Friday the 13^th is often thought of as unlucky, but for locals who have been anxiously awaiting the opening of BiddoBanh, it’s their lucky day.

BiddoBanh’s grand opening is today, Oct 13 at 299 Main St., Biddeford. The restaurant gets its name from one of its featured items – banh mi.

A banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich, served on a bread that is kind of a cross between a croissant and a baguette, said BiddoBanh owner Sima Reagle.

“What really makes the sandwich is the bread. It’s very light and flaky on the inside and has a crispy crust on the outside,” said Reagle.

The sandwiches all have a pate spread, pickled vegetables, fresh cucumbers and cilantro, and homemade mayonnaise.

“It’s different from store-bought mayonnaise. It’s a little bit sweeter, a little bit creamer,” said Reagle.

The menu includes a variety of banh mi, including cold cut, crisp pork belly, lemongrass beef, ginger soy glazed chicken, and ginger soy glazed tofu. 

The other featured item on the menu is bubble tea, available in a variety of flavors including strawberry and brown sugar.

 

BiddoBanh owners Jonah and Sima Reagle sit at their Biddeford restaurant. SBN STAFF/Liz Gotthelf

Reagle has many years’ experience in the food and hospitality industry, and food has always been an important part of her life.

“I have a huge family. Our lives revolve around food. Small cookouts aren’t really small. Thanksgiving lasts for all four days that we’re off from work,” she said.

Reagle said her family migrated to Biddeford from Cambodia in 1995 and has fond memories growing up in the city.

“This was my first taste of America,” she said. “The community has given a lot to me and I want to give back.

BiddoBanh is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

 

Liz Gotthelf is the publisher of Saco Bay News. She also loves to eat – and support local businesses. If you have any local restaurant or food news, she’d love to hear from you. Send her an email at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.