Bánh mì
(Banh mi)
Bánh mì (pronounced 'bun mee') is a popular Vietnamese variety of sandwiches that share the same core ingredient - a baguette. The baguette was brought over to Vietnam during the colonial period, and nowadays it is one of the few happy legacies from the time.
The crusty bread, condiments, and meats are all a legacy of French and Chinese colonialism, while cilantro, chili, and pickles reflect the Vietnamese taste for fresh vegetables and bright flavors. In the beginning, most banh mi sandwiches consisted of bread, meat, and seasonings, with no added vegetables.
Today, the possibilities are virtually limitless - the sandwiches are stuffed with cold cuts, French butter, fresh mayonnaise, liver pâté, cucumbers, cilantro, pickles, oyster sauce, garlic...and the list goes on. The bread should be light, with a delicate crust and a tender, chewy, and soft interior with a slightly sweet flavor. Read more
The meat on the inside can be chicken, pork, beef, seafood, cold cuts, or pâtés, sausages, and terrines, but it is extremely important not to overstuff the sandwich. Most of the fillings and condiments are things that foreigners are unfamiliar with, and that just may be the secret to its popularity.
With their cult-like following and savory Vietnamese fillings, these sandwiches have crossed the borders of their native country long ago, and banh mi shops are still popping up all over the world.
Types of Bánh mì
Recipe variations
Authentic Bánh Mì Thịt with Vietnamese Sausage Cha Lua and Pâté
READY IN 4h 55minThe following is the classic bánh mì thịt sandwich recipe, giving instructions on how to prepare both the pâté and the cha lua sausage, the ingredients most commonly associated with this type of sandwich. Therefore, this recipe is a must-try classic, as it gives the authentic experience of bánh mì thịt.
Bánh Mì Thịt by Andrea Nguyen
READY IN 1h 45minThe following is the authentic bánh mì thịt recipe. It consists of Vietnamese rolls, seasoned ground pork, various cold cuts, mayonnaise, the ubiquitous pickled vegetables, cilantro, cucumber, and chili oil. Instructions for pickled vegetables and seasoned ground pork are included in this recipe. The recipe is courtesy of Andrea Nguyen, a Vietnamese-born American teacher, food writer, cookbook author, and chef living in the San Francisco area. She is a James Beard Award winner and is considered the utmost authority on Asian cuisines, specifically Vietnamese.
Bánh mì Authentic recipe
The following is the classic bánh mì thịt sandwich recipe, giving instructions on how to prepare both the pâté and the cha lua sausage, the ingredients most commonly associated with this type of sandwich. Therefore, this recipe is a must-try classic, as it gives the authentic experience of bánh mì thịt.
WHERE TO EAT The best Bánh mì in the world (according to food experts)
