Banh Voyage

- 54 Fairfield St, Montclair, NJ 07042

For residents of New Jersey with a taste for vibrant, fresh, and authentic Southeast Asian flavors, Banh Voyage in Montclair offers an essential culinary stop. This Vietnamese café has quickly established itself as a fantastic addition to the local dining scene, particularly within the convenient and charming shoppes at Watchung Plaza. Banh Voyage’s mission is clear: to share its deep passion for Bánh Mì—the iconic Vietnamese sandwich—and other beloved Vietnamese dishes with the Montclair community, creating a welcoming spot for connection and good food.

The experience at Banh Voyage is centered around high-quality, authentic Vietnamese fare served in an environment that is described by local patrons as "adorable" and a great spot for meetups. The menu focuses on the core pillars of Vietnamese street food culture, including the renowned sandwiches, hearty noodle bowls, and traditional rice plates, all characterized by their use of fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and flavorful proteins.

This establishment appeals to a broad audience, from those looking for a quick, satisfying lunch to those eager to explore the diverse textures and great flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Customers consistently praise the spot for its "simple and clean serving" and delicious execution of dishes across the board, whether they opt for the traditional meat options or a vegetarian alternative. The popularity of their signature items, like the Grilled Pork Bánh Mì and the strong, sweet Vietnamese Iced Coffee, makes Banh Voyage a must-visit location for any food lover in the Essex County area. It provides a delightful journey for the palate, perfectly living up to its name.

Banh Voyage is not just about the classic dishes, however. The café also features a dedicated beverage menu, offering the beloved slow-drip Vietnamese coffee year-round, alongside a rotating selection of specialty drinks. By collaborating with other local Montclair businesses for dessert options, Banh Voyage further cements its role as a key player in the community, providing a comprehensive and deeply satisfying cafe experience.

Banh Voyage is conveniently situated in the heart of Montclair, making it easily accessible for local residents and those visiting Essex County. The specific address is 54 Fairfield St, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA. This location places the café within the popular and quaint Watchung Plaza retail area.

Being part of a local plaza, accessibility is generally straightforward, whether traveling by car or on foot. The location’s presence within a shopping district often means that both street and public lot parking are available options, providing convenience for a quick stop to grab a Vietnamese sandwich and coffee or to sit down for a longer meal. Montclair is a highly walkable town, and Banh Voyage’s spot on Fairfield Street makes it an easy destination to reach from other local businesses and neighborhoods. While no specific details on physical disability accommodations are provided, the typical layout of a modern café aims to be accommodating, and its ground-level retail space within the plaza helps ensure relative ease of entry.

Operating hours are focused on the prime daytime dining periods, catering perfectly to the lunch crowd and early afternoon snack seekers. Banh Voyage is open Monday through Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on Sundays. This schedule makes it an ideal spot for a mid-day culinary break during the work week or a casual weekend lunch.

Banh Voyage focuses on providing an authentic Vietnamese café experience, with services designed for both speed and enjoyment.

• Dine-in Service: The restaurant offers a casual and "adorable" dining setting, perfect for meeting up with friends or enjoying a meal on-site.
• Takeout Service: Catering to the fast-paced needs of the Montclair community, all menu items are available for convenient takeout.
• Lunch and Daytime Service: The operating hours (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday-Saturday) specifically target the lunch rush and mid-day dining segment.
• Specialty Beverage Program: Offers a full menu of drinks centered on the renowned Vietnamese Coffee ($6.00), Thai Iced Tea ($6.00), and unique offerings like Strawberry Yuzu Matcha ($7.50).
• Catering to Diverse Diets: The menu includes dedicated vegetarian options across its main categories, such as the Vegetarian Bánh Mì (with tofu and mushroom pâté) and Vegetarian Vermicelli and Rice Plates (with tofu and vegetarian fish sauce).
• Collaboration with Local Businesses: The café enhances its offerings by collaborating with other Montclair businesses for dessert options, fostering a sense of local community.

Banh Voyage is highlighted by several key features that set it apart as a premier Vietnamese destination in New Jersey.

• The Iconic Bánh Mì Sandwich: This is the specialty and the heart of the menu. Served on a crusty Vietnamese baguette (a legacy of French colonial influence), each sandwich features mayonnaise, pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, cucumbers, and jalapeño. Protein options include Traditional Cold Cuts with pâté, Grilled Pork, Grilled Beef, Grilled Chicken, and Vegetarian Tofu. Prices range from $12.95 to $14.95.
• Authentic Vietnamese Staples: Beyond the sandwiches, the restaurant expertly prepares other traditional dishes:
  • Vermicelli Noodles (Bún): Rice noodles served with fresh vegetables, mint, fried shallots, and fish sauce, with options including Grilled Pork, Beef, Chicken, Shrimp, and Vegetarian Tofu ($14.95 - $16.95).
  • Rice Plates (Cơm Dĩa): Served with lettuce, pickled vegetables, scallion oil, and fish sauce, with the same protein choices as the Vermicelli bowls ($14.95 - $16.95).
• Fresh and Satisfying Small Bites: The 'Small Bites' menu is perfect for appetizers or lighter fare, featuring various Summer Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn) with fillings like Shrimp & Pork, Grilled Pork, Grilled Beef, and Tofu, served with peanut or fish sauce ($8.95 - $9.95), as well as both Pork and Vegetarian Egg Rolls ($8.95).
• Focus on Community Connection: The stated mission of the café goes beyond food, aiming to create a gathering space where strangers and friends can share a moment of connection, reinforcing its role as a neighborhood anchor.
• Owner Background: The cafe is backed by experienced local business owners who also operate Local Coffee down the street, suggesting a deep understanding of and commitment to the Montclair community.

Banh Voyage is a great spot to visit for your next Vietnamese craving. Here is the essential contact information for planning your trip or placing an order.

Address: 54 Fairfield St, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA

Phone: (973) 577-1992

The café maintains convenient operating hours for lunch and mid-day visits: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays.

Banh Voyage is worth choosing for any New Jersey resident seeking an authentic, high-quality Vietnamese meal that is both convenient and delicious. The primary reason to choose Banh Voyage is its dedicated focus on delivering the perfect, authentic Bánh Mì experience. This signature sandwich, praised by customers for its deliciousness and perfect components, stands out as a superior offering in the local food landscape. The commitment to fresh ingredients, including perfectly pickled vegetables and savory proteins like Grilled Pork and Grilled Beef, ensures that every bite is bursting with the quintessential balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes that define the cuisine.

Beyond the sandwich, the ability to choose from the triumvirate of Vietnamese quick meals—Bánh Mì, Vermicelli Noodles, and Rice Plates—means there is an option for every appetite, whether you need a quick bite or a satisfying bowl. The inclusive menu, which offers robust and flavorful vegetarian options utilizing tofu, vegetarian mayo, and mushroom pâté, ensures that diners with plant-based preferences do not have to compromise on taste or authenticity.

Finally, the cafe experience itself, enhanced by the strong, smooth Vietnamese Iced Coffee and the welcoming, simple, and clean atmosphere, makes Banh Voyage a true local gem. It's the perfect destination for a flavorful, reliable, and friendly mid-day voyage to Vietnam, right here in Montclair, NJ.

Banh Voyage

54 Fairfield St, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA