Lai Bakery & Cafe

13 Portman St, Oakleigh VIC 3166, Australia
+61 468 703 385
$$$ cafe
(61 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

Welcome to Lai Bakery & Cafe, a delightful gem nestled at 13 Portman St, Oakleigh VIC 3166, Australia. This charming cafe has quickly become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, famous for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine, particularly its mouth-watering banh mi. With a cozy and unpretentious atmosphere, Lai Bakery & Cafe is the perfect place to unwind with delicious food and warm service.

Step inside, and you're greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted meats wafting through the air. The heart of Lai Bakery lies in its commitment to quality and flavor. Each banh mi is a masterpiece, rich with robust fillings and a symphony of flavors. One customer, Betty Choi, praises it as Melbourne’s “best banh mi,” noting the careful attention given to seasoning, which elevates every bite to a new level of deliciousness. This sentiment is echoed by many, creating a community of satisfied diners who keep coming back for more.

If you have a taste for succulent roast pork, Zipporah Mariebelle Enriquez raves about how the staff patiently assist in crafting the perfect sandwich tailored to your preferences. Each sandwich bursts with a crispy texture and fresh salad, all contributed by the unique offerings of this humble bakery. Sa P warmly describes the experience as “amazing,” noting its affordability ($5 for a pork roll) without skimping on satisfaction or freshness.

For coffee lovers, Lai Bakery & Cafe offers a well-crafted cup at just $4, alongside hot dogs also priced at a mere $4. The friendly service ensures you’re promptly served, making it a convenient pit stop, especially with its proximity to the Oakleigh train station. Whether you're in a rush or looking to enjoy a leisurely meal, Lai Bakery welcomes you with open arms.

What sets Lai Bakery apart isn’t just the food, but the heart and soul embedded in every dish, created by a passionate team dedicated to providing a memorable dining experience. The lack of glamour only enhances its charm—after all, it’s the food that matters most.

So, if you find yourself near Oakleigh, don’t miss out on this culinary treasure. Treat yourself to a banh mi that will leave you craving more and witness the true essence of Vietnamese street food in a cozy cafe setting. Stop by Lai Bakery & Cafe for a delightful taste that celebrates authenticity and love in every bite!

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Atmosphere
Casual
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

61 Reviews
Zipporah Mariebelle Enriquez

26 Sep 2025

The roast pork was sooo good. The staff were also very friendly -- assisting us with everything we wanted in the sandwich, asking us our preferences, and overall very patient. We will be back for sure! Excited to try the other options they have

Betty Choi

16 Sep 2025

Hands down Melbourne’s best banh mi. Robust fillings, two types of seasoning salt on top of the sauce. So much love goes into it.

Sa P

16 Aug 2025

This is place is amazing! Don't be fooled by the lack of glamour, the pork rolls are the best! It's a humble little bakery only a minute walk from the station. Its only $5 and so satisfying and fresh. Crispy texture, succulent meat and fresh salad! It's definitely worth a try

Stanley Ye

25 Jun 2025

Coffee for $4. Hot dog for $4. Very affordable and tasty. Prompt service and right next to Oakleigh train station. Makes for a convenient location to get a bite to eat while waiting for the train.

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