Everything you need to know about the most delicious sandwich of the moment: banh mi
You know that feeling when you have a huge crush on a particular dish? That’s how I feel about banh mi. It comes from Vietnam; “bread” is the literal translation, but that doesn’t even begin to cover it. Because when it comes to what goes inside this sandwich, nothing is too crazy.
Banh mi baguette
We partly have the French to thank for Vietnam’s iconic sandwich. During the colonisation at the end of the 19th century, around 1860, the French brought the baguette to Vietnam with justifiable pride. The famous Vietnamese sandwich is therefore actually a very old form of fusion cooking.
Banh mi in Vietnam
When you’re in Vietnam, you’ll be amazed by the many banh mi stalls. Just say ‘yes’ to everything and you’ll get a delicious mix of different types of pork on your sandwich. The main ingredient can range from Vietnamese steamed pork sausage, fatty ham or pig’s ear, pork pâté, beef with lemongrass, minced pork, fish cakes, egg; or simply a little bit of everything. Combined with fresh coriander, pickled vegetables, a chilli pepper and something sour, it makes for an incredible sandwich. And a substantial meal, too. While we’d probably prefer to eat it for lunch, in Vietnam it’s often eaten for breakfast.
Worldwide
Since 1860, the sandwich has made great strides. At markets and in Vietnamese shops all over the world, you’ll find different versions of banh mi. In 2011, the sandwich was even added to the Oxford English Dictionary: “(in Vietnamese cuisine) a sandwich consisting of a baguette (traditionally baked with both rice and wheat flour) filled with a variety of ingredients, typically including meat, pickled vegetables, and chilli peppers.”
Banh mi in 020
Luckily, you can also buy delicious banh mi in Amsterdam. At Viêt View, there are several banh mi options on the menu. How about total-crush tofu, Saigon rib-eye, or caramelized pork belly (are you drooling yet)?
Want to eat banh mi at home? Try this delicious banh mi recipe!
Also read:
- These are the exact locations featured in Netflix Street Food Vietnam
- Buying guide: the Vietnamese pantry
- These are the very best baguettes in Paris
Image: vegan bulgogi banh mi from Paaseiland
