I had a raging craving for banh mi, but I didn't want to haul ass to the south bay (duc huong is still my favorite). M sandwiches pleasantly surprised me with its warm crusty bread, crisp tender bbq pork, and fresh cilantro and pickled veggies. The place is tiny - really no seating indoors and just a few chairs outside - but I'm adding this spot to my regular to-go rotation. I love that they give you potato chips with every sandwich, and unwrapping every sandwich that has the twine tied around it feels like you are unbundling a treasure. One tip - I thought the grilled lemongrass beef sandwich would be similar to the bbq pork one, but the beef was more like a meatloaf. Still good! Just not what I was expecting. read more

I really wanted to like this place, but unfortunately my experience was very disappointing. I ordered the grilled pork bánh mì from this place earlier. I was hungry and started eating the sandwich while walking, but after just a few bites I had to throw it away. The grilled pork was unbelievably salty--easily one of the saltiest bánh mì fillings I've ever had. It tasted like the meat had been heavily over-seasoned with salt, to the point where that was the only flavor I could taste. The sandwich was also loaded with mayonnaise, which made it feel very heavy and greasy. Combined with the salty pork, it ended up tasting like mostly fat and salt. The bread didn't seem particularly fresh or house-made either, which made the overall experience even more disappointing given the price. I hate leaving negative reviews, but for the cost and quality, this was not a sandwich I could finish, let alone enjoy. read more

My expenrices have been in and off with this place, that's why I'm giving it a 3... 1. The first time was great, we got the special banh mi and it was delicious. 2. Ordered the special again, except I found hair in my food, so we stopped going. (We did report the issue right away and the owner refunded us the money.) 3. We recently went back and ordered the original, it's good, but the special is better imo, but also more expensive. 4. We found out the had bun Bo hue on weekends so we had to go back and try it out. My husband and I shared one bowl and a banh mi, we both thought it was one of the better bun Bo hue in the area, the chili paste was so delicious and spicy which was a plus! 5. I'm writing this review today because I was craving the bun Bo hue, so I called in my order and the owner told me it would take 25-30mins, whatever it was a Friday lunch, completely understandable. I timed my walk perfectly since I was only 2 blocks away, but when I started eating my food it wasn't even hot, so the food had already been sitting there for some time...what really set me off was the portion size...$19.95 is way too overpriced for the amount of noodle and meat that were given in the bowl...too bad we don't live in SoCal. read more

The sandwiches are so good! We got 5 combination sandwiches and they had the perfect amount of meat and pate.

This is a great spot for anyone craving banh mi in the area! There's plenty of street parking and keep in mind of a longer wait during lunch time. The owner was very patient and helpful while taking our order. FYI cash payments are preferred but card is accepted. I ordered the pork banh mi and it was really delicious. The pork was super flavorful and I was more surprised by the gluttonous bread texture and chips on the side. It was great to try out and even better that I loved it. I'll definitely be back! read more

M Sandwiches - 2. Grilled Pork with Pate Banh Mi Sandwich - Vietnamese Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Food: 4.75 | Service: 4.95 | Ambiance: 4.0 Hours: Everyday 9:30AM-4PM M SANDWICHES, offering ubiquitous Vietnamese fast food on-the-go, located on 4th Avenue in downtown San Mateo was discovered by its recent unexpected power outage before the winter holidays. It was one of the few business able to operate though that meant missing out on any stir-fried or hot plates. Meant more for takeout, they do have one table in front w/seating. Okay by me. I was hangry at this point with all my favs out for the count that day. Their spring rolls, banh mi sufficed. And What a surprise! THE ORIGINAL: cold cut ham & pâté w/mayo, fresh pickled veggies, cilantro & jalapeños on a French baguette. One of the best banh mi sandwiches I've had in a long time. IYKYK. Where the bread is spot on! SPRING SHRIMP ROLLS: shrimp, vermicelli noodles, basil & lettuce in rice wrap. Was delightfully fresh in its crisp lettuce, basil, noodles & shrimp. Accompanying Peanut sauce was perfect! Next visit Will have to try their M CAFÉ SPECIAL, seems the closest to the combo Banh mi's from other eateries. As well as their popular Banh mi, GRILLED PORK W/PÂTÉ, or LEMONGRASS TOFU, GRILLED LEMONGRASS BEEF, SARDINE IN TOMATO BASIL SAUCE, PORK BELLY W/PÂTÉ. M SANDWICHES was a nice surprise and I'll be back to try the rest of their menu like LEMONGRASS TOFU SPRING ROLLS, LEMONGRASS TOFU, GRILLED CHICKEN OR BEEF BÚN. See you there! read more

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Finally tried this spot out and it didn't disappoint! They have a little window to order and 1 small table outside for seating. We ordered their original banh mi and it was ready in less than 2 minutes. Hearty portion sizes, generous filling, and crunchy bread. It also came with a small side of chips. read more

M Sandwiches - 1. The Original Banh Mi Sandwich - Vietnamese Near Me - San Mateo, California

I was excited to find a banh mi takeout spot in SM and had high hopes from the reviews. It's a cute little spot with just a walk in counter but service was sub par because all you gotta do is take my order, right? No one was at the register. I announced myself and there was someone behind the counter making what I assume are the sandwiches who I gave my order to. I ordered the #1, the traditional, and spring rolls = $26 (seriously?) I don't understand the chips that came with the sandwich. I got like 5 pieces. Here's my take on it: - not enough pate and left me wanting more - flavours are off - spring roll dip was quite mediocre - spring roll was not fresh, cucumber tasted sour - I didn't like their drippy dark sauce in the sandwich at all - I def didn't like the thick slices of what i call "asian pork bologna" I wanted a traditional banh mi because that's the only kind of banh mi I like and I didn't get it. Really disappointed. The best part was the fresh baked french bread. I'd buy the bread my itself and make my own sandwich. Probably won't be coming back. TLDR: Not great Banh Mi IMO. read more

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Quiet expensive. My sandwich cost about 12 dollars. This is on the higher end or premium side. It was a good sandwich but not sure if the price matches. I suggest going to San Jose where the prices are less. There's no indoor seating and this is a grab and go place. You can call ahead to reduce the wait read more

i've been to vietnam and this is better than so many hype bahn mi places not even kidding. the grilled pork and pate is orgasmic so flavorful rich and deep in barbecue flavor yumminess. the viet coffee is solid as well extremely strong and creamy. the workers are also efficient and sweet CANNOT GO WRONG HERE. read more

M Sandwiches - #2 2. Grilled Pork with Pate Banh Mi Sandwich Vietnamese Iced Coffee - Vietnamese Near Me - San Mateo, California

Ordered 2 tofu banh mi + Saigon shrimp banh mi about a week ago as I was in the area. Each sandwich includes a small portion of potato chips which was unexpected and fun! They were really great and hearty sandwiches but I forgot to ask for both of mine to be extra spicy. The shrimp was refreshing alongside the fresh, julienned veggies and light spread of sauce. My only complaint is the tofu itself -- it needs a crispier exterior + better seasoning. Storefront and the inside are the absolute cutest! Love all the signage and plants. I got to enjoy the shrimp banh mi outside as the table was open. Would definitely drive out of my way for these! read more

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I'm gonna give M Sandwiches 3/5 stars due to the price. Me and my husband got 2 sandwiches and some spring rolls, which totaled to about $40. The banh mi wasn't any different than what I could get for $6 from a hole in the wall. It was good but nothing justifying the price. Same with the spring roll. Can't say anything about the service since my husband was the one to pick up the food. read more

Solid banh mi! More expensive than those in the area though. I got the pork belly one, and the meat was tender and well flavored. The banh mi was slathered in mayo - so it was moist. I wish the roll had more of a crunch on the outside. I also wish the banh mi was stacked better- the one I ate had all the veggies on one side and the meat on the other. Service was quick. The restaurant does not have more than one table - expect a grab and go situation. read more

Best fish cake banh mi of my life. It's a take out place with like one small table up front, so no bathroom and wouldn't be the best for groups. I usually walk over to Central Park and enjoy it there. Sandwich is on the smaller side so I order two when I'm feeling greedy. Comes with a small side of chips which is nice. read more

Best Vietnamese sandwich I've ever had. Service was polite and efficient. Great value too. So glad I discovered this place

I was excited to try this place as I haven't had a banh mi in a long time. There were two people ahead of us waiting for sandwiches, and but it didn't take long to order. Unfortunately, I think they were overloaded with orders both in person and online and when we got home, we did not receive the correct order. With little kids and rain, we didn't want to leave our house again to drive across town to ask for a replacement, so we ate what we were given. The sandwiches we did get were okay, just not what we wanted. I appreciated the free chips, but I was disappointed with not receiving the correct order. read more

On my recent trip to San Mateo, my friend and I were craving a morning pick me up and found this place. The restaurant is pick up only and has a basic walk up space where you can order and take your food to go. We initially walked in here for the Vietnamese iced coffee, which was absolutely off the chains amazing. It was strong, sweet and soo dense and not diluted like how it is at other places and creamy and in a cup full of ice, it is the most perfect drink I've ever had and I am craving it as I write about it. We also tried their shrimp spring rolls and lemongrass beef bahn mi sandwich on separate occasions. The texture on the spring rolls was amazing, I noticed the fried crunchy log in the middle of the roll that added an extra texture that I absolutely loved. As a texture girly I was truly in heaven. The beef bahn mi didn't have chewy hard to bite meat like every other place but instead a minced kabab situation which was seasoned perfectly and soft and tender... the slice of serrano pepper in the sandwich is nothing short of a stroke of genius, the daikon was the perfect ratio. I asked for extra mayo on my sandwich because I like mine a little on the juicy side. Overall the food here and the coffee is absolutely phenomenal. As a New Yorker I was very impressed and this place had to be one of my favorite meals of my trip. If you are in the area don't walk past the unassuming hole in the wall serving up some amazing culinary gems!! read more

M Sandwiches - Vietnamese Near Me - San Mateo, California

I work in San Mateo and was looking for a good Banh Mi sandwich in the area. M Sandwiches seemed to fit the need but I was a disappointed in my visit. I ordered the bbq pork sandwich but the pork wasn't the charred strips I like but was chipped, dry, with a greasy marinade. On the plus side, the buns were light, and crunchy and the veggies including cilantro, were fresh and flavorful. I enjoyed the presentation, and neatly tied wraps but the disappointing meat dropped this to a 3 star review (and that's generous). M Sandwiches is a small place with no indoor seating and only one table on the sidewalk but San Mateo's Central Park is nearby and that's where I ate. I'll probably give M Sandwiches another shot but won't be ordering the bbq pork! read more

M Sandwiches - Bbq Pork Banh Mi? - Vietnamese Near Me - San Mateo, California

A well-regarded bahn mi spot situated on a side street of downtown San Mateo. I've walked passed m sandwiches multiple times during lunchtime on the weekdays and always see at least 3-5 people waiting outside. This take-out only spot does indeed serve some of the most moist pork belly bahn mi I have ever had, and at a reasonable price with quick service, I could easily understand how this is a go to classic for many in the area looking for a quick bite! read more

This is a pretty decent banh mi place. I haven't had too many in the San Mateo area but this is probably one of the better ones. I am spoiled from having a lot of banh mi places in the South Bay so I wouldn't say it's the best I've ever had. However, I would go back if I'm in the area. I like that they wrapped the jalapeño separately since my boyfriend does not eat them. A notable mention is that there is no seating since it seemed like some pictures showed seating. Overall, quick and friendly service. read more

M Sandwiches - 3. Grilled Lemongrass Beef Banh Mi Sandwich - Vietnamese Near Me - San Mateo, California

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THE BOMB.COM. Back home in Colorado I have a fave bahn mi shop and while I know this is a food mecca with tons to offer, you always worry if it'll be just as good as your fave. Well, this IS! Granted, I know you dont know my fave but, if you're ever in Denver, go to Vinh Xhuong. You'll be delighted. ANYWAY, this is a walk up sammie shop where you just order and eat on the run. Got the popular pork and it was flavorful, filling and a great price, cheaper than most meals in the area. It also comes with a tiny bag of crisps! No complaints. I will say the viet iced coffee is much stronger and bitter here than Ive had elsewhere so if you're looking for a greater condensed milk ratio, I might not recommend this one. read more

A little hole in the wall near downtown San Mateo! Was craving a bahn mi and stumbled across this place. There is seating outdoors (a table or two) but this is more of a grab and go type of place. The service is quick and friendly. I ordered the pork belly bahn mi and the grilled pork bahn mi and had them in my had a few minutes after paying. Both sandwiches were ~$11 so not too bad considering they are soooooo good. read more

M Sandwiches - 5. Pork Belly with Pate Banh Mi Sandwich - Vietnamese Near Me - San Mateo, California

This place is SO CUTE! Plants plants plants everywhere! Well, not everywhere but there are many of them by the entrance, which gives this place a really nice vibe. I ordered two salads, two banh mi, and two spring rolls. I will start with the good. The sandwiches were AMAZING! The bread is great. It smells very fresh and tastes good. I chose the tofu banh mi, which was truly yummy. My husband chose the chicken banh mi and he said he really liked it as well. No complaints at all. Now, the salads were not good. I did not like the tofu in them. Not sure how it was cooked but did not taste good. The spring rolls were sadly not good at all. They were very hard and chewy. I suspect the rolls are made in a batch and stored in the fridge. I don't actually mind if they were not made don't he spot when we order but I wish they were not hard to chew. I would go back for banh mi but that's it. Oh, I must also mention that I would also go back to say hello to the little cute dog. He is very friendly and wears cute little outfits :) I wish I had a picture of it but I was only able to pet it. read more

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This is a solid banh mi takeaway location. It's very flavorful BUT you will feel very thirsty for the rest of the day (MSG?). Prices are on the higher side...$14 for 1 sandwich and a few pieces of ruffle chips. I miss the days when banh mi was only $5-7. There is NO seating here so be prepared to take it to-go, maybe to the nearby park. Parking is street parking. read more

I love this spot! The banh Mis are so comforting. It's the perfect place to grab a quick satisfying lunch on a sunny day. They have a small menu and a cozy storefront with a one table outside but otherwise you can definitely walk to the park or stroll around with your drink. They provide quick and accurate service, a small bag of chips and the jalapeño wrapped between the paper of your sandwich if you don't like it spicy. read more

M Sandwiches - 3. Grilled Lemongrass Beef Banh Mi Sandwich - Vietnamese Near Me - San Mateo, California

Called to order a grilled pork and pate banh mi but got one with only pork after taking it home. Maybe it's a communication issue, which I can set aside. The sandwich is a disappointment especially seeing some good reviews. The pork is chopped up with some sticky sauce and lack of grilling flavor. The crunchy stuff is mostly pickled radishes and nothing anything else. The only good thing about the sandwich is the bread. My experience with banh mi is mainly from Lee Sandwich, which offers much cheaper and way better taste with lots of pickled radish, carrots and cilantros. Has M sandwiches been changed? read more

My partner was really craving some banh mi so we decided to try this place out. Super small cafe and only one small table and 2 chairs outside. We decided to take our meals to the nearby park instead. The banh mi was okay. The grilled pork meat was super tough like it was meat from previous days and tad bit too salty for me. The assembly of the banh mi was good just wished more veggies since it was too dry with the meat. The beef pho was unexpectedness great! We are huge pho lovers so we've had some really great pho. The only thing is you can choose what meat you want in your pho, you have to take it as is. The broth had great flavor and they provided all the toppings. Service was great, very helpful and served quickly. read more

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We stopped by downtown San Mateo for some boba and decided we wanted to eat lunch too. We were kind of craving gao viet but then our friends responded that they do want to play pickleball so we had to be quick and we didn't want to be overstuffed. Passed by this banh mi place, where two guys were sitting in the seats at front of the store, and their banh mis and coffees just looked too good to pass up. Those are the only seats though FYI. We got the pork belly banh mi, it was amazing. Paid with cash and was a few cents short but he let us have it, such a sweet guy! read more

M Sandwiches - 5. Pork Belly with Pate Banh Mi Sandwichbelly - Vietnamese Near Me - San Mateo, California

Picked up a grilled pork banh mi from here. It was pretty small and the bread was kind of on the hard side. Overall not horrible, but I've just had better in south bay and socal. read more

A nice small shop and storefront selling Vietnamese dishes! Thought the iced Vietnamese coffee was delicious, very strong and had the perfect amount of condensed milk. The beef vermicelli wasnt my favorite. The vermicelli didn't come with fish sauce and the beef was not grilled beef, it was another mixed meat. Service was great. read more

Solid sandwiches, value for money Prompt service. Good takeout place - no dine in option read more

It's a quick service lunch spot with consistently good banh mi's, and it's also nice how they give you a side of homemade kettle chips with every sandwich! There is no where to sit inside, just a small table right outside the shop, so definitely recommend taking this to go. Lots of street parking around the area in downtown San Mateo, would recommend this for a decent banh mi. read more

Easy to find parking, quick to deliver, and fairly authentic. Had the combo which is cold cut. It tasted pretty good. A little too sweet for my taste but I'm sure it's just an off day. read more

I've been here so many times I can't believe I haven't reviewed it yet! This place is amazing! They have plenty of veggie options and a lot on their menu. I absolutely love the Lemongrass Tofu Banh Mi from here. I usually like to add extra mayo to my banh mi, but for this one, I don't need to because it is already so flavourful! The tofu is everything I could ask for. It's ripped into small pieces and every bite is packed with flavour. I also love the Vietnamese coffee from here. It's never too bitter or too sweet, it's just right. I also love how they include the jalapeños on the side incase you don't want them in the sandwich. They also give a small bag of chips with every sandwich, which I love. The service here is also excellent. They make small talk with the customers and make sure everything they ordered is included. I always ask for no cilantro and they have never forgotten. The people who run this place are so sweet and they deserve everything. read more

M Sandwiches - 10. Lemongrass Tofu Banh Mi Sandwich - Vietnamese Near Me - San Mateo, California

No. 2 continues to be my fam's favorite choice. The sandwich is top notch tasty. My only advice is to eat it quickly as you want to retain the crispy crust of the bread. read more

M Sandwiches - 2. Grilled Pork with Pate Banh Mi Sandwich - Vietnamese Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Delish! bahn mi combo- great bread, toasted- crunch outside, fluffy inside. Nice pickles and herbs. Love the pate and tons of meat. Saves me from driving to sf or sj. We like the tofu one too. Lovely man with service. Comes with small bag of chips. Worth coming! Opened at 920 even though post says 930. read more

M Sandwiches - Combo with pate - Vietnamese Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Bahn mi sandwiches are consistently delicious....all types. I prefer the beef or pork with lots of veggies. Service is excellent. Small tables, but I prefer take out. Park as cross the street at what used to be Dragers market. read more

Great service. Nice location near the parking structure. All the sandwiches are tied with a cord instead of tape! Sandwiches come with a small baggy of chips. I phoned an order 5 minutes and the order was almost done by the time I got there! Speedy :) (5/5 star) #2 grilled pork with pate Yum. I would come back for this one. Sweet savory crunchy. All the good things. (1/5 star) #1 the original I didn't know cold cut hams meant 2 pieces of Cha and 2 pieces of HONEY HAM. I thought it was going to be vietnamese deli cuts. I feel lied to, tbh. Looking at older photos, at one point had Vietnamese deli slices. Did I come on a off day? read more

M Sandwiches - Order the original. Yup, that's right. That is honey ham in my banh mi sandwich. WTF is this? - Vietnamese Near Me - San Mateo, California

Super OVERPRICED. The sandwich doesn't even taste good. Also got the spring rolls, nothing but lettuce. Had it twice and was never satisfied. Don't recommend. If you're able to make the drive, go to Duc Huong in San Jose. read more

Food was GREAT!! But be aware that the food will be far from what's on their Instagram account, which is linked from their web site. I saw some items on their insta and ordered it from online to pick up, ended up getting completely different items and got so confused. When I went back and asked, the person at the cashier seemed also confused and said somebody used his name. (but again, the insta account is linked from their legit website...) Anyway, whatever I got was great and the way he responded me was very sincere and generous so we will definitely come back to try other items! I hope they figure out to unlink the misleading insta with full of false advertisement account though...so 3 stars for now! read more