Viet Sub

Compared to bahn mi shops in Northern Virginia, it is probably a 4 star place; we are spoiled with our large Vietnamese population because they create a market for a variety of high quality, authentic Vietnamese food. I don’t know that Roanoke has the same market, but i have to say that the place was hopping busy on a Monday for lunch!
I’d like to go again to sample other items on the menu — this time we had a traditional and a meatball bahn mi sandwich. Great french rolls! Crispy and light! The fillings were a great balance of meat and veg. The traditional includes pâté, regular ham and Vietnamese ham (called pork breast in NoVa). The meatball was actual meatballs rather than the loose meat we get at home. Very, very good and satisfying.
The kitchen is immaculate, and the restaurant and bathroom were clean. Parking is in a small lot behind the building and there is a small patio seating area, but on a very busy street. The service is cheerful and friendly. They have been here for two years, and i wish them many more years of continued success!

Worth the 6 mile trip off the beaten path! We had vermicelli dish which included delicious pork and spicy egg roll each! Locals there saying the come in at least every 2 weeks for a meal and always get their bread there for home-​cooked Italian dinners! Tiny eating area of about 6 – 7 tables, so better to do take-​out during peak times.

I love this little place. The owner was very friendly and hardworking. The food was also excellent. Truly a gem.

I got the works today, all the meats… omg so GOOD! It’s so extremely affordable and the quality of the food was fantastic. The bread is awesome in itself. Highly recommend stopping by and eating here. There is parking behind the restaurant. I’ll be back soon!

Every now and again I stumble across a little restaurant that blows my mind. These places are often off the beaten path, may not have the flash or grandeur of other establishments and may seem like a leap of faith on the first visit, but the experience is likely to spark excited conversation with others who love food. I am an an award winning chef and restaurateur who found myself on Williamson Rd around lunch time with my mother on our way to a movie when we saw Viet Sub. I had heard great things in the past regarding their food and decided that this was the perfect time to stop in to try it out.
You enter into a tiny restaurant with only around 12 seats and minimal décor. When you approach the counter you are greeted by huge smiles and a welcome like you are a long lost friend. The menu is small and focused which is something you should always look for in a smaller restaurant. If the menu is huge it makes you wonder how the standards can be kept so high across such a vast expanse of cuisine. We both order the lunch special which included a small Phở, a drink and your choice of Banh Mi sub. I chose the honey pork and my mother got the traditional. We sat down to await our food and immediately remarked how special the atmosphere had already become due to the enthusiasm exhibited by the staff.
A few minutes later our lunch arrived. The «small» phở was enough for a meal alone and the sandwich wrapped in wax paper with a delicate rubber band around was obviously made with care. We both tucked into the phở and were delighted by the richness and flavor of this often overlooked and over seasoned dish. The broth was light and clear the noodles were perfect and the fresh jalapeño, lime and Thai basil which the guest adds themselves allowed us to bring the soup just to our specific tastes. And then silence… Only interrupted by the occasional slurp, or satisfying (if not slightly embarrassing) moan. Phở is an exceptionally hard dish to master as the broth can take several days to make and the flavor a must balance on the tip of a needle to find true harmony. This did just that. Some may feel that it needed more star anise or more 5 spice, but I would disagree. I found it to be wonderful, light, bright and fresh.
At this point the banh mi was unwrapped and the beauty of this expertly prepared sandwich was laid before us. The pickled carrots, daikon and cucumbers were fresh and crunchy while the cilantro and fresh jalapeños peaked out from the corners just to remind you to beware their burst of flavor. The honey pork was tender, succulent and sweet. The small amount of mayonnaise enriched the sandwich and it was all cut by the perfect vinegary crunch of the vegetables. This is simply one of the best sandwiches I have ever had in Roanoke.
I realize that it is out of the way for many people and sometimes easy to forget about even if friends have told you many times to go there. However, do yourself a favor and make the effort. Once you go to Viet Sub you will not forget again. In fact, you will find that you have become one of those people who will constantly be reminding others about this very very special restaurant.
And to the owners, I just wish to say thank you so much. I know how hard the restaurant business is and to make such exceptional food with the grace, kindness and enthusiasm that you do is so rare.

The bánh mì here compared to big cities isn’t the same however for being in Roanoke it is not bad. The bread wasn’t crispy enough and the feeling did not live up to my expectations but other than that it was not bad. This place is not conducive to a large crowds but can see groups. It’s kind of in a secluded space which makes it hard to find. The service is very friendly and accommodating. The place seemed clean

Delicious and super inexpensive subs! The ingredients were very fresh and you can tell the quality was very good, despite its inexpensive price!

We’ve lived off of Williamson road now for 5 years and finally tried Viet Sub today. Yum! Most of the subs are $ 4 but I ordered «The Beast» for $ 5.99. The meats on it were so delicious. The pickled carrots and radishes really added a great flavor. It was so fresh tasting. My husband loved the phở. We also ordered an egg roll and a spring roll which were good.
My only regret is not trying this place out sooner.
Thanks for a really fresh tasting lunch, Viet Sub!

Delicious subs, super fresh tasting. A meal that you don’t regret after you eat. I also tried the phở which was really good. Prices are very reasonable. Nice staff too.

Just had my first experience at Viet Sub — I can’t say enough good things about it.
I had the glazed pork Bahn Mi — and while I’ve never had Bahn Mi before, I’ve eaten thousands of sandwiches. This one was delicious, flavorful and fresh, with a pleasing medley of textures. I honestly can’t believe I just ate a sandwich of this quality for so little money — I will absolutely be back.
Other items of note: I got my food to go, but it was obvious that the restaurant was clean and well-​run. The woman behind the counter was polite and efficient, as well — I was in and out in just a couple of minutes. Top notch establishment all around!

It’s very hard to get a seat, but the soup and subs are great. Small menu, great prices. Limited parking. Atmosphere is ok.
We’ve gotten soup to go on many occasions and must always remember to ask for the basil. It’s never forgotten when ordering to eat in.

Great prices. Phở is really good. Sandwiches ate great. I have to get the Beast because there is plenty of meat on then.

I got halfway through my sandwich and already knew I was gonna give it a 5 star Unilocal review! I got the honey glazed pork banh mi and it’s simply delicious. The meat is so flavorful and the toppings are fresh, the bread is the perfect vehicle for the amazingness that lies within. I got an egg roll on the side and I’m happily stuffed, it was all so good. I will absolutely be returning to this establishment many more times!

I wasn’t sure what to expect, so
Glad I went in. Got the veg w/​pâté. Absolutely loved it, extremely fresh, tasty and wonderful. I’m a fan.

I loved Viet Sub. The food, the proprietress, the food. The four of us had different subs preceded by fresh spring rolls shared all around and finished up with a perfect sesame ball. It was fresh and fantastic! And to cap it all the touch on my wallet was very light. As good as it get, timing is everything. Enjoy.

One of the best kept secrets in Roanoke. Freshly made bread, delicious meats, traditional Vietnam sub. $ 5.50 for a big, delicious sub, a drink and a side. You can’t beat that!

Yes! I love Unilocal!If you are passing through Roanoke you have to stop here. My husband, who has spent some time in Asia, loved the food. He got the rice vermicelli and he said several times how fresh it was. He said how all Americanized most Asian food is and how it all seems to be covered in sauce. He said this didn’t need all the sauce because it was so fresh and tasty.
Our kids got a small phở to share and they loved the noodles and broth. The lady taking our ordered suggested the small phở when I asked her what most kids get.
I got the honey glazed pork sub. The bread was awesome and I am a huge fan of cilantro so I really enjoyed it.
We also got a few sesame balls. The kids loved them and so did I. They were filled with a mung bean and coconut center. The spring rolls were great too.
We will definitely visit here again if we are ever in town.

This place is really good. You can find subs for a good price or even make it a combo for cheap. The owners are really friendly, quick service and spicylicious!

This place is fantastic!!! Don’t miss an opportunity to try a $ 4 Bahn Mi sand which. It’s very small but very clean… enjoy!!!

I’m the kind of person that when I get homesick, I get homesick not for people or place, but for food. And I have been so, so homesick lately.
I’m originally from California and have had my fair share of Vietnamese subs, also known as «banh mi», as well as from up in Northern Virginia, where I live when I’m not at school. Finding a Vietnamese sandwich shop in the NRV area is certainly rare and when it popped up when I was perusing Vietnamese food because of my homesickness, I hopped on the chance to go.
The location isn’t great — it’s a small, undecorated house that lets you know what it is from a small sign on the front. There’s parking around the back, but no sidewalk leading up the door from the back. I honestly thought it was super sketchy, and the inside didn’t really convince me otherwise. It’s small and clean, but largely undecorated, though there’s tables for group seating if you’re there to eat in.
The menu looks sparse, which worried me a little bit, but the old man taking my order knew exactly what I wanted once I tried to remember what I usually ordered in Vietnamese (I usually get the «pâté cha», which is the pâté with Vietnamese ham, and the «ga nuong», the grilled chicken) and was really kind even though I am not the best Vietnamese speaker. I ordered my usual two, as well as a «thit nuong», and waited for my order to come out.
It was prepared as soon as I ordered, and another customer waited until he was done with my order. The bread is fresh, albeit a little smaller than the usual banh mi bread that I’m used to, but otherwise, it looked like what I was used to at home.
I ate the «pâté cha» one in the car before I started driving back to my apartment and my God, it tasted just like what I had been missing and craving for. I even tearfully (okay not tearfully tearfully) snapchatted my cousin in California telling her that I was so homesick but that this strange little place had the sandwich that I had been craving. I ate the chicken one for an early dinner before work, and am currently working on the thit nuong right now.
Overall, the taste is good and authentic — it’s definitely the best in the area, not that the surrounding area has a lot to offer in terms of Vietnamese sandwiches. The service was quick and warm and the price wasn’t bad, either. I only wish that there were more options at this little joint (I was hoping for some traditional bubble tea options or other typical Vietnamese bakery goods) and maybe larger loaves of bread, but otherwise, I’m a fan. I’m a huge fan.