Launch of Luke’s Banh Mi in Melbourne CBD
Melbourne’s food scene is buzzing with excitement, and for good reason: Luke’s Bánh Mì has just opened its third location at 518 Little Bourke Street in the heart of the CBD, bringing its cult-favorite Vietnamese baguettes to a new stage. On the eve of its public opening on September 17, 2025, I had the privilege of attending an exclusive VIP party, where the energy was electric, the flavors were explosive, and the bánh mì were nothing short of royalty. This new spot is a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the kind of food that makes your taste buds sing.
The star of the night was the Crispy Duck Bánh Mì, a bold collaboration with Luv-a-Duck that’s already capturing the imagination. This isn’t your average sandwich. The duck, marinated with Luke’s own Chinese cooking wine infused with star anise, cinnamon, garlic, soy, and a touch of family-secret magic, is cured for 72 hours, air-dried, and roasted to golden, crispy perfection. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors: the crackle of the duck’s skin, the juicy tenderness of the meat, the tangy crunch of pickled vegetables, and the crusty, freshly baked baguette that holds it all together. It’s rich, fragrant, and a perfect nod to the French-Vietnamese roots of bánh mì. Luke Vu, the mastermind behind it all, beamed with pride as he shared the story of this creation, and it’s easy to see why. This bánh mì is a game-changer, one that could easily inspire its own fan club.
But the Crispy Duck wasn’t the only showstopper. Luke’s unveiled its new Skewers Bánh Mì range, and these are the cool cousins you want at every family reunion. The Honey Soy Chicken skewer is a sweet-savory masterpiece, caramelized to perfection with a glaze that hits all the right spots. Meanwhile, the Lemongrass Beef skewer struts with smoky, aromatic swagger, as if it just rolled in from a Hanoi street grill. Whether you enjoy them solo or tucked into a bánh mì with Luke’s signature pâté, fresh herbs, and pickled veg, these skewers are flavor fireworks. They’re the kind of food that makes you close your eyes and savour every bite, transporting you straight to the vibrant streets of Vietnam.
Luke Vu, a third-generation baker and self-proclaimed bánh mì obsessive, is the heart and soul of this operation. Born in Vietnam and raised in his family’s wood-fired bakery, Luke moved to Melbourne in 2007, juggling accountancy studies by day and bakery shifts by night. His passion for perfecting bánh mì led him to open his first location in Moonee Ponds in 2022, followed by South Melbourne earlier this year. The demand has been nothing short of wild - Luke’s now churns out up to 1,300 bánh mì a day, with fans crossing postcodes and even state lines for a taste. His secret is a relentless focus on craft, from daily-baked baguettes with their golden, crunchy shells to house-made pâtés, marinated meats, and vegan proteins that pack a punch. Every element is made in-house, ensuring that each bánh mì is a work of art.
The new CBD location takes things to the next level. Alongside the classic offerings, like vegan lemongrass tofu and beef wrapped in betel leaf, the menu introduces exclusive flavors that push the boundaries of what bánh mì can be. The vibe at the VIP party was a perfect reflection of Luke’s vision: big bakery energy, with behind-the-scenes stories, lively chatter, and a crowd buzzing with anticipation. To celebrate the public opening, Luke’s is rolling out a special discount offer, and at the VIP night we rightly predicted massive lines at the launch. The next day, a collaboration with Red Bull brought a “Bread’n’Bull” Meal Deal, complete with a DJ and sampling team to keep the good vibes flowing.
Luke’s Bánh Mì is a movement. With plans for 30 locations by 2027, Luke is building a national obsession, one crispy baguette at a time. From its humble beginnings in Reservoir in 2019 to its rebrand as Luke’s Bánh Mì in April 2025, the focus has always been on authenticity, happiness, and Vietnamese bakery culture. The new CBD spot, with its bold flavours and infectious energy, is proof that Luke’s is here to stay. So, bring your appetite and get ready to join the bánh mì bonanza - Melbourne’s newest foodie haven is calling, and it’s serving up something unforgettable.