Viet9 Baguette

Viet9 Baguette was one of those places that we seemingly took quite a long while to make our visit to — having established its presence in the last couple of years where there is seemingly this Banh Mi boom around the island, Viet9 Baguette is one of the few that is located conveniently within the heartlands of Toa Payoh. Situated at Blk 183 Toa Payoh Central, Viet9 Baguette occupies a small hole-in-the-wall space within the town centre of Toa Payoh. The stall is pretty much a one-man show here; the only person manning the stall during our visit was a Vietnamese lady who is the one taking orders, preparing the food to be sold in the kitchen, as well as getting ready all of the patron’s orders. Given the nature of the business here; it is needless to say that Viet9 Baguette is pretty much fun like a takeaway kiosk; there are actually no seatings located both inside the shop unit nor outside of the shop unit. As one approached Viet9 Baguette, they would be greeted by a glass display that showcases all of the condiments that they would serve up with their various Banh Mi which they have to offer. In an effort to not restrict themselves to strictly serving up Banh Mi, Viet9 Baguette also serves up a limited variety of rice and rice noodle dishes as well. Beverages being served up at Viet9 Baguette includes Vietnamese Black / Milk Coffee, Green Tea, Iced Milo, as well as Coke.

Skimming through the menu, we thought it would be good to give their Traditional Vietnam Bread a go. Whilst some of the menu items at Viet9 Baguette comes with descriptions of the condiments that are included in the Banh Mi, the Traditional Vietnam Bread was an item where the elements of the Banh Mi were not being disclosed in the menu. Based on our order, the Traditional Vietnam Bread seems to have come with pate, butter, pickled radish and carrots, as well as both Ham and Vietnamese Jambon — the elements being all stuffed into the baguette before it is being toasted in their toaster oven. Sinking our teeth into the Traditional Vietnam Bread, the baguette is undeniably crisp — the baguette being light and airy enough whilst carrying quite a good, firm bite; having a tension as one tears the bread apart. We found the Traditional Vietnam Bread to be pretty well-stuffed with ingredients; it is interesting to note that the pickled cucumbers and carrots are actually sliced rather thickly in rectangular strips in this one. This also means that the pickled radish and carrots come with a good crunch; one that carried quite a good crunch and refreshes the taste buds with its evident tang from all the ham, jambon and pate that is going on in here. The pate here carried just the right degree of savouriness here — not too strong in flavour, but enough to bind all of the elements that came with the Banh Mi together; the ham and jambon provided a meaty bite with a savoury note typical of cured meat. For those whom opted for chili, the chili with fish sauce provided quite a spicy punch of flavours that came with a level of spiciness that would tickle the tastebuds even for those whom have a higher level of tolerance to spiciness, especially considering how it does build up after a while. One interesting thing about the Vietnamese Traditional Bread is how it does not come with coriander; an element that is commonly found in Banh Mi typically.

Viet9 Baguette isn’t the only Banh Mi stall that is located within Toa Payoh; in fact, Banh Mi Thit by Star Baguette had also opened a stall in Toa Payoh Central subsequent to the opening of Viet9 Baguette nearby at Blk 190 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh just right beside Oishi Pan Bakery. That being said, Viet9 Baguette would be the more independently-run establishment between the two, considering how Banh Mi Thit by Star Baguette had been expanding its operations in recent times. Having tried a number of spots that serves up Banh Mi over the years, we have pretty much found the holy grail of Banh Mi being Banh Mi Saigon at Ang Mo Kio, as well as Miss Saigon at Orchard Plaza; both being establishments that are related to one another. Disregarding these two establishments however, Viet9 Baguette’s Traditional Vietnam Bread is actually a pretty respectable offering; one that we found to be slightly better than what could be considered as rather average renditions of Banh Mi that some establishments tend to serve up which might also be viewed as a tad uninspiring. Prices of the Banh Mi at Viet9 Baguette does seem pretty reasonable — all Banh Mi with the exception of the Special Bread is being priced at a flat price of $6, while the Special Bread is listed at $7; they also do offer Combo sets for their Banh Mi at $7.30 for those Banh Mi that are priced at $6 ala-carte, while the Special Bread + Drink Combo is priced at $8.30. The Combo Set adds a small-sized drink to the Banh Mi — further providing patrons with value. With more Banh Mi-focused establishments sprouting up across various locations around the island, it is increasingly easier to grab one at places to one’s convenience. That being said, Viet9 Baguette does serve up some pretty decent ones that is worth making the trip for especially if one stays relatively close to Toa Payoh; we would definitely consider going for their Special Bread again if we are in the area again!