KC has yet to see a sandwich shop cater its menu entirely to the Vietnamese banh mi sandwich, until now. Paris Banh Mi Café and Bakery (1106 Westport Rd., KCMO) opened last weekend in Westport and has locals buzzing with excitement.
“We saw the concept and we thought Kansas City needs this kind of franchise,” says owner Binh Dang.
It’s no surprise to see KC welcome the new business with open arms. The sandwich, characterized by its savory, often marinated, meat with crunchy vegetables on a crispy baguette, has a bit of a cult following. Paris Banh Mi’s menu features eight variations and Dang says the most popular is the Special Combination. It’s loaded with several meats of your choice and plenty of condiments, like soy sauce and mayo. You can even swap out the baguette for a croissant or burger bun.
Paris Banh Mi is part of a nationwide franchise. The 3,500 square-foot KC location includes an open kitchen and French-style bakery. Along with fresh-baked baguettes, customers can also purchase baked goods like cheesecake, lemon tarts and coffeecake.
Soon to join the menu are Korean corn dogs and pho. The drink menu consists entirely of boba teas.
Mike’s Wine & Spirits previously occupied the space but moved next door.
“We took over a space that had been vacant for at least five to six years,” Dang says. “We took a big risk. We literally turned this [place] upside down.”
Dang and his wife also own Nails and Beyond near Zona Rosa and D’or Nail Lounge on Barry Road.
“This is very new to the Kansas City area,” says Dang. “We’ve never had anything like this in the surrounding area so I think the menu speaks for itself. We have a standard. We do it like you’re supposed to make it and have it taste good every time you come in.”
