Luke’s Bánh Mì Has Quietly Become One of Melbourne’s Best Vegan Lunch Spots

Finding a great vegan bánh mì in Melbourne isn’t actually that difficult anymore. Finding one with genuine choice, however, is another story.

Many casual lunch venues will have one or two vegan options on the menu but they can often be simply a token tofu filling or a generic “plant-based” version that’s clearly been added as an afterthought. While it’s nice to be included, it rarely feels exciting.

Luke’s Bánh Mì is different.

After recently launching an expanded vegan menu across its Melbourne stores, Luke’s has demonstrated something that more hospitality businesses will hopefully take note of and that is, if you’re going to cater for vegans, be intentional.

A Vegan Menu That Feels Intentional

The biggest thing that stood out wasn’t simply the number of vegan options available, it was how thoughtfully they had been created.

Rather than relying on plain tofu, Luke’s has developed a range featuring house-made vegan pâté, vegan mayonnaise, their own vegan satay, flavour-packed marinades and a variety of different plant-based proteins. Every option feels like it has been designed because someone genuinely wanted to make an outstanding vegan bánh mì, not because they felt they had to tick a dietary box. (Luke’s Bánh Mì)

Their current vegan range includes options such as:

• Vegan Crackling
• Vegan Lemongrass Chicken
• Vegan Crispy Mushrooms
• Vegan Lemongrass Tofu
• Vegan Orange Tofu Schnitzel
• Crispy Vegan Duck
• Vegan BBQ Pork Skewers
• Vegan Crispy BBQ Pork w/ Ginger & Chilli
• Vegan Lemongrass BBQ Pork

Our Visit to Luke’s Bánh Mì Port Melbourne

We recently visited the new Port Melbourne location to try some of the latest additions to the vegan menu.

With so many tempting options available, choosing was genuinely difficult.

We ended up ordering Vegan Orange Tofu Schitzel & Vegan Pork Skewers, and both absolutely delivered. The bread was perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining soft inside, the fillings were generous, and every bite was packed with fresh herbs, crunchy pickled vegetables and plenty of flavour.

The staff were welcoming, service was quick, and the whole experience felt polished without losing that casual neighbourhood lunch vibe.

Incredible Value

One thing that surprised us almost as much as the food was the value.

With vegan bánh mì starting from around $10, Luke’s has managed to combine quality ingredients with a price that still feels accessible for an everyday lunch.

At a time when many plant-based meals can easily creep well above $20, it’s refreshing to find somewhere serving generous, satisfying food without the premium price tag.

It’s the kind of lunch you could happily eat several times a week.

Where You Can Find Luke’s Bánh Mì

Luke’s has continued expanding across Melbourne, with stores including:

• Port Melbourne (227 Bay Street)
• South Melbourne
• Moonee Ponds
• Preston
• Melbourne CBD (Little Bourke Street)
• Melbourne CBD (Lonsdale Street)
• Melbourne CBD (Queen Street) (Luke’s Bánh Mì)

We visited the Port Melbourne store, which has quickly become a welcome addition to Bay Street’s growing food scene.

Why We Think Luke’s Stands Out

What impressed us most wasn’t simply that Luke’s offers vegan food. It was the effort.

The vegan menu has clearly been designed by people who understand that vegans don’t just want an alternative. we want something we’d actually choose. The variety, flavour, presentation and value all combine to create one of the strongest casual vegan lunch offerings we’ve seen in Melbourne.

If more cafés and takeaway shops approached their vegan menus with this level of care, eating plant-based while out would become a whole lot more exciting. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or simply looking to eat more plant-based meals, Luke’s Bánh Mì deserves to be on your Melbourne food list.

We’ll definitely be back.

Vegan-friendly details

Cuisine: Vietnamese bánh mì

Vegan options: Multiple dedicated vegan bánh mì, vermicelli bowls and sides

Price: Around $10–$16 depending on your choice

Best for: Quick lunch, takeaway, affordable vegan meals, Melbourne CBD lunch, Port Melbourne lunch

Our verdict: ★★★★★

LGV!