Aobaba Hoxton - Hackney

Decent quality Banh Mi but not outstanding.  Very good value, though. The baguettes are very fresh, but not warmed and not hollowed out according to traditional banh mi construction.  This means that the amount of meat that can be held in the baguette is limited.  The steamed buns are really good and great value. A useful address for takeaway.  Questions regarding Zomato pricing for this venue have been addressed.

I was originally waiting for the bus, but I couldn't resist coming in to try the special lunch offer. The king prawn in tomato sauce was excellent, and it came with either bubble tea or beer for only a few bucks. This deal is great value for the price and definitely worth trying while it's still available.

Among the better ones I've had in London crisp, fresh, veggies, and with excellent baguette. Bubble tea was good, too. Odd atmosphere: Enormous, somewhat cold, but seems like a pleasant enough place to sit and work for a while.

I have walked by this place on my way to and from work, while it was being fitted and I promised myself that I would go once it's opened. I wanted to sample the banh when I was in Vietnam but never did as the...bread was stale. The fillings always looked delicious. At Aobaba, the bread was not stale at all. I had the baguette Special and it was delicious. A protein feast. The decor is nice, still very new, lovely colours, massive fake bamboos sticks which don't look too fake. The concept is that you order your food and pay for it, sit down a little while at a table while it's being prepared then your number is called and you get your food. You eat it at your table or take it away: it's the same price. Points to work on: the place is not very busy and nothing justifies dirty tables I am struggling with the concept of the place. Is it a takeaway or an upmarket fastfood? If it's the latter, I would want some toilets. There may be some but if that's the case, I never saw a sign on a door. Vietnamese beer is meant to be sold by the bottle but when I asked for one, I was told that they didn't have any. But I enquired further, I was told that it was a new place and some sort of related complicated explanation. If you advertise that you sell beer, sell some or don't advertise beer. I was however offered a soft drink instead (not advertised) and, at it's a steal. The staff don't know the menu. When I ordered a Special, I was asked which number that was. Not sure what goes on in the kitchen. To summarise, I will go back and order a more exotic filling for my baguette. But the small issues I find acceptable now will keep me away in a few months if not addressed.

If you enjoy bubble tea, then this is the perfect spot for you. The staff is always friendly and the food is quite good as well. Definitely worth a visit if you happen to be in the area.