoor tables available. The cafe is located right next to Curtin Coles, within a local shopping centre, and offers free parking. It’s a comfortable choice if you’re looking for a spot easy to reach by car. Lunchtime can get busy due to nearby shops, so visiting slightly outside peak lunch hours is recommended.
🕒 Opening Hours – 29 Cafe & Eatery Curtin
- Monday – Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday – Saturday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
The ordering counter and barista area at 29 Cafe & Eatery, where pre-made desserts and cookies are also available.
Fresh banh mi ingredients are prepared and ready to use.
Inside the cafe, showing multiple tables and a bar table by the window.
💡 Looking for something more refined?
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy more refined Vietnamese cuisine in Canberra, you may also want to check out [The Q Dining review] I’ve shared before!
*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.
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