Getting up and running was not easy for the new Banh Mi XO Sandwich shop. As WestsideSeattle was first to tell you on Sept. 19 the shop and owner Guy Nguyen got established then did a brief soft opening in early December but then had to take a break to get everything running smoothly. On Dec 14-16 they had another three day run and hit another problem. They were apparently too good. 

Banh Mi sandwiches were selling out by 11am.

If you are not familiar with what they are it's worth explaining:

A Banh Mi is a short bread baguette with a thin, crisp crust and a soft, airy texture. It is often split lengthwise and filled with savory ingredients such as roasted or grilled pork or chicken. Typically it is a fusion of meats and vegetables and includes cllantro, cucumber, pickled carrots, pickled daikon radish, and often red chili paste, and mayonnaise. sliced jalapeno peppers are often included. The french baguette was introduced to Vietnam by the French in the mid-19th century, during the Nguyen dynasty and became a staple food by the early 20th century. In the 1950s, a distinctly Vietnamese style of sandwich developed in Saigon and became a street food Following the war in Vietnam the Banh Mi spread to other nations including America.

Nyguen said he is partners with his wife Nichelle who has well over a decade of restaurant experience but she chose to open  XO lashes a lash salon in West Seattle that as it turned out is just down the block from the cafe location at 9027 California Ave. SW. It's been in operation for more than three years

When the location became available the couple decided to open their own sandwich shop and Banh Mi XO was born. "XO means kisses and hugs" explained Nguyen.

The shop also sells Bun, pronounced "boon" (which they refer to on the menu as Salad) consisting of vermicelli noodles, your choice of roasted pork, grilled pork, chicken, basil leaf, carrots, radishes, with fish sauce and an egg roll.

These are large portions, easily enough for two people.

You order from a large screen kiosk and pay with a credit card.

Banh Mi XO also serves bubble tea, a variety of appetizers, smoothies and coffee drinks including Vietnamese Phin Coffee. The Phin filter is the traditional method of brewing coffee in Vietnam. It is made of stainless steel or aluminum and the brewing method is slow, taking two hours, Bahn Mi XO serves it hot or iced. Soft drinks are also on the menu.

You can order online here.

Banh Mi is open daily (closed Tuesday) from 9am to 4pm at 9003 35th Ave SW.

You can follow them on Facebook here.