Bánh Bánh offers a truly boutique private dining option for groups who want something intimate, design-led and centred on sharing food in the heart of Brixton. This independent, Vietnamese restaurant offers semi-private spaces for up to 10 guests, while welcoming larger groups with the option for full or semi-private hire.
The atmosphere is a big part of the appeal. Designed by House of Baby, the space feels warm and contemporary, with curved pale-blue banquette seating which wraps around stylish, dark wood tables, while rich timber panelling, softly glowing wall lights and large abstract artwork create a layered, considered backdrop. Whether you're a design magpie or not, you'll be able to appreciate the beauty of this decor scheme, and what it brings to the space.
That sense of comfort is central to the restaurant’s identity. Bánh Bánh describes itself as a “culinary amulet”, built around familiarity, warmth and belonging, while the menu concept by AP Nguyen is all about dishes designed to be passed around and shared.
For larger groups, the team request that diners order from the sample menu which begins with black sesame rice crackers and sweet chilli, before moving into Vietnamese staples such as fried spring rolls with nuoc cham, fresh rice paper rolls and steamed pork cabbage rolls with tomato sauce. There are plenty of dishes that suit a group table especially well. Chicken and herb salad comes with shrimp crackers, while the bamboo grazing platters are explicitly designed for sharing.
More substantial options include bánh man which can be savoury steamed or fried cakes inspired by two regions, and cha ca la vong, where monkfish is marinated in turmeric, galangal and garlic before being fried with spring onion and dill. Other crowd-friendly choices include charcoal-grilled pork sausage with lemongrass, garlic and chilli, served with starfruit, fried plantain and peanut dip, plus grilled beef wrapped in betel leaf with rice vermicelli and nuoc cham broth.