Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Montreal

North America

Canada

# Vinh's Café – Vietnamese restaurant in Montreal, affordable banh mi, quick service, popular campus spot

Vinh's Café is a beloved Vietnamese restaurant located on the McGill University campus in Montreal. Known for its affordable and delicious banh mi sandwiches, Vinh's has become a go-to spot for students seeking quick and satisfying meals. The café's reputation is built on its generous portions, speedy service, and a diverse menu that includes vermicelli bowls and pho. Established to cater to the vibrant campus community, Vinh's Café has garnered positive reviews for its quality food and friendly atmosphere, making it a staple for both students and faculty alike.

## History
### The story of Vinh's Café
Vinh's Café was founded with the vision of providing authentic Vietnamese cuisine to the bustling McGill University campus. The founders aimed to create a space where students could enjoy flavorful meals without breaking the bank. The café quickly gained popularity due to its commitment to quality and affordability, establishing itself as a vital part of the campus dining scene.

### Milestones and growth
- **Opening Year**: Vinh's Café opened its doors to the public, quickly attracting students with its unique offerings.
- **Menu Expansion**: Over the years, the menu has expanded to include a variety of Vietnamese dishes, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
- **Loyalty Program**: The introduction of a rewards card system encouraged repeat business, allowing customers to earn free meals.
- **Community Engagement**: Vinh's has participated in various campus events, further solidifying its place within the McGill community.

### Cultural and local influence
Vinh's Café has not only influenced the dining habits of McGill students but has also contributed to the broader appreciation of Vietnamese cuisine in Montreal. The café serves as a cultural hub, introducing students to traditional dishes and flavors that they may not have encountered otherwise. Its presence on campus has fostered a sense of community, where students gather to share meals and experiences.

### Continuing the tradition
As Vinh's Café continues to thrive, it remains dedicated to its founding principles of quality, affordability, and community engagement. The café consistently seeks to improve its offerings while maintaining the authentic flavors that have made it a favorite among students. By staying true to its roots, Vinh's ensures that it remains a cherished part of the McGill campus for years to come.

## Community
### Community involvement
Vinh's Café actively engages with the McGill community by participating in campus events and supporting student initiatives. The café often collaborates with student organizations to provide food for events, fostering a sense of camaraderie among students. This involvement has helped Vinh's solidify its reputation as more than just a dining option; it is a community partner that contributes to the vibrant campus life.

### Community notion about the place
Students and faculty alike regard Vinh's Café as a reliable and affordable dining option on campus. Many reviews highlight the café's quick service and generous portions, making it a popular choice during busy lunch hours. The overall sentiment is one of appreciation for the quality of food and the welcoming atmosphere that Vinh's provides.

### Events and gatherings
Vinh's Café is often a gathering spot for students before and after classes. The café's location near popular campus buildings makes it a convenient meeting point. Additionally, Vinh's has hosted informal events, such as food tastings and cultural celebrations, further enhancing its role in the campus community and promoting Vietnamese culture among students.

## Offerings
### What Vinh's Café offers
Vinh's Café specializes in Vietnamese cuisine, offering a diverse menu that caters to various tastes and dietary needs. The café is particularly known for its banh mi sandwiches, which are made fresh daily and come with a variety of fillings. Other popular menu items include vermicelli bowls, pho, and a selection of Asian snacks. The café also provides vegan options, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Vinh's Café is characterized by its fast service and casual atmosphere. Customers can expect to receive their orders quickly, making it an ideal spot for students on the go. The café features a spice bar where patrons can customize their meals, adding an extra layer of personalization to their dining experience. While seating is limited, many customers prefer takeout, allowing them to enjoy their meals wherever they choose.

### Events and packages
Vinh's Café offers a loyalty program that rewards frequent customers with free meals after a certain number of purchases. This initiative encourages repeat business and fosters a sense of community among regular patrons. The café also occasionally features special promotions during campus events, making it an attractive option for students looking for affordable dining.

### Facilities and features
- Quick service
- Spice bar for meal customization
- Limited seating for dine-in
- Takeout options available
- Loyalty rewards program

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Vinh's Café consistently highlight its affordability, quick service, and delicious food. Many students express their satisfaction with the generous portion sizes and the variety of menu options available. However, some reviews mention the limited seating and occasional long lines during peak hours as drawbacks.

### Compliments and strengths
Customers frequently praise Vinh's for its exceptional banh mi sandwiches, which are considered some of the best in Montreal. The café's commitment to quality and affordability has earned it a loyal following among students. Additionally, the fast service is often noted as a significant advantage, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals without long waits.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While Vinh's Café is highly regarded, some reviews suggest that there are other Vietnamese restaurants nearby that offer similar dishes at competitive prices. However, the convenience of Vinh's location on campus and its quick service often outweigh these comparisons for students who prioritize accessibility.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Vinh's Café is celebrated for its delicious and affordable Vietnamese cuisine, making it a top choice for students at McGill University. While it may have some limitations in terms of seating and peak hour crowds, the quality of food and fast service make it a standout option on campus.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Vinh's Café is situated at 740 Avenue du Dr Penfield, within the Genome Building on the McGill University campus in Montreal. This central location makes it easily accessible for students and faculty alike. The café is surrounded by various campus facilities, including libraries, lecture halls, and student residences, contributing to its popularity. The vibrant atmosphere of the McGill campus enhances the dining experience, as students often gather in the area to socialize and enjoy their meals.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Vinh's Café serve** Vinh's Café specializes in Vietnamese cuisine, offering dishes like banh mi and pho.
**Is there seating available at Vinh's Café** Seating is limited, and many customers prefer takeout during busy hours.
**Do they offer vegan options** Yes, Vinh's Café provides vegan options, including tofu banh mi and veggie bowls.
**What are the hours of operation** Vinh's Café is typically open until around 5 PM on weekdays.
**Is there a rewards program** Yes, Vinh's offers a loyalty card where customers can earn free meals after a certain number of purchases.

## Visit Vinh's Café Today
Vinh's Café is a must-visit for anyone on the McGill University campus seeking delicious and affordable Vietnamese cuisine. With its rich history and strong community ties, Vinh's offers a welcoming atmosphere where students can enjoy a variety of flavorful dishes. The café's commitment to quality and quick service has earned it rave reviews, making it a top dining destination for both students and faculty. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty banh mi or a comforting bowl of pho, Vinh's Café is ready to satisfy your cravings.

6ee46187-78d7-4d4d-a3fd-c9ed9c39f5af

Vinh's definitely gets my vote for top food place on campus! This arguably easier to find location across from Trottier gets tons of traffic during lunch hour (think: line to the door, even in the summer), but ordering, paying, and getting my food has never taken more than 20 minutes. The service is fast to the point where you may feel rushed at times, but my order has never been made wrong in the twenty-something occasions I've been there. One of my favourites at Vinh's is the beef roll with shrimp sauce, but you can choose to get it with peanut sauce instead. The vermicelli bowls are amazing; again, my favourite is beef. As for the subs, I would recommend the BBQ pork. Their portions are generous and super filling, and they serve coffee as well, which is always a plus in my book. Overall, I've enjoyed pretty much everything I've tried at Vinh's. Against popular opinion, I'd even choose to eat here over Vua - but that's also because I don't like walking back up that hill.

f2762851-2841-4e8d-ba68-2226c9c11efc

Vinh's is the best place to eat on campus hands down. The banh mi sandwiches are the best I've had in Montreal and they're SO affordable. I cannot begin to count the amount of times I've ordered my grilled pork sandwich with hoisin sauce after classes! They have NEVER disappointed and I'll really miss this place once I graduate. On top of everything else they now have a rewards card and if you order 10 sandwiches you'll get the 11th free. Beware of going during peak lunch hours though- there might be a long line but it generally goes by pretty quickly

7d8812b7-5d01-4c9a-9c1b-a4b8b1a0c104

Vinh's banh mi are the best! Very affordable and delicious! It is definitely one of my go-to places on campus for lunch.

bb4f5f13-02f2-4b12-9aaf-35700a4855a4

BLESS VINH'S. As other reviewers have said, this is by far the best and most affordable option on campus. The banh mi's are huge and generously stuffed, and won't come out to more than $5. My go-to are the veggie noodles which are in the fridge near the cash. My only complaint is that the packaging is awkward and messy, but it's so filling and wonderfully spiced. They also have a spice bar so you can adjust the flavor to your liking! If I'm not in a rush/not broke I like to indulge in the "pho" which isn't particularly authentic, but just such a nice treat on cold winter days. It's only served 11:30-3:30 though :( The only thing from Vinh's that I didn't enjoy was the steamed veggie bun. I found it to be a bit sweet which was odd to me, but I also don't really like steamed buns in general so that may be it.

319fe5a5-b4e3-4548-8e84-397dea6b8c18

Great place for reasonably priced food on the McGill campus. They have banh mi sandwiches, vermicelli bowls, spring rolls, steamed buns, and some desserts and Asian snacks. They also offer great vegan options like curry/soya tofu banh mi (ask for no mayo) and veggie steamed buns. The portion sizes are quite filling. The major downside is that there isn't much seating. I would come here more often if it wasn't so far away from where my classes are.

7fce91bd-5030-4a4a-8c32-fa00651618eb

I'm a frequent customer, and I love the steamed chicken pho, pork bao/ vegeterian buns and the banh mi's are pretty good as well! The only thing is that they don't heat up their banh mi bread so it's always cold when you're looking for something warm to eat. They also have a good variety of cool asian drinks like mango juice and bannana cola which is awesome! Also, in this location there are very few seats so expect to get it for takeout when you're in rush hours. This place is less stuffy and cleaner in my opinion than the one in the music building so I like to go here, but if you want a comfortable seat it's better to go to the one in the music building! This place is good but Vua down on university serves cheaper, better banh mi in my opinion, but if you're lazy like me and like to stay on McGill campus, then this is the place to eat! :p

42fcda52-90d1-47fd-b31f-602751b894da

Probably the best food in McGill campus. Great pricing. The beef Vermicelli bowl is my personal favorite. There is often a lineup around lunch time. They accept all type of credit cards including AMEX.

4ebe3e53-8e86-4f9d-a6a6-06df07110e12

My favorite place to eat on campus/ OneCard!! Vinh's is located next to the RVC cafeteria and it's open til about 5 I think. I've tried their dumpling soup, grilled chicken banh mi and chicken pho all of which were delicious and not to mention super cheap ( banh mi- $5 and pho-$7). When you buy a banh mi, they give you a little green card punch card so you get a free one for every $10 you buy which is nice. Also they have a little area behind which has a variety of condiments to add to your meal. I'm a big fan of chili oil but I'd just like to warn that their chili oil is one of the hottest ones I've tried so be very wary if you're adding that your soup or anything else :)

d45246b1-d3a7-412f-8e52-dd49b7e30c11

I didn't think that I could find such tasty food on campus! This place has exceeded my expectations greatly. It comes close to some of the good pho places I've tried in the city. So far I have only tried their steamed veggie bun and the veggie pho (with beef broth I believe) and they were both pretty good.

30acbbf2-c6da-47e7-8859-a48c159df610

My main point echoes what other reviewers have said: BLESS VINH'S! In the culinary wasteland that is the downtown McGill campus, Vinh's is a lifesaver! It's not the best Vietnamese food I've ever had and realistically more of a 2.5-3 star establishment, but it gets 4 stars anyways for providing the best, quickest, and most reasonably priced meal on campus. The classic sandwich is only 3.45$ and delicious! Just make sure to speak up if you want extras or chiles on your sandwich because they often seem to forget. I've tried a few other menu items (vermicelli bowl, pho) which have proven to be pretty meh flavour-wise and at least double the cost of a sandwich - stick with the banh mi!

Discover Vinh's Café in Montreal for authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy setting. Experience delicious flavors and friendly service. Visit us today!

Vinh's Café Montreal - Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

Vinh's Café

Quebec

Explore the full menu at Vinh's Café in Montreal. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 740 Avenue du Dr Penfield, Genome Building.

Vinh's Café Menu – Food & Drinks in Montreal

Learn about Vinh's Café in Montreal. A cozy spot offering delicious Vietnamese cuisine, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere at 740 Avenue du Dr Penfield.

About Vinh's Café, Montreal

Opening hours for Vinh's Café, Montreal. Find opening hours for Vinh's Café, Montreal on 740 Avenue du Dr Penfield.

Vinh's Café Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Vinh's Café

Caramel

Le Plezl

Basha