This Vietnamese diner in Hyderabad is serving up some really wicked food
Why Banh Mi Babe in Jubilee Hills is a must-visit!
There’s good food, and then there’s food that’s made with love.
At Banh Mi Babe in Jubilee Hills, you get a slice of both. Founded by Nirmala Vanamali Oblum, this diner is doing your usual Vietnamese suspects — but with a twist. This started as a cloud kitchen, and I’ve probably ordered their banh mi a few times, and it was delicious every time. Finger-licking good, fo sho!
So, when I saw that she opened a restaurant serving pho, rice paper rolls, and the like, I was pretty excited.
The first visit was a small adventure! The diner is tucked in one of the city's quiet, hidden lanes. As you approach, you're surrounded by greenery and potted plants that frame the entrance. And when you step inside, the wafting aroma of food welcomes you. The diner is quaint — you’ll find wooden shelves with books, framed art on the walls, and tables decked with flowers.
My meal here was nothing short of a sensory experience. It was intimate, warm, and gave me reasons to go back for more.
Talking about the food..
The Vietnamese pho is my absolute favourite. And the best way to devour it is to get a whiff of it as the bowl lands on your table. It’s a truly fragrant experience, and you won’t regret having it even on balmy days. Next up on my list of favourites are the rice paper rolls. The flavours are fresh, and the array of sauces that come with the food perfectly complement it. And I love that I’m in control of the amount of spice or flavour burst I’d like. If you’re in the mood for something a little deep-fried treat, their Smashed Potatoes are as smashing as they can get.
It would be a criminal waste if I didn’t mention the fabulous banh mi and Midnight Fried Rice. Every time I’ve tried their tofu one, I’ve relished its juicy goodness. If there’s one thing I’d recommend on the menu, it’s (obviously) this. The fried rice is ultimate comfort food, and nothing can go wrong with it. Down all of it with a bottle of blueberry kombucha and you’re sorted.
Towards the end of the meal, you’ll mentally make plans for your next visit. There’s more than food that makes this one wholesome. In the rare moments you lift your head up from the food to see those around you, you’ll discover the little pockets of joy. There are very few things that can make a food lover happy: watching others enjoy a meal as much as you do.
In a city where new restaurants seem to pop up daily, Banh Mi Babe stands out by creating something more valuable than novelty — a comfort space that feels like returning to an old friend. That’s precisely what makes it a must-visit if you’re in Hyderabad.
And that’s it from me. I’ll be back with another story or recommendation soon. 👋
You can follow Banh Mi Babe on Instagram for all the deets about their pop-ups and new on the menu.
✨ Essential reads
What 20 Years of Traveling Taught Me About Eating Like A Local by Bon Appétit
The Fascinating Cuisine of the Monks of Zanskar by Goya Journal
Tune for the day 👇