Gion Banh Mi & Tea

Gion Banh Mi & Tea

3217 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, United States

+1 206-420-3692

Sandwich shop, Bubble tea store
(330)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Seattle’s West Seattle neighborhood, Gion Banh Mi & Tea is a must-visit destination for lovers of authentic Vietnamese sandwiches and refreshing bubble teas. This cozy sandwich shop and tea store serves up an irresistible fusion of bold flavors and fresh ingredients, celebrating the vibrant culinary traditions of Vietnam with every bite and sip.

The star of the menu is undoubtedly their bánh mì sandwiches—generous, perfectly balanced, and expertly crafted. Whether you opt for the savory Grilled Pork Sandwich or the tender Grilled Chicken Sandwich, each bite delivers a delightful harmony of crispy, airy baguette, succulent meats, crunchy pickled vegetables, and fragrant fresh herbs. Vegan diners will find joy in the Lemongrass Tofu Banh Mì, where bright, herbaceous notes and subtle spice create an equally enticing experience. Seasonal offerings like the limited-time Viet Meat Loaf Bánh Mì add exciting new dimensions with rich pork meatloaf paired perfectly with crisp veggies and creamy house mayo—an elevated twist on a classic favorite.

Fans of bubbles and brews will be equally enchanted here. Gion Banh Mi & Tea excels in cooling down the Seattle heat with a vibrant selection of beverages. From the silky, sweet Thai Tea with Boba to the robust charm of Vietnamese Iced Coffee, each drink is a refreshing escape that perfectly complements the hearty sandwiches. Their imaginative seasonal Pumpkin Caramel Milk Tea is a cozy fall treat, while fruit-forward options like the Fresh Lychee Ice Tea and Passion Fruit Ice Tea brighten any day with their natural sweetness and crisp finish.

The dining atmosphere reflects the shop’s welcoming, unpretentious vibe. Bright yellow outdoor tables invite locals and visitors alike to settle in and savor their meals under open skies. Inside, a convenient iPad ordering system keeps wait times short without sacrificing the friendly warmth customers rave about. Despite its small footprint, the space feels intimate yet bustling—perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch or an informal meet-up with friends.

Authentic customer voices paint a vivid picture of Gion Banh Mi & Tea’s standout qualities. Emily P. praises the generous portion sizes and the undeniable deliciousness of both the pork and chicken sandwiches. Irene Nguyen’s testimony about driving an hour just to indulge speaks volumes about the quality and value offered, highlighting the fresh, crunchy textures and the attentive, kind staff. Viennna Wong’s delight in discovering pork floss and perfect balance of savory ingredients in the classic bánh mì captures the unique charm that sets this shop apart. Though some mention the iPad ordering as less personal, the overall sentiment is clear: Gion Banh Mi delivers consistent excellence in flavor, quality, and experience.

Whether you’re seeking a hearty, flavor-packed sandwich or a refreshing bubble tea to brighten your afternoon, Gion Banh Mi & Tea is a genuine Seattle gem that combines tradition and innovation with heart and soul. Its ability to make you feel both comforted and delighted, bite after sip after bite, ensures you’ll be coming back — hungry and thirsty for more.

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Outdoor seating -contact delivery Delivery On-site services Takeaway
Popular for
Lunch Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Quick bite Vegan options Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Catering Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly LGBTQ+ friendly Locals Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking Paid multi-storey car park Paid parking lot Paid street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed Dogs allowed inside Dogs allowed outside

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    10:00 AM - 04:30 PM
  • Tuesday
    10:00 AM - 04:30 PM
  • Wednesday
    10:00 AM - 04:30 PM
  • Thursday
    Closed
  • Friday
    10:00 AM - 04:30 PM
  • Saturday
    10:00 AM - 04:30 PM
  • Sunday
    10:30 AM - 05:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • emily p
    2 week ago

    One of the best Banh Mi in the Seattle area. They also make great bubble tea and coffee. The sandwiches are huge, you could probably split one and be fine. My husband and I both ordered our own and neither of us could finish it. He got the pork and I got the chicken - delicious.

  • Irene Nguyen
    3 week ago

    Everything tastes very good. Gion is definitely one of my fav banh mi in town. I drove an hour to get here and i think it’s totally worth it. With the price and the portion they give, i think it’s very reasonable. I love the crunchinesses, clean, high quality. The staffs are so nice and sweet. They are one of the places i have no complaints:)

  • Nami N
    1 month ago

    My husband and I came to the W Seattle garage sale on Sat and came here for lunch. There are several yellow tables and chairs in front of the shop. When you enter the store, there is an IPad on the table on the right hand side where you can place your order. I've seen some stores using this system recently, but I don't really like it. I thought it would be better to just order it online. We ordered grilled pork sandwich and grilled chicken sandwich under my name. I waited outside for a while, but my name wasn't called, so I went inside the store and found my name on the order rack. If restaurant staff take orders by name, they should call out customer's name when the food is ready. How many customers know that? We took the sandwiches home and ate them. Both sandwiches were plentiful and tasty.The sandwich contents were good and satisfying

  • Dang N
    2 month ago

    A great little spot to pick up a delicious Bahn Mi. I had the traditional cold cut Bahn Mi and it was excellent. The first thing I noticed was how the bread felt. It was perfect, crunchy on that outside and soft on the inside. And the amount of meat that they stuff it with is simply awesome! I do wish that it had more of the pickle veg to balance out all of that meat. The place itself is tiny with pretty much a counter to place your orders. There is also a self serve kiosk if you wish to place an order that way. There’s only two very small tables outside. Other than like you’ll have to take it to go.

  • Vienna Wong
    2 month ago

    I don't have great pictures of it but this banh mi is packed! It might costs a little more than the delis in Little Saigon. But it's easily more filling and a better quality. I got the classic with the deli cold cuts, pate, veggies, and pork floss. How neat. Never had pork floss with them before. Not sure if there was cilantro but definitely would have enjoyed it. I couldn't finish it in one sitting and ate half before work. And the other half at work. Would definitely come here again.

  • Curtis
    3 month ago

    First Time at Gion and Definitely Not the Last! We finally checked out Gion, a spot known for their banh mi sandwiches and refreshing drinks and let’s just say, they did not disappoint. Since it was our first visit, we had to go all in and try a variety. We ordered three different banh mi: the chicken, pork, and the monthly special meatloaf. Each one brought something different to the table, but the meatloaf sandwich easily stole the show. It was packed with flavor and had the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and just a touch of sweetness. The pork came in close behind tender, flavorful, and that signature sauce they use? Game changer. The chicken was solid too, especially if you prefer a lighter bite. To cool off, we grabbed a mint lemonade and passion fruit tea both super refreshing and a perfect pairing with the sandwiches. Heads up: you might have to wait around 15 minutes during peak times because this place gets busy but trust us, it’s well worth the wait. If you’re a banh mi lover or just looking to try something new, Gion needs to be on your list.

  • Isaac Gutierrez
    3 month ago

    Update: The Banh Mi got even better! I don’t know what they changed but the quality has gone from 10/10 to 12! This is the best Bahn Mi in the PNW hands down. Also love the new shop aesthetic. Original review : Packed girthy Banh Mi!!!! Easily the best ones in Seattle. The flavors were balanced perfectly, you can tell the owner really cares about their sand-which quality.

  • Emily & Tai Doan
    3 month ago

    Wish we discovered this sooner! Their bánh mì definitely lives up to their name! The right amount of crisp & crunch from their baguette, but also so so flavorful from their generous portion of toppings! We definitely will be back & cant wait to try more of their food/drink options!

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