Bánh mì chả cá is a traditional type of bánh mì sandwich made with fish patties as the main ingredient. In order to prepare it, a bánh mì roll or a Vietnamese baguette is split lengthwise, then filled with fried fish cakes and classic bánh mì fare such as scallions, coriander, soy sauce, sliced chili peppers, or pickled daikon and carrots.

The fish cakes can be pre-made or prepared from scratch, and they usually consist of pounded fish fillets, fish sauce, garlic, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. The paste is formed into patties, which are then fried until golden. This sandwich can be bought at street stands throughout the country.