Banh mi - A highlight of Vietnamese cuisine

Beyond counting among Vietnam’s many street food offerings, banh mi has also made a contribution to defining the country’s culinary culture, which has enchanted international friends.

Banh mi is a perfect treat for those looking for something cheap, fast, and delicious in Vietnam.

As a convenient grab-and-go meal with appetising fillings, banh mi, which only costs in the tens of VND, has won over the taste buds of many local people and visitors. Banh mi vendors can be easily spotted along any Hanoi street.

Unlike hamburgers or sandwiches, Vietnamese banh mi has a delicate crust and a tender and soft interior. Though variations abound in different regions and among individual vendors, with a diverse range of fillings, a traditional Vietnamese banh mi consists of several key ingredients, such as pâté, jambon, and butter.

Modern editions of banh mi, banh mi chao (bread with combo pan) and banh mi sot vang (bread with a stew of beef and red wine), also create an unforgettable sensory experience. The fillings are not stuffed inside the baguette, but served on plates.

Either traditional or modern, banh mi has won international acclaim for its vibrant flavours and unique combination of fillings.

With a view to promoting the culinary values of banh mi, the first-ever Vietnamese “banh mi” festival will take place in Ho Chi Minh City from March 30 to April 2.

March 24 has been proposed as Vietnam banh mi day, as the term “banh mi” first appeared in the Oxford dictionary on that day in 2011./.

VNA