Flavour Report with Derek Goforth: A year between reviews shows how far Geraldton’s Banh Mi Up has come

Just over a year ago, I embarked on my first Flavour Report culinary adventure at Banh Mi Up, the vibrant Vietnamese sandwich haven nestled in Marine Terrace mall. Back then, I found myself impressed, though not entirely floored. But I left with a sense of contentment. Fast forward and with the eatery having had ample time to flourish, I could not resist the call to return and witness how their menu had blossomed. Parking and seating were as accommodating as ever, with the addition of another outdoor table and a sleeker layout inside the cafe. Rather than simply diving into the traditional banh mi, my companions and I decided to embark on a culinary exploration, seeking to uncover if their quality and value extended across the entire menu. This time, our choices were an array of banh mis: roast pork (widely lauded on their social media pages), the meatlover and crispy chicken. We also indulged in spring rolls and a beautifully presented tofu noodle bowl for our vegetarian friend. At just over $70 for this feast, we were pleasantly surprised by the value, given the unmistakable freshness of the ingredients and the generous portion sizes. The crispy chicken, with its zesty mayo, crispy, crunchy vegetables, and savoury shallots, was an absolute hit. There was an ample amount of meat with a tantalizing hint of heat in the filling. Both the meaty banh mis were nothing short of sensational. The meatlover sandwich, in particular, was a symphony of flavours — poached pork, barbecue pork, crispy pork, and a medley of fresh veggies — what an absolute delight. The tofu salad bowl was equally impressive, perhaps just craving a few more noodles, but the flavours were right on point. But the true showstopper had to be the homemade spring rolls, unlike anything we have encountered in our culinary travels through Australia, Asia, and Europe. Bursting with fillings and brimming with flavours, they were simply out of this world! Would I recommend Banh Mi Up? OMG, a resounding yes! While they were good a year ago, they’ve now reached a level of culinary brilliance that’s truly awesome. The owners have crafted something truly extraordinary for the Geraldton community, and it is clear they are not resting on their laurels. I can already feel the irresistible pull that will lead us back — those crispy pork slabs look exceedingly tempting!