A new Vietnamese restaurant is coming soon to the North Shore.
Ba Banh Mi is set to open at 128 Washington Street in Salem, reports Boston Restaurant Talk. The eatery is the latest venture from local restaurateur Ba Pho, whose love of Vietnamese cuisine grew from years of international travel.
“After graduating from the Wentworth Institute of Technology in 1993 with a degree in electrical engineering, I spent fifteen years at Varian Semiconductor,” Pho told What Now Boston. “This career involved extensive international travel, particularly to Vietnam, where I gained a deep appreciation for authentic Vietnamese cuisine.”
Pho channeled that appreciation into the local dining scene with Calibasil, which he opened in Beverly in 2015. The casual Vietnamese restaurant—beloved for its pho, vermicelli, and other approachable dishes—later moved to downtown Salem to take advantage of higher foot traffic and to be closer to home.
At Ba Banh Mi, diners can expect a fast-casual experience focused on quality and convenience, featuring grab-and-go favorites like traditional bánh mì sandwiches, hearty rice and vermicelli bowls, and inventive pho wraps.
In addition to its signature soups and sandwiches, Ba Banh Mi’s preliminary menu includes spring and egg rolls, stir-fry noodles with grilled meats or tofu, and a selection of Vietnamese iced coffees, teas, and fruit smoothies, offering something for every craving.
The restaurant is slated to debut in early May 2026, with final preparations—including electrical work, menu testing, and permit approvals—nearing completion.
Looking ahead, Pho hopes to grow the concept beyond Salem. “My goal for Ba Banh Mi is to introduce a fast-casual Vietnamese dining experience to the North Shore community, with the long-term objective of expanding the concept to multiple locations,” he explained.
For menu details and updates on the restaurant’s grand opening, be sure to keep an eye on Ba Banh Mi’s website.
