Coupi bar, a must-visit café - banh mi in Paris's 13th arrondissement

In the ranking of Paris's best banh mi, the place to call is Coupi bar! We know the 13th arrondissement well with its many Asian canteens, but Coup bar, on Avenue de la Porte d'Ivry, truly deserves a stop. This café-cantine with a wood-and-recycled-materials décor has built a solid reputation around its flagship item: the banh mi. Made to order, served hot, with an artisanal crusty baguette, it's exactly what you expect from a good Vietnamese sandwich in a neighborhood already rich in options.

For reminders, banh mi are these Vietnamese sandwiches born from French colonial influence in Vietnam. They pair a thin, crispy baguette with a filling that blends mayonnaise, Vietnamese deli meat, a choice of meat, carrot and daikon pickles, fresh cucumber, cilantro, and Maggi sauce (yes, it’s essential). What makes them work is the balance of hot and cold, fat and tangy—a complete sandwich that's surprisingly light. In Paris, the best spots naturally cluster in the 13ᵉ arrondissement, the historic heart of the Vietnamese community in the capital.

Coup Bar: what exactly is it?

The name Coupi stems from the Teochew word for “coffee,” spoken by the Sino-Cambodian community in the neighborhood. Stéphane and his wife, both descendants of Cambodian immigrants, took over this spot after years spent waiting for the right moment. Of the old neighborhood joint, only the original mosaic floor remains. The rest has been completely redesigned in a modern coffee-shop vibe, without losing the place’s soul. People head there in a relaxed mood, whether on the terrace or indoors, to share a friendly moment or simply satisfy their caffeine craving.

Banh mi, the star of the menu

It's clearly the standout feature of the place. The artisan baguette is thin, crackling, served hot to order—this detail really changes everything. The filling is fresh and well balanced: pickled carrots and daikon with a tang, cilantro, cucumber, house-made mayo. La version OG remains our favorite, with pâté, Vietnamese sausage, and roasted pork belly. The banh mi poulet citronnelle is a very good alternative, lighter. And if you’ve never tried the Opla two fried eggs with Maggi sauce, now’s the time to take the plunge.

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The little touches that make all the difference

Beyond the sandwich, a few places settle for the minimum. Not here. The beef teriyaki fries are generous and well seasoned, the kimchi fries will please those who like bold flavors. The bao steamed and the tacos en galette asiatique croustillante sauce cacahuète-barbecue are well executed. And the korokke, Japanese potato and minced-meat croquettes, are worth a detour as a starter.

A genuine specialty coffee shop

It's what sets Coup Bar apart from a mere canteen. The latte is crafted to perfection, the espresso pulls beautifully. We recommend the signature Coupi, a double espresso with condensed milk and cinnamon, served iced, or the Cha Thai with condensed milk. The bubble tea lovers will find a solid selection of flavors: taro, mango, lychee, passion fruit, and dragon fruit. The matcha latte and the taro latte round out a truly well-thought-out drinks menu. We went with a tasty taro latte and admired the pretty latte art.

Coup bar targets those who want a quick bite that’s still polished, affordable, and without compromising on quality. It’s a genuine neighborhood spot offering fresh produce with deft Vietnamese, Japanese, and Korean influences. Think more coffee shop than restaurant—don’t be fooled. Coup bar is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 48 Avenue de la Porte d’Ivry in the 13ᵉ arrondissement.

To keep exploring the neighborhood, check out our selection of the best banh mi in Paris and our guide to the 11 must-visit Vietnamese restaurants in the 13th arrondissement.