The tagline of Long Jetty’s new Vietnamese banh mi roll joint, Keep Rollin’ is “worth the weight” and we couldn’t agree more. Their authentic pork, meatball, chicken, and vegan subs (and rice bowl options) are packed full of flavour and served from a fun, urban, streetside kiosk for an all-round feel-good lunch spot.

“I love the simplicity of the banh mi, it’s affordable, grab and go, and super tasty. But I wanted to create an experience, not just a tuck-shop, so we’ve got a Vietnamese hut style fit out with a bit of attitude,” says owner and creator Dan.

Dan moved to the Coast from Sydney five years ago and had the idea to open a banh mi shop after driving back to Southwest Sydney for them because he’d not found what he was looking for locally.

However, it didn’t happen at the time and Dan launched his other business just next door - El Reapers Barbershop. So, Keep Rollin’ has sat brewing for five years until the space next to him vacated and he decided to get it done.

“The demographic has changed in Long Jetty since the idea five years ago. Now has been the perfect time as the coast has been changing for the better, a lot more culture, and an urban thing is happening. I don’t think it would have been as successful had I done it then.”

A quick look on Instagram and you’ll see its success, with lines around the block, groups munching crunchy rolls in the sun, and happy snaps of the eye-catching Keep Rollin’ branding.

Dan’s best friend Dale is behind all the art while Dale’s partner Nix heads up the cooking. Together they visited all their favourite banh mi shops in Sydney, including Top Ryde Bakery and Hong Ha, to break down every element and find the best parts of each roll to make sure theirs was a standout.

“We only do banh mi and the idea was to take that one thing and do it really well.” 

Every element of the experience has been created to be fun, from the decor to the branded paper bags that note your order, and the decadent cookies to finish off your meal. All the meat is cooked fresh every 40 minutes, so nothing is sitting in Bain Maries for extended periods.

The pork belly is the most popular choice but Keep Rollin’ also touts a killer vegan option that uses plant-based meat seasoned in a similar way.

“I feel a business should include everyone with an option. We’ve got gluten-free rolls coming next, but in the meantime, our rice bowl variation makes sure no one misses out.”

The future for Keep Rollin’ includes collaborations with other local businesses for specialty feature rolls. Dan is also looking to obtain a liquor licence to do Saturday night pairings such as “rolls and rice lager” with Goons Brewing.

“I want Long Jetty to kick off at night and become somewhere you hang out.”

Keep Rollin’ is certainly on a roll (the puns are never-ending!) and it shows no signs of stopping as it’s fast becoming a fun, reliable, and delicious place to return to. Worth the weight? It sure is.