From Side Hustle to Iconic Eats: Banh Mi Boy Puts Māngere on Auckland’s Foodie Map

John showing his award winning bahn mi at his new store at 55 Montgomerie Rd

What started as a side hustle on Massey Road has become one of Auckland’s most celebrated food stories. Banh Mi Boy, founded by husband-and-wife team John and Zeena Giang, has now been recognised three years running in Auckland’s Iconic Eats 100 list – proof that their authentic Vietnamese sandwiches have struck a chord well beyond Māngere.

For John, the inspiration came years earlier. Having lived in California and Australia, he was struck by how entire takeaway shops were dedicated to banh mi. A 2016 trip to Vietnam sealed the idea. “Banh mi is a staple in Vietnam – you can get it nearly every corner you turn,” he recalls. Back in Auckland, while juggling a career in real estate, John and Zeena began recipe testing and in 2022 took the plunge with a food truck.

Māngere was always the natural home for the business. John’s parents once ran a bakery there, and he spent his childhood at the local markets. Zeena also has strong family connections to the area. “We felt right at home here,” says John.

Their dedication quickly paid off. The traditional banh mi – stacked with Vietnamese ham, BBQ pork, and pork brawn – won Iconic Eats accolades in their first two years. The third award went to Zeena’s favourite, the fragrant lemongrass chicken banh mi. 

At first, John thought the award notification was spam. “The second time I thought it was a fluke. The third time I knew all our hard work was paying off.”

For the couple, the recognition is about more than awards. “My goal is to put the spotlight on this staple food item,” John explains. “In New Zealand, banh mi is often hidden in menus as just a light snack. We want to give it the recognition it deserves – and be the place people think of when they crave it.”

The transition from food truck to their store on Montgomerie Road was “much needed,” John says. “The truck was just to test our product. Amazingly, it worked out exactly how I envisioned.”

Community has been central throughout. “The 275 community backed us from day one,” John says. “Even now, our food truck regulars still come to the shop. Without their love and support, we wouldn’t be here. Our BMB family keeps growing – and we’re truly grateful.”

Zeena (left) and John (right) outside their food truck on Massey Rd where it all began