They serve good Vietnamese sandwiches, egg rolls and ice coffee. The best breakfast I found in Milpitas.

With the pandemic, we really need a way to give negative star ratings. This Dakao sandwich place has been my go-to vietnamese sandwich place for over 20 years, but today I had a terrible experience. I go to buy lunch, thinking these guys deserve the business, walk in and find them empty. Then I think, wow they really need the business, so I order vietnamese sandwiches for the whole family, plus the sesame mung bean deserts, plus two extra packs of pork/beef-garlic-pepper snacks they make (that my wife says you eat with beer). So, I wait for 20 minutes for them to make the sandwiches, can't sit down, but no problem. While waiting I notice everything looks exactly the same as before, which is no cleaner than before, which is unusual because every newly opened restaurant is cleaning their place obsessively. No big deal. So, she rings up all the food, it comes to $37.75, and I give her a credit card, but she says cash only. I told her nobody takes cash any more (because, hello, germs, germs, germs!), at least not without an alternative payment method, but they don't take credit cards. So, I notice the ATM machine, get $40 in cash, give it to her and tell her to keep the change, because I don't want whatever cash they have, wherever it's been. Then she points at a huge hand sanitizer bottle, like I need to use it before taking the bag of food. I just grab the side of the bag where she is not touching it (we already wash our hands before going into every building we go to as a standard practice now). I get back to the office where we start eating, and we all notice the food is not as good before, like no taste. Then I notice it actually tastes bad, like I don't want to eat it, and I realize the bad taste is SOAP. We all realize that's the problem with the sandwiches and we have to throw them away. Apparently they haven't gotten the news yet that you don't have to clean all your food with soap to kill Covid-19, and if you do, you better do a good job of rinsing it! So, in the end, we threw away $23+ in food that we couldn't eat because of their poor food preparation, and who knows what else they did wrong that we didn't know about. It reminds me of my friend from years ago who was a restaurant inspector in San Francisco, and not so coincidentally he absolutely refused to ever eat in any restaurant. Bottom line, stay away from any restaurant like Dakao that is newly re-opened after being closed for the pandemic, especially if they look unchanged. It may be a while before restaurants like Dakao figure out how to do their work again -- and you don't want to actually pay to be their guinea pig! I'll go back later, but it might be a year and who knows if they will survive without going bankrupt in the meantime. read more

I'm always looking for a good coffee, and my definition is a good balance between the coffee, ice and milk. The coffee here was amazing. I did get it with condensed milk. This paired really well with the roast chicken bahn-mi. Definitely check out this place if you are in the area and looking for a good vietnamese coffee. read more

Dakao Sandwich Two - One cup of coffee...yummm - Vietnamese Near Me - Milpitas, California

My go-to for Vietnamese ice coffee. You can't beat $3.00 for a cup of coffee that'll leave your veins and arteries pumped with caffeine. Their mini eggrolls are a party favorite so order ahead. Sandwiches are always crispy and flavorful. You can choose from beef, chicken, fishcakes, pork, or vegetarian. There are also rice plates and noodle bowls to choose from and to-go snacks for a quick bite. Family friendly and the shop is family owned and run. Don't be surprised to find a group of senior Vietnamese men gathered outside the storefront like teenagers swarming around boba tea establishments. read more

Dakao Sandwich Two - Banh mi Cha Lua (pork sausage): steamed pork sausage, marinated carrots/radishes, onions, cilantro, cucumber, red chilli, koriander. - Vietnamese Near Me - Milpitas, California

I'm amazed at how early they operate. Their food is very good and the old couple operating the place are so cute!

I ordered the grilled pork Banh mi, it was delicious and very affordable at $5.50!!!!!!

One of the few places to get really good lotus salad. Their fresh roll is also very awesome. Great for tray orders for groups Quality stays consistent despite Large quantities Usually cash only and maybe Venmo read more

This was once my favorite place to go. I've been going to this place since I was a little kid and even when I moved to Hawaii, when I would come back to visit my family I made sure to come here to order sandwiches to eat, and order at least another 10 to bring back with me along with other snacks from them. The last few times I came here the service was not that good anymore, the sandwiches were only okay, and there are very little choices for other snacks. I still come back when I visit most of the time, but it's not at the top of my priority list anymore. Upside is the place is decently clean and there's lots of parking. read more

I called yesterday to preorder mini egg rolls for pick up at 11:30am today. My order wasn't ready when I got there (the place was packed) and I ended up waiting 40 minutes for them to fry my egg rolls. My family used to be in the restaurant business so I understand things can get unexpectedly cray cray during the holidays. When my order was finally ready I asked for some sweet & sour dipping sauce but they told me that sauce only comes with large egg rolls. Um ok what the actual F. I ordered $40 worth of mini egg rolls. Not only were they completely unapologetic for making me wait 40 mins for a preorder, they were di(k enough to not give me some gdamn dipping sauce when I asked?! Come the f on you guys. read more

Sandwiches are cheap ($3.50) and filling, though the meat isn't very flavorful or impressive compared to some other places. They hit the spot though! The little egg rolls are also super tasty but they can add up at $0.65 a piece. I also really liked their papaya slush! Skip on the boba as it's flavorless and kinda gross, but the slushie was filled with papaya flavor and may have even had some real bits? Not sure but it was refreshing and I couldn't finish it on my own. Pho seems a little on the pricey side for flavor/quantity, but still tasty. Edit: Last time I went, the sandwich definitely seemed smaller and sadder. Bread was rock hard and dry by the time I got home to eat it (less than 15 minutes) and there was hardly anything inside the sandwich. Really disappointed :( read more

I'll admit the price for these sandwiches are hard to beat(its a shame they had to raise it) and the sandwich itself was of decent quality, but the service was a bit lacking and I'm hoping the lady handling my sandwich washed her hands because she wasn't wearing any gloves. My fiance and I are arguing which of these two banh mi places are better: dinosaurs or dakao? We're deciding after our trip to Pacifica soon x) read more

Ordered bo nuong la lot party tray. Some were not thoroughly cooked, and maybe prepared from ground beef. Also ordered some bo bia. Lacked of herbs, especially basils. Flavor was ok. Food was mediocre. Probably not coking back again unless I was desperate in an unfortunate situation. read more

Pretty good Vietnamese sandwiches Don't know Milpitas well and went off of Yelp solely Let's just say that the 'popular ' Vietnamese sandwich places were packed ... this place was a hidden treasure It's a simple 'hole in the wall' (of which I love) , and the food was worth it! read more

Dakao Sandwich Two - Serving area ... - Vietnamese Near Me - Milpitas, California

I don't care what the other yelpers say, but this place still has the best egg banh mi. Even during Covid, the quality has stayed consistent. Wish the prices were like the good old days, but oww well. They are Cash Only AND they take Venmo! Kudos for not making me use the ATM or carry around covid-laden cash. My other wish is for them to bring back the whole coconut Thạch Dừa dessert! read more

I love this little mom and pop shop in Milpitas. The staff is always friendly and the bahn mi is so good. I usually get BBQ bahn mi and a few pastries, paired with a coca cola. Definitely recommend, easy 5 stars. read more

We have been coming to this place for many years. traditional style Bahn Mi, spring rolls can be made fresh per order, and other delicious treats (soft rice dumpling balls with pork filling; not sure what they are called). Their service has always been prompt. Hard working folks; open 7 days a week from 6AM. read more

I have this aching notion that if you don't love this place then you had a bad experience or you just bad taste tbh. This is by far the best banh mi I've ever had. If you're in a hurry call ahead. I usually just make eye contact and wave and they ask your order and you tell them and you can wait outside. read more

The banh mi was plain and it didn't tasted too great this time around. I ordered their banh mi cha lua with no peppers for $3. There was minimal fillings and they added peppers anyways. The bread was hard and not fresh at all. read more

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I only had 45 minutes for lunch before I needed to head back to work to continue with a class I was taking on site. A typical quick bite might be sandwiches from Quiznos or Subway, or pizza from Round Table. They would have been quick, but I really didn't feel like having anything from these places. At the risk of being late for my class, I hopped in my car, and headed out to Dakao II, which is less than 5 minutes from my office. I intended to pick up a banh mi and a banh dai for lunch to go, then head back to the office. As soon as I entered the shop, I changed my mind and decided to eat in. I've been here a few times since my first review, so I knew the routine. Order at the cash register, seat myself, wait for my order, eat, then pay at the register. As I waited for my order, I sipped my ice tea, and looked at the people coming in and out of this place. Very busy, lots of to go orders. Finally, my order arrived, in less than 5 minutes (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/m6AVCaidqhiWvblrpp_ksg?select=1aecgE0vdnwDDkeNBRytFg). I ordered bun with crab egg rolls, beef rolls, and a grilled shrimp. At the bottom of the bowl was a layer of lettuce and bean sprouts, followed by a layer of vermicelli noodles, then followed by the egg rolls, beef rolls, and shrimp. This took a while to come out because everything was made to order. With the unseasonably warm Fall weather, this was the perfect lunch for a warm day. Refreshing, satisfying, and filling. I was able to finish my lunch and make it back on time before my class started. Some of the other persons in class did get pizzas or large sandwiches from Quiznos or Subway. They were so full, I saw them nodding off during class. No me. My lunch was just right. Satisfying without entering into a food coma, and I was still alert for class. read more

Dakao Sandwich Two - Bun with crab egg rolls, beef rolls, and a grilled shrimp - Vietnamese Near Me - Milpitas, California

That banh mi was kinda whack, folks. Barely anything but bread... They didn't even give me more veggies to fool me into thinking it was a more substantial sando than it actually was *le sigh.* Guess I need to go to the original Dakao because Part Dos was gross. Okay, so it wasn't gross (I'm just being dramatic) but I was certainly wasn't impressed in the least. I will say, though, that their crack coffee is bomb. Inject me with it please........ So strong. So addiction-worthy. And definitely not for the caffeine faint-at-heart. The verdict: food = 2, coffee bumps it up to 2.5. I'll be nice and round up. It's Sunday Funday, after all. read more

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Solid 3.5 star spot for this banh mi shop in between Swagat Indian and Com Thanh Viet. They also have various Viet dishes/soups as well as fresh baked goods and desserts here. Can someone tell me what these are (even the blue one)? http://static3.px.yelp.com/bphoto/X-5BLJL6mRy-nyP7nt9_Gg/l They have a picture menu which makes it easier to decide on what to order for non-Vietnamese. As well as plenty of clean and non-sticky indoor seating. The Viet music adds a nice touch. Can't really say if it's better than Huong Lan in the next strip mall over since we didn't go there, but the H-Lan chain, specifically the one off Tully is still my standard for bahn mi's. Ordered up my favorites, #1 thit ngoi : ham, head cheese, pate http://static3.px.yelp.com/bphoto/FUYaKATHZ9F-NDPmTm5hlg/l and #2 Steam pork. $2.25 My fiance got the shredded chicken and she said it was dry and to much bread and I've to agree. The bread didn't taste as fresh and the toppings to bread ratio was a little lacking, I only got like 2 pieces of jalapeno, not much cilantro, and just a little mayo. read more

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While being dragged to go shopping at the Great Mall during the holiday shopping season, walking around that humongous place of a monstrosity made me hungry. Being in San Jose and Milpitas area, my first thought that came to mind was Banh Mi Sandwich. Simple reason: San Jose has a huge Vietnamese American population. So I checked the Yelp app on the iPhone and this is one of the places that popped up. Located just less than a mile away, we drove here and brought along our appetites; although it was quite an adventure locating this place since my OnStar navigation system gave me the wrong direction. We eventually located the place and ended ordering more than Banh Mi sandwiches. Since we were new to the place, it took us a while to decide what to get and it cost us precious time since it's a popular place for the locals to order takeouts. I mean there was hardly anyone inside when we got here and in less than 5 minutes, the place was packed locals waiting for their orders. (Heck, if it's that popular then it must be good) We ordered 5 different sandwiches and they were really good as expected. The grilled sandwiches are dirt cheap but delicious. Add pate for a little bit of extra and it was golden. However, we also got some crab-stuffed fried egg rolls we suddenly had a craving for. Wow, these things were amazing and we were popping them in our mouths like competition eaters. Kobayashi...watch out. The only negative experience we had was it was hard communicating with them due to language barrier. But when all else fails, just point at your order. read more

I used to really like this place and suggested my friends to try it out. Unfortunately my last visit here left a bad taste in mouth (literally and figuratively). I ordered the roasted chicken banh mi with an egg and it was super dry. The bread was stale to the point that it scraped the roof of my mouth when taking a bite. The chicken wasn't moist and the onions were way overpowering. The only reason I tried Dakao in the first place was the fact that they offered a fried egg on their banh mi sandwiches. Not even the fried egg can redeem their dry sandwiches. To make matters worse, during my last visit I asked for a cup of water and was directed to the water "over there". I didn't understand her because she arbitrarily pointed to the corner. My boyfriend asked as well and was directed to the bottled water in the fridge. Another older lady gave us ONE glass of water but it wasn't even worth the trouble considering how salty it tasted! I don't understand why we couldn't have a glass of water when we dined in. Not to be cheap, but I wasn't trying to pay for a large bottle of water when I wasn't going to drink it all. Two other families were served water and tea upon being seated but we had to repeatedly ask for water. It wasn't any problem before to get a cup of water to go and I was even given a cup of iced tea the first time I dined in. I wanted to believe that this place was different from your average Vietnamese restaurant in terms of customer service. Horrible service and dry sandwiches. Dakao, you've lost a customer. read more

#14 grilled pork sandwich came in a nice size bun and softer than Lee's but I wish there was more meat inside. Couple sinewy bites. For $2.50, the price is right though. #10 chicken pho was pretty good but was it beef broth I tasted hmm? read more

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*** These stars are JUST for the FOOD ONLY!!!*** Came here today for lunch with some friends and to be honest...after my experience here...I felt like the workers are racist. I NEVER say that out loud or even in a review either. I felt like that for a few reasons. I'll explain. There was a total of six of us, half of the group was Vietnamese, the rest weren't, but still asian. I was part of the non Vietnamese side. My two friends order for the rest of us speaking Vietnamese to the lady. That was fine to me, I rather have someone who could speak the language of the place order that way there won't be any confusion. The food came out pretty fast. First the two sandwiches, then the noodle bowls. Only three of the four noodles bowls came out @ once. So my friend who isn't Vietnamese asked about the fourth bowl, of course in English, and the worker looked @ him like he was totally questioning her about her job. So my friend who speaks it came out and said it in Vietnamese and then the lady responsed back to her. Not giving her a hard time. I didn't like that. So we get our food, and we start to eat. I already had this uncomfortable feeling in me. The food was good. I got #13. I loved those shrimp egg rolls!!! That bowl filled me up and it was a pretty good size too. Next I wanted to order the avocado smoothie, but didn't want to talk to the lady. So I had my BF go do it, and I thought he was going to order in Vietnamese, but he said it in English. So when it came out it wasn't filled up all the way to the top like my friends smoothie was. I looked @ that drink like "are you serious?" Why didn't mine get more? So then it hit me, we ordered in English. My friend didn't. Then when we were paying, I was going to pay for my friend who didn't speak Vietnamese, and neither do I, but figured I'll just pay for him anyway. I get up to the register and tell the worker I got #13 and she looked @ me with a mean look. So then my BF came over and then talked in Vietnamese to her and things were once again okay. I stood there looking @ that lady, just starring @ her. I don't do that normally, cause it's rude, but I'm not stupid. CASH ONLY place too!!! So overall, the food, the drink, the price GOOD. I would definitely recommend to get your food TO GO!!! Save you from what I went through. read more

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The service here is terrible and some of the ladies that run this place don't understand English! But in Vietnamese restaurants, bad service often comes with authentic, delicious Vietnamese food. My boyfriend and I split rice dish #17 which had broken rice, egg cake, dried shredded pork, and some meat. You have to ask for any condiments like fish sauce because they won't give it to you freely. Typical of Vietnamese delis, they have food stacks on food stacks. Sandwiches are filling and only $2.50. The rice dishes are $5.50. Their portions don't seem to match their price. In contrast to the grunge on the tables and chairs, the food is remarkably fresh and shines. When you request to dine-in, the lady leaves the teapot and teacups on the table without your consent and expects you to sit there without even acknowledging you. read more

Dakao Sandwich Two - This rice dish is $5.50! - Vietnamese Near Me - Milpitas, California

I know all my reviews have been 4 stars lately, but I can't help it, I've just been eating so well! Even though Dakao sells their sandwiches at a mere $2.50, their flavors are wonderful and their bread is a nice soft surprise. From the suggestion of my Viet coworker, I ordered #14 and it was easily the one of the better Vietnamese sandwiches I've had. I just wish they had brought us tea or water, since it was sort of a sit-down place. They sell other snacks like egg rolls (very delicious) and coconut jelly/agar desserts. I can't wait to go back and try the other sandwiches! read more

Dakao Sandwich Two - #14 Grilled pork - Vietnamese Near Me - Milpitas, California

I'm actually surprised with the food at Dakao. It looks dark inside with the low lightening and is known for the sandwiches and take-out food. However, if you sit down to eat at the restaurant, there is a lot of variety - sandwiches, noodle dishes, rice plates, etc. This is a plus since I'm a pescatarian and Vietnamese food tends to be meat-heavy. Prices are cheaper than other places and the food isn't too salty. I had the noodle soup with fish. Pretty large bowl and a good amount of fish inside. My husband had the Mi Quang and said that it was pretty good. It was similar to the dish that we had in Danang, Vietnam. Service was nothing special. we gave our order and received the food. Cash only. read more

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Is your banh mi, thit nuong? Why yes, my banh mi is well - very thit nuong. There are two major reasons why you never want to go to a Lee's Sandwich in Milpitas: 1. More times over, there will be a Filipino lady in front of you who will be absolutely sweet and nice, but will take 8 minutes to order like one sandwich and a baguette. 2. The traffic congestion inside the shopping plaza is just as bad as the traffic congestion on the main street its located on - Calaveras Boulevard. Needless to say, after hearing "where is the fork" in a heavy Tagalog accent all too many times (which confused the hell out of the Vietnamese workers who thought she was asking "where is the pork") and avoiding fender benders in the parking lot, I was done with ever trying to come back here. That is when I stumbled across Dakao. Maybe it's the instantaneous whiff of nuoc mam that hits you when you walk inside, or maybe it's the fact their banh mis are $2.50 each that makes me keep coming back. It's the bo nuong or thit nuong for me as I've never been too big on cured pork. The bread is flaky, the meat is juicy, the vegetables are pickly and the banh mi mayo ties it all down. It's decadent, it's delicious and it's delightful. It isn't spectacular though. The wait times for a sandwich can be a bit much compared to its competitors (especially during lunch hours) and if you're not akined to how banh mi is made -you might find that seeing them microwave your banh mi in front of you, very repulsive. I too wish I could experience a Chipotle-style banh mi restaurant that constructed my sandwich in front of me. With nutritious ingredients and freshly grilled meats, bread made from dough and baked all under the same roof (Side note, I thought of this idea a couple years back, then pitched the idea to my friends but they thought it was hella whacked man screw you guys). Then again, I'm not expecting too much from a $2.50 sandwich. Fact of the matter though, it's still delicious and still holds up. The place also serves Vietnamese comfort food as well, I see a lot of people come in for some bun and other kinds of bowls. So whether you need an early fix on banh mi (they open hella early), only got a few bucks on you and/or don't speak Tagalog to help the poor Filipino lady out over at Lee's Sandwich who always seems to be in front of me (I feel like she knows me now and she purposely does this out of spite), you might want to swing by here. read more

I have been here three times in the last two days, and just for their banh mi. I usually order nem nuong (grilled meatball) banh mi, #16 with an egg. They toast it and the bread is soft, and the sandwich is pretty savory, the sauce and veggies going well together. AND THE FRIED EGG. you just have to try it. $2.50 for a regular banh mi, $3.50 with a fried egg. The service is okay, sometimes bordering upon rude, as if they don't know why you're here (don't expect them to offer you up a smile). But once you get past that and you're well on your way and enjoying your banh mi, you'll forgive that. read more

Dakao Sandwich Two - Nem nuong banh mi #16 with fried egg! - Vietnamese Near Me - Milpitas, California

Small family business. Only place in the area who sells Vietnamese sandwiches for $3. I walked in and ordered $60 for an event. I'll be sure to call ahead next time. read more

Dakao makes one the best chinese bbq pork sandwiches. They slice it and steam it with some asian 5 spices. And they will add an egg in there. Fabulous! I 've been coming here when the sandwiches were only a BUCK out the door. How times have changed. I've also ordered party trays on various occasions and they have always been prompt and quality has been consistently fresh. The vietnamese lotus salad was a huge hit with the guests ( $25 for small tray and $45 for a large tray). Careful tho since alot of the employees dont speak too much english. If you know what to order then youre in for a treat. read more

This place is the next plaza over from my favorite vietnam deli, by my work atleast, huong lan. Anyhow, I stopped by one morning when my first choice was closed... this place is okay. Their banh bao is nothing special but their vietnam coffee was yummy except why was it so small/little coffee.. one sip and I was done... maybe it's just me cause I'm a coffee addict and I like coffee by the gallon hehe j/k. Anyhow, in a bind I would consider visiting again. The facility itself seems a bit dirtier than Huong Lan, more cramped.. typical viet deli where they try to sell everything in a little spot... no need for walking room yall... uhhh hazard?!? read more

My dad likes coming here since its cheap and fast, and picked me up a Banh Mi Thit Nuong (Vietnamese Sandwich w/Grilled Pork, http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/dakao-sandwich-two-milpitas?select=gSazARLUxaEIo0GrvC56XQ#gSazARLUxaEIo0GrvC56XQ). I liked that it had green onions, but the sandwich overall was just ok like last time. They didn't have enough mayo on it so the sandwich was on the dry side, but at least the pickled vegetables were good. I also liked that they give you a slice of cucumber. However, I still wouldn't choose to come back here and would prefer going to Thanh Huong instead. read more

Dakao Sandwich Two - Banh Mi Thit Nuong - Vietnamese Near Me - Milpitas, California

This place has always been one of my go to places for banh mi! I wouldn't say this is a place you go to for fantastic service, but they are really fast when it comes to making sandwiches! Also, the prices are always very reasonable, it is just to bad they don't accept credit cards. read more

Food are FAST, GREAT, FRESH and very afford $$ able. My family always drop by when we don't wanted to cook. read more

Dakao has the best Bo Luc Lac (shaking beef) in the entire bay area. Although Dakao is known for their Vietnamese sandwiches, they have delicious plates and noodles as well. The beef is a hidden gem within their menu. The meat is seared perfectly while keeping the moisture of meat soft on the inside. Bell pepper, onions, and tomato mix to create a divine sauce. The red rice is moist and bursting with flavor. Order the Bo Luc Lac with red rice for the ultimate plate of Bo Luc Lac. Highly recommended! read more

Sandwich is good here! Other soup bowls look good but i haven't tried! Should definitely get your Vietnamese sandwich fix on!

I've been going here for a very long time the food is delicious I really enjoyed the grill pork sandwich and their Vietnamese meatloaf is so delicious the best egg & spring rolls in malpitas. read more

The nem nuong Vietnamese sandwich is good here. Nem nuong is a mish mash of pork that's grilled, similar to a slab of Spam. Inside the sandwich, you can find all the usual suspects like cilantro, onions, cucumbers, and more in this wonderful sandwich. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the sandwich is so dirt cheap. Under five bucks, I got several small imperial rolls, a sandwich, and a soybean drink for such a great bargain. The staff is very friendly and the shop is kept way better than the downtown location. I definitely prefer this one over the downtown location anytime. I will add more pictures to their page because I know I will be back to eat more here, yay! read more

Dakao Sandwich Two - Vietnamese Near Me - Milpitas, California