Banh Mi: A Culinary Journey at Dreamy Teazy
A banh mi combines savory meat tucked into a crispy baguette, complemented by crisp pickled vegetables, spicy jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. This delightful sandwich reflects a rich history shaped by French colonialism and transformed by Vietnamese culture.
Location and Atmosphere
At the intersection of Sherman and Aberg avenues, Dreamy Teazy offers banh mi in a whimsical space that captures the dish’s contrasting elements. Formerly a dry-cleaning establishment, the restaurant’s decor features vibrant greenery, butterfly embellishments, and colorful drapes that create an inviting atmosphere.
Meet the Owner
Owner Mee Yang dedicated over a decade to perfecting her baguette recipe while raising her six children. Encouraged by their friends to pursue her dream, she opened Dreamy Teazy as her youngest approached high school graduation.
Culinary Heritage
Dreamy Teazy’s menu is inspired by Yang’s Hmong roots, blending Thai, Lao, and Vietnamese culinary traditions. Alongside seven types of banh mi, guests can enjoy pho, spicy Hmong sausage, sticky rice, and a selection of fruit and milk teas.
Quality Ingredients
After sampling banh mi across the country, Yang was determined to create a sandwich that met her high standards. All banh mi begin with fresh daily bread, paired with house-made mayo, chicken liver pâté (request the tofu version for vegetarian), cilantro, cucumber, jalapeño, pickled carrots, and pickled Chinese radish. A traditional banh mi also features components like Vietnamese ham and head cheese.
Yang emphasizes the harmony between every element, stating, “I can taste the pâté, the mayonnaise, the veggies and the meat in there. It’s just a good combination.”
Diverse Options
Other banh mi variations include lemongrass chicken, tofu, spicy Thai fried chicken, crispy pork belly, and sesame chicken. Notably, Yang’s barbecue pork banh mi features marinated char siu pork butt, which becomes sweet, sticky, and tender after several days in the marinade.
Other Banh Mi Hotspots in Madison
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- Location: 2249 Zeier Road
- Offers a range of toppings from grilled beef to lobster, served with separate vegetables for freshness in to-go orders.
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- Location: 805 Williamson St.
- Vegan twist with grilled tofu and walnut mushroom pâté.
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- Located at the corner of Charter and West Johnson streets, serving a mix of traditional and barbecue pork options.
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- Location: 682 S. Whitney Way
- Notable for the banh mi xiu mai, featuring savory minced pork meatballs.
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- Location: 708 1/4 E. Johnson St.
- Unique vegan option featuring roasted cauliflower, chickpea pâté, and house-made vegan aioli.
Author: Emily Tucker, freelance writer for Madison Magazine.
Copyright: 2026 by Madison Magazine. All rights reserved.
