Bun Bun Bakery

If you're hunting for a banh mi in Springvale, Bun Bun Bakery is a name that comes up quickly. It's a takeaway-focused bakery known for its Vietnamese rolls, and people travel for them. We've heard of visitors from interstate and overseas making it a fixed stop whenever they're in Melbourne.

The bread is what people talk about first: crisp on the outside, light and airy inside. Pork rolls are the favourite, whether it's the crispy pork, the roast pork belly or the combination roll loaded with cold cuts, pickled daikon and carrot, and fresh coriander. Regulars rave about the generous pate and mayo, and there's a roast chicken lemongrass option plus vegetarian choices too. One local called it the best banh mi they'd had outside Vietnam, which gives you a sense of the loyalty it inspires. The Vietnamese coffee gets a nod as decent, and breakfast is on offer.

Value is a big part of the appeal. Rolls are generously sized and fairly priced, and the staff are friendly, with the ladies behind the counter often described as lovely. Your roll is made fresh in front of you.

We'll be straight about the queue, though. Lunchtime lines can be long, with waits of half an hour or more, and locals suggest arriving early, as the crowd tends to build from around 11.30. Opinion on whether it's worth the wait is a little split. Some say absolutely, others found the filling lighter than they'd hoped on the day, so it's a matter of taste and timing.

A few practical things before you go. It's cash only (a PayID transfer works too), so don't count on using a card. There's no seating, so plan on eating elsewhere. Free street parking and a free car park are available, though people say parking can be tricky at busy times. The bakery is open daily, but it's worth checking the hours before you head in.

If you want a proper banh mi in Springvale, this is a bakery to know.