When the French baguette arrived in Vietnam over a century ago, little did anyone know that it would revolutionize Vietnamese cuisine. The beloved banh mi, a streetside sandwich, has become an iconic Vietnamese dish. However, its seemingly simple nature hides a world of flavors. Throughout the country, locals have put their own unique spin on this culinary staple. Embarking on a banh mi adventure in Vietnam is not just a delicious journey, but also a cultural experience. To get you started, here are seven incredible banh mi sandwiches you must try.
Banh Mi Sot Vang
A stew of beef and red wine may sound like a dish reserved for fancy restaurants, but in Vietnam, you can find it on the sidewalks of Hanoi. This French-influenced stew is seasoned with cinnamon, star anise, and coriander. Tear off a piece of bread and dip it into the rich, savory broth. Banh mi sot vang takes hours to perfect, so families often make a large pot to use for both the bread and pho. Yes, red wine beef stew pho is indeed a thing.
Banh Mi Heo Quay
How much crunchiness is too much? That’s a question banh mi heo quay, the roasted pork version of the classic banh mi, seeks to answer. Thick slices of roasted pork belly are nestled inside a crusty loaf, alongside cucumber and pickled turnip. It’s a perfect balance of textures. In Ho Chi Minh City, there’s even a whole street dedicated to banh mi heo quay, where foodies line up every morning for a delightful breakfast. Give this sandwich a try, and you might just change your mind about crunchiness.
Banh Mi Bo Ne
The name Banh Mi Bo Ne translates to “dodge the beef,” but it’s not the beef you need to avoid—it’s the hot oil splatter from the cast-iron skillet it’s served in. Vietnamese cuisine enthusiasts discovered that sizzling steak makes a brilliant companion to a banh mi. Add a bubbling fried egg, paté, tomatoes, and herbs, and you have a mouthwatering explosion of flavors. Be prepared to maneuver when your Banh Mi Bo Ne arrives, because this level of deliciousness is worth it.
Banh Mi Op La
Every food culture has its own version of bread and eggs, and in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s called banh mi op la. This delightful sandwich features sunny-side-up eggs and fresh baguette. In some variations, it is served on a metal skillet with fried cha lua (Vietnamese steamed pork sausage) or the eggs are placed directly into the warm baguette, along with papaya and carrot pickles, chili sauce, and a drop of soy sauce. In places like Hoi An, banh mi op la becomes banh mi trung, stuffed with freshly sliced lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. This is the perfect banh mi option for vegetarians who want to savor Vietnam’s most famous snack.
Banh Mi Thit
Banh Mi Thit is living proof that you can never go wrong with a classic. Crispy or soft, the filling steals the show in this sandwich. A fully loaded banh mi thit consists of various Vietnamese hams, char siu or fried pork, butter, paté, pork floss, pickled carrots, cucumber, and coriander. A secret sauce ties everything together. Enjoy your banh mi thit with a cup of bac xiu (iced milk coffee) on the sidewalk, just like the locals. It’s a must-have Vietnam experience.
Banh Mi Cha Ca
Fish cakes, originating from the coastal town of Nha Trang, have also found their way into banh mi. The best fish cakes have a chewy texture and a combination of umami flavors from various types of fish, enhanced by the spiciness of black pepper. Fried to perfection and topped with aromatic Vietnamese coriander, these fish cakes are sometimes accompanied by crunchy cucumber slices or a garlic and chili soy sauce. The explosion of flavors in every bite has earned banh mi cha ca a special place among the people of Southern Vietnam.
Banh Mi Cham Sua
Many Vietnamese people fondly remember cans of condensed milk found in their kitchen cupboards. Banh mi cham sua, or bread dipped in sweetened condensed milk, is a nostalgic comfort food. Fluffy bread soaked in warm, creamy milk is the epitome of comfort. This high-calorie treat brings back memories of simpler times, when indulging in such delights was pure bliss.
For more exciting travel ideas in Vietnam, sign up for our newsletter to receive our best stories directly in your inbox.
