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| Golden Banh Mi in Aurora, CO |
A Golden Day and a Glorious Bánh Mì: Discovering Golden Banh Mi
It was a golden day—perfect for discovery—and I finally made it to a restaurant I’d been itching to visit ever since my taste buds were forever changed by one incredible sandwich: the bánh mì.
If you read yesterday’s post (Pork Bánh Mì Royale), you’ll know I prepared my first-ever bánh mì sandwiches while prepping for the sandwich episode of A Seasoned Friendship, the monthly podcast I co-host with Lori Bregenzer. (Listen in—we share laughs, food talk, and some seriously tasty recipes!) That first bite of homemade bánh mì was transformative, and I knew I needed to try the real deal from a dedicated shop.
So Mom and I hopped in the car and took a short trip to check out Golden Banh Mi. Let’s just say—it did not disappoint.
First Impressions
As a former restaurant reviewer, I couldn’t help slipping back into critic mode as we walked in. The interior was simple—reminiscent of many sandwich shops I’ve visited: an ordering counter up front, bags of chips on display, soda fountain to the side. But what stood out right away was something unique—they showcase a photo of each sandwich’s ingredients right on the menu. It’s a small but thoughtful detail that lets you know exactly what you’re getting.
Their menu is refreshingly focused:
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11 sandwiches
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2 desserts
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3 custom drinks
Technically, there are “sides,” but they’re more like add-ons to round out your sandwich experience.
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| Isaac at the ordering bar |
Placing the Order
We met Isaac at the ordering bar—friendly, patient, and incredibly helpful. Most of the sandwiches come with jalapeños, so I asked to leave them off (because: Mom). When I inquired about the curry sauce on the Curry Chicken Bánh Mì, Isaac generously offered me a sample. That alone earned them major points.
And the sauce? I could have sipped it straight. Slightly sweet, umami-rich, gently spicy—it was addictive. I knew instantly I’d be ordering that sandwich for myself.
For Mom, I settled on the “Pho-Rench” Dip—a clever spin on the French Dip, and a smart choice given her love for Arby’s version.
The Sandwiches
Curry Chicken Bánh Mì
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| Curry Chicken Banh Mi |
Absolutely packed with tender, juicy pulled chicken soaked in that heavenly Golden Saigon curry sauce, this sandwich came with extra sauce on the side (which made my day). Traditional bánh mì includes a layer of pâté—this one did too—but it blended so seamlessly with the rest of the sandwich that I didn’t detect it at first.
The bread, while not made from rice flour as in some traditional versions, was outstanding. It had the right bite, wasn’t too crusty, and held up beautifully against the generous fillings.
“Pho-Rench” Dip
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| "Pho-Rench" Dip Banh Mi |
This was a star in its own right. Loaded with chopped beef seasoned in what I suspect was a savory-sweet five-spice blend, and paired with an au jus for dipping, it felt like a cross-cultural love letter to the French Dip. Mom adored it—though we had to remove the veggies for her (she’s 84 and not a fan of bulky toppings). Dipping it into the rich broth made it feel indulgent and fun.
A Sweet Ending
Just when I thought we were done, Isaac offered us a sample of their Strawberry Matcha Tiramisu. I’ve had my share of unconventional tiramisus, but this one was special. Delicate ladyfingers soaked in green tea, layered with luscious custard, fresh strawberries, and topped with a dusting of fragrant matcha powder. It was light, creamy, and just sweet enough. We took home half of our sandwiches—but we finished every bite of the tiramisu on the spot.
Final Thoughts
We’ll be back.
Golden Banh Mi offers something truly special in the Denver metro area. Their proteins are expertly seasoned, their sauces are thoughtful and bold, and their bread is just right. The service? Warm, generous, and personal.
I do hope they expand their menu to include new proteins or sandwich styles in the future. But even if they don’t change a thing—we’ll still be bringing friends, family, and anyone who appreciates a sandwich done right.
For more opinions (besides mine), check out their Yelp page.
Until next bite,
Your friendly neighborhood bánh mì enthusiast
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