Van Loc

One of my all time favourite foods would have to be Vietnamese Subs. There’s so much versatility and options when it comes to subs and sandwiches! I grew up in Red Deer, and at that time, there was zero options if I wanted a Vietnamese sub. Even today, there is only one option, a small place that opened within the last couple years. My parents used to make weekly trips to Calgary or Edmonton to get Asian groceries, and along with that, were usually a couple of Vietnamese subs.
Van Loc is amount a couple of my favourite places to get subs in Edmonton. It’s located right in China Town, on 106^th ave and 98 street. The owners are just an old Vietnamese couple, who really put their heart and soul into the establishment. I really like the wholesome feel when I get there. The service is friendly and great, and the prices are pretty on par with other sub places (except for the really westernized places like in West Ed, or the ones on Whyte (though they are still reasonably cheap).
I almost always get the traditional sandwich, which is the Banh Mi Van Loc. Most sub places have this type of sub, which usually comes with Vietnamese sausages, headcheese, and other meats. They top it with cucumber, pickled carrots, cilantro, and jalapeño, along with liver paté, and a mayo/​butter spread. The last sub I had was the one I had from Vietnam from Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, which I can honestly say was like crack. Throughout my 3 weeks there, I had it at least 3 – 4 times, and definitely could have gone more.
These sandwiches always hit the spot. They are nice and big, and for 4 dollars, more than enough to satisfy. I really should try the other kinds of sandwiches, but I’m kind of a traditionalist so it’s hard to get away from that.
My sister has recently become vegetarian, so she opted to get that. It comes with basially the same toppings, minus the paté. They have this shredded veggie fake meat, which looks very similar to ruoc (Vietnamese shredded pork). It was nice and sweet and definitely not a terrible sub. If I had to go with a vegetarian Viet sub though, I’d probably go with the veggie ones from Nhon Hoa 2. They are a bit more substantial, and in my opinion, a bit tastier.
Anyways! Overall, Vietnamese subs are definitely on the top of my all time favourite things to eat, and we actually have a lot of options when it comes to subs in Edmonton. Like I mentioned in my previous post on Nhon Hoa 2. It’s a toss up between those two places for me. I think if I absolutely had to choose, I’d go with Nhon Hoa 2, but I really like the vibe and owners of Van Loc. Definitely give either of those two a try though for great subs
full review on my blog

Viet subs are my ultimate weakness. I love that I can get a massive sub for $ 4. The meat is tasty and the pickled veg are nice and crisp. It’s my go-​to when I’m in Chinatown

I’ve had the assorted meat and Vietnamese sausage at Van Loc. I love banh mi, but it’s not something I seek out in Edmonton. I’ve only ever had one other in Edmonton and it was not that great. But a few friends had raved about Van Loc, so I came to try them out. Despite these reviews, my experience wasn’t that good. My problem was that both times, my sandwich was smeared with a thick layer of pâté. It’s not that I don’t like pâté, but there was so much on the sandwich, that it was pretty much the only flavour I experienced. Occasionally, there was a squirt of pickle juice, but then it was back to bread and pâté. I’m not sure I can bring myself to come back for a third try.

For some strange reason, I don’t think I’ve ever had a bánh mì in Edmonton. It’s odd because I love Vietnamese sandwiches! I’ve had some amazing ones in Vietnam along with in San Francisco (Saigon Sandwich). I still dream about that bánh mì in SF, probably one of the best ones I’ve had outside of Vietnam!
Anyways, I needed some kind of fuel to tide me over before one of my soccer practices so I figured I would try my luck in Chinatown. I tried to go to Nhon Hoa but they close at 6pm. Walked a block over and spotted Van Loc, who were open till 7pm so I went in to check it out. The place is clean and very simple, with old grannies manning the front! Van Loc’s prices are very, very reasonable with all their sandwiches in the $ 4.00-$ 4.50 range. Can someone say DEAAAAAAL?
I ordered the bánh mì gà (#6) ($ 4.50) — Vietnamese sub with shredded chicken. It came with your usual fillings (carrots, cilantro, cucumber and hot peppers (which is optional). The hot peppers gave it a nice kick to it. It would have been even better if the peppers were spread out evenly throughout the sandwich. The baguette was toasted/​warmed for a few minutes which gave it a nice, light crunchy outside but still was soft on the inside. I wish they added a bit more meat and vegetables to their sandwich but I guess that’s why their prices are so low. Next time, I will have to ask for extra ($ 0.50 for more vegetables/​meat which is reasonable).
Good, cheap spot in Chinatown to grab a sandwich and the old ladies are fast, sweet and friendly.

I just discovered Van Loc this week and I liked it so much that I’ve already been back for more. My goal is to eat through their entire menu — I’m not Vietnamese so I need to rely on the basic English translation — I will take pictures of every sandwich :)
This is my first introduction to Vietnamese subs so I have no comparison as to whether it’s authentic or not. But I suspect that it gets it pretty close. Each sub is in a 1-​foot long baguette, soft on the inside and scratch-​the-​roof-​of-​your-​mouth-​crusty on the outside. Both subs I had were a touch dried out on the very ends but the rest of it was great. You can get your sub «hot», which means they slip in a few slivers of a hot orange pepper into the garnishes. It totally blends in with the pickled carrots… likely you will be eating your sub happily and then BOOM the hot pepper will light your mouth on fire. It’s a nice touch but I kind of wish the pepper was chopped up and sprinkled throughout instead. The sub is also garnished with sprigs of cilantro — I love the freshness it adds, but it’s very easy to pick it out if you don’t like it.
So far I’ve had #1 — assorted meats, which appeared to be 3 kinds of deli meat; and #4 — cold meat, which is this lightly spiced pork deli meat with a slightly chewy rind (right up my alley!). Both came with a smear of savoury pâté, though my friends who had #7 — shredded pork said that theirs didn’t have any. Take out is your best bet — you can stay to eat but there isn’t much ambiance and only 8 – 10 seats. Super cheap, cash only (taxes included on listed prices), and overall a great light but filling lunch.

I was introduced to Vietnamese subs years ago and ever since I’ve fell upon Van Loc, I have never been anywhere else! I almost go once a week and I’m never disappointed!
I love the crunch of the buns and the fresh veggies places inside on top of thinly sliced meat!
I see the owner quite often with nothing but the sincerest smiles and good greetings!
The older ladies speak no English but they are friendly and fast!
They have write-​ups in the papers posted up by the till because they are sooooo good!

As for my boys, VanLoc provides all kinds of baguettes toasted to tiny crunchy, topping from combination with all cold cut to hot Xuimai, along with their home made cold cut, they have made their own batter and Pâté too, the final touch of their banquette always top with shredded carrots, cucumber, cilantro and hot peeper.
Beside the main food they also cater few sweet items, the sweetness of these items are very Light in dosing of sugar for whom is concerning for calories wise.
This lunch can be very colorful, healthy and inexpensive.

This is all you need to know:
— Really tasty sandwiches
— Big enough for lunch
— Only costs $ 4
— I’m going back

Van Loc introduced me to the ultimate fusion food — Vietnamese subs. It’s quite an unpretentious looking storefront in an… er, diverse area of Edmonton’s Chinatown! The interior too, isn’t much to look at. The one or two old, creaky tables inside the tiny establishment won’t entice you to sit and stay. This is definitely a takeaway place.
But the subs? Oh my. My favourite is the #1, the signature Banh Mi cold cut sandwich. It has a tasty pâté (which I don’t usually like), plus other Vietnamese meat cuts, plus the crunchy vegetables, which are probably the most distinct part of the sub. Thinly sliced carrots, cucumbers, and cilantro, seasoned lightly with a vinegar dressing is all right with me. The bread is soft but crunchy on the outside.
If Asian food is all about combining the different flavours on the palate in a harmonious balance, then Van Loc succeeds wonderfully. Their sandwiches have elements of salty, sweet, tangy, savoury, and spicy. It will make you wonder why you ate those boring Subway sandwiches for so long.
I haven’t even touched on the price — I think it’s still $ 4 for most subs, which is an absolute steal! Buy two! Or three!
Fast food hasn’t entered the lexicon at Van Loc, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. But don’t worry, those sandwiches are made with love, the old-​school way.
One more thing: I tried a fried doughnut thing here once and it was underwhelming. Greasy and not sweet. I haven’t tried the evergreen desserts either, but if you come here, make sure it’s for the subs.

The search for the best Viet sub is over.
The real key is the magnificent baguettes made by the little vietnamese grandmas of Van Loc. These women don’t joke around. Everything from pâté, chicken, mystery viet sausage. Everything is super fresh and delicious.
Want to be adventurous? Try one of the Viet desserts of crazy colors. All super tasty.

I hate one ‘$’ sign places on Unilocal that are infact, not deserving of the single $ sign. I mean it’s all relative: if an ordinary sandwich is $ 9, then it’s technically still only going to get one dollar sign, but it’s an expensive sandwich!
Van Loc truly deserves its $ sign though. Even though you can tell they raised the prices a bit, with the way they try to hide the old prices on the menu, it’s still unbelievably cheap. Why pay the same money at Subways for a tiny sub, when you get a foot long here that’s fresh and delicious? $ 3.50 and up?! Sign me up.
I had their Van Loc sandwich (#1 on the menu) …mmm. Good variety of meat and just enough of the vegetables. The sandwiches here don’t have a heavy/​very flavourful sauce added to it; it depends more on the meat/​vegetables to tickle your taste buds. I personally like the heavier sauce you find at some other places, but this also results in a lighter-​tasting sandwich that’s perfect for lunch.
For those feeling adventurous, the peppers you can add in your sandwiches are mad spicy. Like 1000x spicier than banana peppers. I learned the hard way. :(
Edit: Dang, the obligatory price raise has finally happened… subs are starting at $ 4 now. Still tastes the same.

Oh Van Loc, how I missed you.
The crispy, just warmed baguettes.
Delicious thinly sliced meats and pates.
Fresh cucumber, cilantro and spicy pepper carrot mixture all nestled inside.
They have a loc down on bánh mìi in this city, in my opinion.
Can’t beat it for a healthy lunch for 4 under $ 20. My recommendation: get one for right now, and one for later, because you WILL crave it.
If you can’t decide and are new to Viet subs, try the shredded pork or beef (peanuts involved, be careful) or the succulent BBQ ham. Old hands will likely go for the #1 Van Loc special with slatherings of housemade pâté and sliced ham and other meats or the Vietnamese sausage sub. They’re all excellent though, and there is a vegetarian option.
Cash only — be warned.

Van Loc is good, but it isn’t as good as people here make it out to be. Acceptable if you’re in the area, but not worth a special trip.

Huzzah! I have found a Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich) that rivals the best of San Francisco, or even Saigon. The baguettes are crusty, yet soft and fresh. I went for the chay banh mi (vegetarian), which consists of bean thread noodles marinated and morphed into the consistency and flavor of pulled pork (perhaps there’s some vinegar involved).
The sandwich is topped with a number of julienned vegetables. — though it was still missing my beloved pickled daikon.
But if I’m in the area and craving a vietnamese sandwich, this will be my go to place.
Van Loc doesn’t have much of a seating area and lacks any sort of décor that would make you want to stay in the deli and eat your sandwich. So it’s best to take it back to the office, or enjoy it outside on a more temperate day.
Sandwiches are more traditionally sized, rather than the super-​sized vietnamese subs they serve at V’s sandwiches. You may need two to fill you up here — but they only cost about $ 3.50 each.
Avenue Magazine named Van Loc’s Banh Mi one of the top 25 things to eat in Edmonton in 2012.

There is no better sandwich value in Edmonton. Wonderful baguette toasted up, topped with lettuce, shredded carrot, mint and wonderful Vietnamese style meats all for around $ 5. There is no other sandwich place that compares with this place in terms of value for money combined with quality ingredients.
I love the roasted pork or meatball, especially with the extra peanuts. Tastes so fresh.
Also make great salad rolls.

Great vietnamese sandwiches. Probably one of my favorites. I really like their bread. Crispy exterior and nice fluffy soft bread inside. Just the right amount of meats and veggies.

This is one of the best places you can get a Vietnamese sub, because it’s always fresh and really cheap. Vietnamese subs make a great lunch, as they’re a healthy option with all the carrots, parsnips, cukes, and cilantro in there. And like Paula mentioned in her previous review, they’re packed with flavour, since they have this special mayo spread they use. Some of the subs also have pâté sauce, or liver paste I think, so if you’re a vegetarian you may want to check on that. My family and I used to stop by all the time to pick up bagfuls of these things. They also sell drinks like various juices and sodas, and Vietnamese specialty desserts here.

I started purchasing Vietnamese submarine sandwiches at Van Loc because it is almost right next door to the Tear Bar Café, where I often head for bubble tea. I had heard a lot about Vietnamese subs and wanted to try them out. Vietnamese subs are usually very inexpensive — just about everything on Van Loc’s menu is under $ 4 — yes, you read that correctly. The sandwiches are served on warm, crisp panini bread adorned with picked carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, a mayonnaise spread, and the meat. Choices include chicken, salami, mixed meats, pork, and a vegetarian version which is the one I normally go for, that uses a chewy bean curd in place of meat. You can choose whether or not to have hot peppers included (a definite «no» for me). The results are flavourful, satisfying, and easy on the wallet. You can wait a bit for your sandwich if there is a lineup, and service is generally friendly. The people who work here don’t speak English well, but I was able to make myself understood and even able to have questions answered about some of the ingredients. Sandwiches are served warm in a paper bag — I generally eat mine as I stroll through Chinatown on the way to my office.