Long Beach, especially downtown Long Beach is not an area I like to go to often, but ever since I saw on social media these Pastrami Banh mí sandwiches, I was willing to sacrifice DTLB traffic and parking issues. Located at the 3rd street promenade and conveniently the promenade has a parking structure that offers the first 2 hours free. Very helpful and a perfect amount of time to eat and get out within the free 2 hour period. As for the sandwiches, it is definitely not your typical Banh Mí sandwich, but the pastrami was so tender and perfectly prepared, went well with the crunchy French bread and all of the pickled vegetables. The mayo dressing they used complemented the entire sandwich completely. My only regret is that I split the half pound sandwich with my wife, but at $18.99, getting one each would be too much. My son requested the Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mí to go, so I will have to try that as well. Other than the pastrami, the other sandwiches are about $10.00 each, so much more reasonable. Gold Banh has another location in Glendora, so I guess it's back to Long Beach when the time is right. Service, staff, and food was exceptional. Pretty quick service as the sandwiches were ready before our drink orders were, but it was still good timing. read more

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Is this banh mi worth the 30 minute line? I think so! I have to commend Gold Banh, and honestly all of their ventures for committing to providing authenticity, intentionality, and care to their fusion dishes. It often seems that fusion means a loss of cultural significance, but I do think that Gold Banh does a good job of highlighting asian ingredients and food. I got the 1/2lb pastrami sandwich, which I thought was already a load of meat. They measure each portion out in front of you, which I also think is a nice nod to showing customers that they care. The meat is juicy, smoky, salty, and pairs perfectly with their mustard and pickled vegetables. I also got their roast pork belly banh mi, which pales in comparison to that of Pickle Banh Mi, but you're not here for that, you're here for the pastrami sandwich. And that one is good and worth the wait for sure. I am excited to try more items like the pho french dip sandwich. Come check em out! read more

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Food is absolutely a 5/5. However they're cooking the food is a slam dunk and I think that magic should continue. This is probably the first place in the USA to remind me of the legendary Huynh Hoa Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh City and is an absolute must try! However the ordering experience and wait is where things take a bit of a turn. I ordered 8 sandwiches and the first road bump was finding out that there wasn't enough supplies to fulfill the sandwiches I wanted. No big deal but the gentlemen behind the counter talked it out and I swapped to alternatives. It took ~25 mins for them to assemble the sandwiches and even after that, it took another ~5 mins to sticker them and place them into a bag leading to a total of ~30-35 mins from ordering to getting my sandwiches. I was asked a few times which sandwiches I ordered during assembly because there was no ticketing system and likely because it took a while. Throughout this process I was also asked if I was going to tip them because of my large order.... this was extremely off putting as I didn't even ask for modifications but simply ordered off the menu of which I had to modify because it wasn't clear what was no longer available. The combined experiences really wanted me to put a 3 star but I am leaving it at 4 because I still believe people should be coming here for the product. My advice as a non-restauranteur: - Pre cut the meat. The people behind me had to wait about 15 mins before they could even get their order in because the person cutting the meat was also taking the orders - Have a physical or digital ticketing system that goes down the line. This makes it so that the person prepping meat vs assembling the sandwich doesn't need to continually check in with each other. I'll certainly be back and hope for a more streamlined experience next time :) Banh Mi by rank. Pastrami Banh Mi -- Must try! Saigon Steak Cold Cut read more

Still great place for banh bit with great service and great place to chill and enjoy the foods...this time we got their well known pastrami banh mi since last time were they were out of it...and maybe my expectation is high, and I just got back from NYC and tried 2-3 places over there plus couple here in SoCal so I would say this is just above average. From the look at it, I would say it's more of a bbq brisket than a pastrami. But it does taste like it with well seasoned. I would just give 3.5 for the meat, 4.5 for the banh mi & veggies but with the service and clean location w/ good vibe - 4.5 or 5 it is. Will come back for the others banh mi for sure. read more

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I was skeptical about this place at first, but after one bite of the Pastrami Banh Mi, I understood the hype. We initially ordered one to share, then ended up getting another one to go. The pastrami was really tender and juicy, and the banh mi was packed with flavor. Honestly, it was so good that it didn't even need the sauce. At around $30, it's definitely worth it for the quality and portion. My only preference would be for the pickled carrots to be cut a bit thinner, similar to what you'd typically find in a traditional banh mi. If you're in the area, give them a try! You might find yourself ordering a second one too. read more

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Gold Banh is located inside Loose Leaf Boba Co. in downtown. It's directly outside the parking structure next to Buen Provecho. The service was excellent and friendly. I ordered Tom's Famous Pastrami, BBQ Pork Sandwich, and Large Jasmine Green Tea. I wish I would've reviewed the drink menu more in depth because they have other teas and refreshers I would try. The BBQ Pork and Jasmine Green tea were both solid and satisfying. The Pastrami was immaculate and flawless. All the ingredients combined to form a beautiful blend. This is the best Pastrami and Banh Mi I've ever eaten. I'll definitely return to sample more of the menu. read more

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came during the weekend in the morning and it was empty. we ordered pastrami and strawberry corn. the pastrami was filling and flavorful but expected to be bigger but it was still good. inside is spacious with indoor and outdoor seating. strawberry corn was delicious. i would definitely recommend. read more

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I have been waiting to try Gold Banh's famous pastrami banh mi since they had the signs months ago, when I was buying coffee/milk tea from Loose Leaf. I didn't get a chance to actually come and tried until recently. Few weeks ago and I remember the first week I came back twice, and this week, one more time. The combination of their pastrami and the banh mi with all the picked veggies and fresh veggies just go so well. They weigh your pastrami to make sure it's either half pound or 1 pound. Then they pile all the goodies on top of each other. if only I could record and play the aroma when you're there and they just finished baking a batch of either the French baguettes or grilled meat! Staff are nice and Tom, the owner, is super nice! Highly recommend!!! read more

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Thee best Banh Mi you'll ever try is a Pastrami Banh Mi from Gold Banh in Long Beach. Me and a friend ordered the 1/2lb pastrami banh mi and shared it as it was loaded! The pastrami was so juicy and tender yet not oily or soggy. The baguette was perfectly crisp without being too hard. The gentlemen at the counter were sweet and provided amazing service the entire visit. Gold Banh is located inside Loose Leaf which can be a bit confusing for a first timer but it'll look familiar once you enter! The inside is roomy enough for more than a few guests to sit inside. There is also seating outside. This is the perfect spot for a delicious sandwich and nice drink on the side. I definitely have plans of coming back! read more

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Pastrami banh mi is legit! The pickled red onions went perfectly with the Pastrami. Was surprised with the pate but I am a huge fan of it. Definitely worth the drive. 1/2 pounder offered plenty of meat and was filling. Make the cost much more reasonable. I enjoyed it much more than Langers. read more

Gold Banh - Salad Near Me - Long Beach, California

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The pastrami banh mi is awesome. One of the BEST pastrami sandwiches i ever had! Soo flavorful and delicious! I came on a friday evening. About 5 people ahead of me before a rush of people after the farmers market closed around 2pm. They do a brisket sandwich on sunday so those are busy days to avoid unless you're looking for that. Gold Banh has two locations, one in the glendora public market and long beach downtown now with Loose Leaf Boba Co. They are closed on mondays for food. if you come here definitely go for the pastrami. $30 for a full pound or $20 for a half pound sandwich. They got a good thing going on here. Free 2-hour parking garage next door. Food rating: Tom's famous pastrami 9.4\10. Outstanding read more

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Went back for the 3rd time . Great pastrami as ever. Service was fast no lines . Atmosphere was wonderful. read more

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This place is awesome. I came during the week right prior to the lunch rush so there was only one person in front but as I was eating the line easily went out the small building. The pastrami banh mi is awesome. I was expecting it to taste like a pastrami sandwich but it doesn't! It first tastes like a banh mi then a pastrami sandwich. The ingredients they use are super fresh. The bread they toast (bake?) there though I'm guessing they get that bread from a local bakery (or maybe not?). I also got a Vietnamese coffee drink, the coconut cream which I've never had in a Vietnamese ice coffee and it's super tasty. Place is still in a soft opening so be patient with them. The people who work here are super friendly. I also only got 1/2 pound of pastrami and next time I'm getting a whole pound! read more

Gold Banh - The production line! - Salad Near Me - Long Beach, California

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"Gold Banh" has two locations: The first location is in the Glendora Public Market (a food hall). This newest location is a collaboration with "Loose Leaf Boba Co". They share the same space; they share some technology (point of sale system); but they apparently are two separate businesses. I learned about Gold Banh via TikTok. The owner has showing off their creation - a pastrami bánh mì sandwich. It looked good. If you are not familiar with Downtown Long Beach, getting to Gold Banh is easy: The closest major intersection is Long Beach Blvd (x) E 3rd St. If you drive west on E 3rd St, you'll notice "City Place - Lot C" on your left-hand side. This is a public parking structure that allows 2-hours free parking. The store is in the adjacent north section of "The Promenade". I feel that a well-made sandwich should have an appropriate protein-carb ratio; so, I ordered the sandwich with 1/2 lb. of pastrami. (A 1.0 lb. version is available.) I think I made a good choice. A serving of 1/2 lb. pastrami is generous; and when you consider the sandwich has pastrami, butter and pâté, this bánh mì is really rich, and very filling. I ordered the full sandwich; but I can see a half sandwich satisfying a lot of lighter eaters. My full pastrami bánh mì was $18.99; my Thai tea was $5.50. With tax of $0.58, my ticket was 25.07 before gratuity. read more

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Came to this place after seeing it on Instagram. Ordered the shrimp spring rolls and they let me customize it a little bit and the pastrami banh mi. Everything was full of flavor and you definitely get your moneys worth. Customer service here is great too and they also have a dine in area for you to eat inside. Will be back and I definitely recommend giving it a try! read more

Gold Banh - Salad Near Me - Long Beach, California

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It was hard to find a good pastrami sandwich in Long Beach until now! $30 for a full pound or $20 for a half pound sandwich Line was long on a Friday at 1pm due to farmers market and possibly Valentines Day. We waited about 45 minutes for a sandwich They also ran out after us so by 2pm ish but they said that was rare. So, see if you can order ahead (I didn't see their website working and didn't see them on delivery platforms). Seating is limited and I didn't see a bathroom. It is connected to loose tea company where you can get a yummy ube/taro smoothie (purple roots) or a berry iced tea or array of coffee/milk teas My partner and I split the full pound and we were stuffed Next time, I'll try the summer rolls :) This is in the promenade near Ross and AZN There's free 2 hour parking in Lot C Note: sign says they are still training and some of menu is blocked out so not full menu yet. ~They do measure out the pastrami on a scale, too. read more

Gold Banh - Pastrami bahn mi full pound - Salad Near Me - Long Beach, California

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This is a small eatery located in the Promenade that has recently opened. It appears to be mostly takeout but there some is seating available for dining in. As I was coming in, a fresh batch of pastrami was coming out and ready to be sliced and served. This was in addition to a large piece of pork belly already on the serving counter. Since both looked very fresh, I decided to order a Pork Belly sandwich and a 1/2 lb Tom's Famous Pastrami--it is possible to have the latter filled with 1 lb. of meat. Both sandwiches were well packaged to take back to my hotel room. The server, also the owner, was working behind the counter. She is very friendly and enthusiastic about her business, the ingredients used, and its flavor combinations. She shared with me a sample of one of her sauces, an aioli verde, and encouraged to try it out. As of this writing, Gold Banh is currently at a soft opening and she intends to expand menu offerings by its grand opening. Both sandwiches were excellent, with the bread, pickles, and fillings being very fresh. The pork belly is crispy and the pastrami sandwich is a wonderful change from what I expected from banh mi. I ate all of both sandwiches in one sitting! As I was in Long Beach for a conference, I am not sure when the next time I will return. I will recommend Gold Banh if anyone happens to be in the area and I will certainly come back if the opportunity affords it! read more

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Hit this up just at the right time with a short line and fresh pastrami. Got the 1lb and it was a lot of meat but so yummy. We ate it all. Customer service was great and clean dining inside and a few tables outside. Definitely recommend! read more

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Gold Banh has locations in DTLA and Glendora and their pastrami banh mi is what's been viral on social media. It's not hard to understand why. If you ask for a "half", it's not a half sandwich; rather, it's a half pound of pastrami. If you ask for a "full", it's a full pound of pastrami. I went with "half", and the ratio of meat to veg to crusty bread, to the standard banh mi ingredients (mustard, chicken pate, cucumber, carrot, serrano, and garlic butter), was perfect. The pastrami was relatively thick cut and the balance on the sandwich for the "half" was excellent. Given that they're in soft opening, wait times are long, staff is working out their flow, and you can't order combos yet. Drink menus feature the drinks at the tea shop that they share the address with and the drinks are ok/satisfactory. Hours at Gold Banh for the soft opening are also very limited, and it will be hard for me to come during their current hours. Overall, I think the pastrami sandwich is a very well-balanced sandwich and I recommend it. Probably one of the best banh mi sandwiches you can find anywhere. read more

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I came here for the hot pastrami banh mi. Boy was I in for a surprise. Firstly they pile on that meat. And that pastrami is packed with so much juicy flavor. Fresh bread and veggies to top it off. Been telling everyone about this place. Came back again for the crispy pork belly which was equally fire. Staff are fast and friendly here. read more

Gold Banh - Salad Near Me - Long Beach, California

The star of the show is the pastrami. House made and delicious, it's super tender and flavorful. The sandwich comes with a side of au jus, we got it with everything on it but next time I might get it without the veggies, it's good with everything but the pastrami is so good that it doesn't really need anything on it. The BBQ pork was really good and tender as well, definitely get it if you're looking for a more classic banh mi flavor. Went during the soft opening so there is still some training going on, and they are working the bugs out, the staff was super polite and helpful and you could tell they really wanted to make sure they gave you a great sandwich. The sandwich spot is inside of the boba shop so it can be easy to miss if you don't realize they are the same place. It's on the promenade so it's a nice spot to walk off all that food. read more

Gold Banh - BBQ Pork Banh Mi - Salad Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Finally was able to try the pastrami banh mi at Gold Banh. The long beach location has plenty of parking as their is a free parking garage around the corner. Unfortunately this location doesn't have the garlic butter option for their banh mi. I ordered the classic Toms Famous Pastrami 1/2 lb banh mi with everything on it. The pastrami is smoked for 14 hours and then steamed for two hours. The pastrami meat was so tender and had a lot of flavor. Really nice banh mi. Make sure to ask for the pastrami juice so you can dip your sandwich into it. The inside has about seating for 20 and its not huge inside. It shares the space with the loose leaf boba company. The only thing I would suggest is the staff don't know the basics of meat. The customer in front of me asked for the flat cut instead of the point and no one knew what they were talking about. The customer then instructed them on how to cut it and of course I wanted that flat too. Otherwise the employee was just butchering the meat any which way to make weight. Luckily the meat is so tender because they would have no idea to slice against the grain. Overall, great sandwich. I would've gave it a five but really wanted to try that garlic butter and the staff should know about their product and basic butchery skills. read more

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I've been here twice already. I am a lover of banh mi... if I ever had a gripe about this particular location is that they don't top the French roll with the garlic butter as they do at the garden grove location. Let's talk about the pastrami banh mi. Chefs kiss!!! The pastrami is cut thick which I loved. It melts in your mouth and has the right amount of fattiness to it. It literally melts in your mouth. The pickled veggies and cilantro adds just the right amount of crispiness && acidity. That green sauce was delish as well. I even loved their egg rolls read more

Gold Banh - 1lb Pastrami banh mi - Salad Near Me - Long Beach, California

One of the best sandwiches I have EVER HAD!! I am nothing short of a sandwich connoisseur, aficionado, expert, whatever you want to call it, so I don't say this comment lightly. It was incredibly well crafted, with patience and time spent putting it together (you get to watch them assemble their masterpieces behind the glass). Shoutout to the staff here for being friendly and taking pride in their craft. I ordered the Tom's Famous Pastrami as a bahn mi with a 1/2lb of meat which came out to about $20. You very easily could order the full pound and eat each half as its own meals, which is probably what I'll do next time. The pastrami is UNREAL, you can taste every single second worth of the 14 hours they spend smoking the meat. The bark, the seasoning, the tenderness, all walk down the aisle of your tastebuds for the perfect marriage of flavor in every bite. The ingredients they use are all very fresh and high quality, down to the bread, sauces, and veggies. Every bite is well balanced utilizing the perfect amount of every ingredient with nothing being overpowering. Anyways, I could go on all day about this sandwich but I'm sure I got my point across, it is BOMB and you should try it as soon as you are able to!!! read more

Gold Banh - Tom's Famous Pastrami - Salad Near Me - Long Beach, California

Saw this place on social media and really wanted to try it since I love banh mi and pastrami. They're located in The Promenade at the Loose leaf boba and parking was easy in the free 2 hour parking garage next door. I came on a weekday during my lunch break and it was pretty busy. I ordered their pastrami banh mi which is what they're known for. However, their assembly line was really slow, seems like the workers are inefficient or they're understaffed. They cut up the pastrami and it sat on the plate for almost half an hour. The person in front of me had a big order and the worker was slow in prepping their spring rolls. By the time, I got my pastrami banh mi, it was already cold. It was still good though but would prefer it piping hot. I hope they can improve their efficiency the next time I come back. read more

Gold Banh - Salad Near Me - Long Beach, California

I think they just started offering food and I think they are still figuring out the kinks. People were waiting for their food for a LONG time. I came for the sandwich but was told it'll take a while. So I just settled for coffee. Great workers. Friendly. Place looks like it's still coming together. Slightly chaotic. Slightly. My coffee was yummy and I'll be back once all the "coming soon" signs are gone and all the items become available. read more

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I ordered the pastrami sandwich and it did not disappoint. Pack with flavors and the meat was juicy and tender. I wanted to try the Saigon but they didn't have it. read more

Gold Banh - Inside - Salad Near Me - Long Beach, California

I got the 1/2 lb of the Pastrami Banh Mi. Damn its good! 9/10! I regret not ordering the 1lb. My main issue on this place is how slow the staff are. Especially the lady who was slicing the meat. I guess she is still training until the owner step-in because the line was building up. It took around 30 mins to get my sandwiches. Anyways, I also got the Strawberry Corn Matcha! Very good! But needed more matcha. The place is quaint and cozy. Will definitely be back read more

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Wow, there was a rush on their pastrami bahn mi so we had to wait 15 mins for the next batch. Boy was it worth it! Sandwich was so good! I recommend it all the time! I'll be back! read more

If I could give 10 stars I would. I don't know if I have ever had Pastrami this good, omg!! I have had a lot of pastrami growing up in Chicago and a lot of smoked meat from living in TX, and this still is the best pastrami I've ever had!! Juicy, tender, flavorful. Sandwich was perfect with crunchy bread, fresh carrots, seasoned perfectly with a pate and mustard to give it a little zing. Perfection. I'll be back! Be aware they do sell out later in the day. Parking structure right next door read more

The sandwiches are exceptionally good, especially the brisket. But the service is painfully bad. I've been 3 times and each time has been worse than the last. There seems to be no organization or proper training and zero sense of urgency regardless if there is a line out the door or you're the only customer. I really hope they can address this because I want to continue to support this small business but the service leaves such a bad taste in my mouth. read more

We ordered three sandwiches from Gold Bánh: char siu pork, pastrami, and the classic bánh mì. It took 40 minutes to get our order, and the experience went downhill from there. The owner didn't seem rushed or particularly concerned about the wait, even with customers standing around. There also appeared to be a new sandwich maker who was clearly trying his best--but unfortunately didn't seem trained. He looked confused about the menu (there are only about six sandwiches), mixed up ingredients, and put an excessive amount of mayonnaise on everything. The pastrami bánh mì was extremely fatty, and he poured all the pastrami juices directly onto the sandwich, making it completely soggy by the time we got home. The classic bánh mì had good flavor, but again--way too much mayo, which overpowered everything. Worst part? Nearly $70 for three sandwiches, which is honestly ridiculous for the quality and portion. For that price, I expect consistency, balance, and basic execution. This place is seriously overhyped. I left feeling super disappointed and questioning how many of the glowing reviews are actually real. Won't be back. read more

The pastrami Bahn mi was very good! So much flavor and the half pound size was very filling. There is a parking structure right next door with 90 minutes free parking. Great add for the neighborhood. Minus 1 star for the delivery; no online ordering option and service in house is slow. It took about 15 minutes when there was only one person in front of me in line. I think the employee was high or something; it was like they moved in slow motion. They weighed out the meat by adding one tiny scrap at a time; it was insane. There were two other employees that seemed to be just putzing around and not doing anything. I would go here for lunch more often, but I can't judge the time and therefore will likely go less often because of this delivery. read more

Dear god this pastrami Banh Mi is insane. So soft and juicy and meaty. I'm not sure what I can say that anyone else hasn't already said. It is delicious and the staff was very nice. I probably went at a time that wasn't as busy. read more

It's hard to find the location because the sign makes it appear to be a tea place and the Golden Banh isn't clearly listed in the name. The place is a bit small but we found a place to eat. Service is friendly but extremely slow. I think hands are capable of moving a bit faster regardless of how new the establishment is. That aside, the food was good and the concept was unique. read more

Gold Banh - Inside. - Salad Near Me - Long Beach, California

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The pastrami banh mi has to be the best banh mi I've ever had in my life. The pastrami is so juicy and delicious, while the bread is crisp on the outside, with the best contrast of textures and balance of flavors with the toppings. It is a very heavy sandwich and will leave you full for hours. Highly, highly recommend the pastrami sandwich! read more

Honestly, although the sandwich tasted amazing. I would avoid coming for the noise alone and disorganization. The fans be the door were on full blast however doors are very close to the order area. The glass pane was set too high that customers were shouting orders. There was a specific customer behind me that was just way too obnoxious and ear piercingly loud. Apparently a regular there. This was our second attempt at ordering the brisket. First visit the brisket, wouldn't have been ready for another 30 mins. This time around we were told that brisket was only available Sunday. We also ordered that Thai tea and jasmine tea, both of which were watered down. I didn't want to get into the other line to make a separate order. It's unfortunate because it was a very tasty meal. But probably won't be back. read more

Gold Banh - Salad Near Me - Long Beach, California

You either ALL in with PASTRAMI or... Of course I went all in haha. Came on a Friday night with my nephew. There's free parking in the construction building for 2 hours. We got lost about a couple minutes, forgot the name is Loose Leaf Boba Company from the outside. I believe its a partnership thing. As I enter the joint, I was greeted right away from the workers. The line wasn't too long, did a look around and it had a warm one on one vibe. Its not to big so dont bring 20 people with ya :) When it was my turn to order, the lady ask what I would like, told her the 1 lbs pastrami, cripsy pork belly, and char su sandwich. I realized she was either the owner or manager. She was very friendly and answered all my nephew questions. No combos at the moment, so I ordered the phin drip with coconut. While she was making the pastrami, I realized it was so much meat, layers after layers. Lucky I brought my nephew haha. First bite was amazing, it had all the flavors of a banh mi combine with there secret sauce. I had Katz Delicatessen on my mind, how else could I compare lol. I would say this joint, will ring bell throughout the whole world soon. A must try! read more

Gold Banh - 1lb. Pastrami :) - Salad Near Me - Long Beach, California

Still on their soft open phase, Gold Banh Vietnamese style sandwiches recently expanded from their original Glendora location to sharing retail space with Loose Leaf Boba Company, on the DTLB Promenade. I was finally able to stop in for a sandwich to go on a Saturday afternoon: even with the really positive reviews already read, I was dumb-struck on how generous the meat and toppings were...to the point of later questioning if it would be sustainable...since it's close to my home and it's a place I would absolutely take any out of town meat-loving guests to. It's really easy to miss this place, since all permanent signage points to this being a boba tea shop, not one that serves banh mi. So ended up missing it the first time walking by and had to circle back. It's not 100% clear if both companies have the same ownership, but the observation that they share the same register and ordering system would indicate it's a very close partnership. The inside is well-staffed with folks busy in the back. It does have a small dine-in space, but a lot of the space is devoted to where the drinks and sandwiches are made, right in front of your eyes. You place and pay for your order first, and then wait. There was a little confusion on what I had ordered, but it worked out. Both sandwiches used the typical Vietnamese baguette, nothing special there except it's of the larger variety. But then everything kinda went nuts when the sandwiches began to be made. I splurged on the full pound version of the Pastrami (Tom's Famous Pastrami $25.99). It is marketed as 14hr smoked brisket pastrami, and I would absolutely agree that it deserves to be 'famous'. The beef is not sliced (thickly or not), but rather 'carved' once ordered and it had been cooked long enough to be easily torn apart by fingers. But in this case, it was carved and carefully weighed to make it exactly one pound. Then the typical ingredients for a Banh Mi were assembled, including chicken pate and tons of pickled vegetables (couldn't believe how much toppings were being put on). I smirked realizing that half a pound would have been just fine for me (my wife loves brisket but doesn't like the spice blend and pickling done for pastrami). It used a good cut of meat, the flat of the brisket (some fat, but the majority was meat). Not only was this some of best pastrami I've had, but would reason that it's some of the best brisket I've had...in and out of Texas.. most at double this price. Note I had ordered two sandwiches before I realized how big they would be, so also got the simplest one I could find, called the 'Basic' ($9.75). It's the version with the cheapest meat cuts, but then used the same bread, spread, and vegetables as my other sandwich. And it was made the same way, with too-generous portions of everything. I've gotten used to other Vietnamese shops becoming very skimpy on their banh-mi with the newer cost of living and their need to keep their sandwich price below five, using a thin slice of meat for two types of pork, and some diced pickled vegetables. Here, they pile it on...and I'm convinced if I wanted more of something, they would have been happy to oblige. And the vegetables looked so fresh, and that was confirmed when I ate it later. Oh...I love the name: pun and dad jokes. Would have come once just for that reason, but the quality of the sandwiches discovered, trumps that for sure. read more

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Been seeing reviews about Gold Banh ever since their first location opened up and wanted to try it.. stumbled across their pop up while grabbing boba at Loose Leaf in the same shop. Honestly wanted to try every sandwich but ultimately decided on getting the Saigon Special + the pastrami banh mi because I wanted to switch it up and try something that was unique to them. Plus you can watch the employees slicing the thick-cut pastrami through the glass window, and the smokey aroma in combination with the juices oozing out of the meat were just tooooo enticing.. First bite was heaven. All the meats were so tender, their viet butter and pate were fresh and flavorful, the pickled veggies had the perfect amount of sweet and sour to cut through the fattiness, and the bread was crispy and fluffy. Soft opening so it's a bit slow and chaotic, but I highly highly recommend their banh mi, especially the pastrami. It's probably now my top non-traditional banh mi, but top 3 regardless. Delicious - i'll be dreaming about this til next time. read more

Gold Banh - saigon special + 1/2lb pastrami (!!!) SO GOOD - Salad Near Me - Long Beach, California