“Not a Banh Mi”

Today I stopped by the new Haven Coffee flagship in Green Square, which opened just a few weeks ago. First off—the space was beautiful. Very aesthetically pleasing, lots of natural light, and a really chill vibe. Another bonus, they’re open until 3:30 pm. I dropped in after my class around 3, and the place was still buzzing.

Being Thai, the Not a Banh Mi instantly caught my eye. You rarely see sai ua (Northern Thai sausage) on a café menu, and honestly, I doubt many non-Thai would even know what it is. So, I had to try it.

And wow—I was blown away. The flavour was incredibly authentic. That bold hit of herbs and spices, smoky and savoury, bursting through with every bite. It was strong, but beautifully balanced by the creamy carrot and ginger slaw, which added a subtle sweetness and fresh crunch that cut through the richness.

The toasted baguette also worked surprisingly well. It wasn’t super flaky like a classic Vietnamese baguette, but had a nice firmness that held everything together without getting messy. The herbs and fried shallots sprinkled over the top were the perfect finishing touch—adding a little freshness and a lovely crisp bite.

Super unique, authentic, and packed with flavour. It’s the kind of sandwich that sticks in your memory. Just like the name says, definitely not your usual bánh mì—but if you’re feeling a little adventurous, this is absolutely worth trying. Also, very well priced considering the food quality and service.