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Being introduced into Vietnam during the French colonization, the baguette has been named as ‘bánh mì’ since then, which usually has airier crumb and crispier crust than the French baguette due to the baking tools and technique.
What is ‘Banh mi’?
Originating from the French baguette, ‘banh mi’ was introduced to Vietnam during the French colonial period, particularly in Saigon around 1859. Unlike the traditional French baguette of that time, the local adaptation evolved with a shorter length, a thinner crust, and a crispier texture, making it a distinct and beloved staple of Vietnamese cuisine.
‘Banh mi kep’ – Vietnamese Sandwich
Bánh mì kẹp, which is a popular street food in Vietnam, is the term referring to the Vietnamese baguette stuffed with meat, vegetable, butter, one or two tablespoons of meat sauce, and chili sauce. Since the customers can choose from a wide variety of meat (fried egg, pate, grilled pork, pork roll, etc.) and vegetables (coriander, cucumber, onion, carrot, etc.) to fill inside the baguette, bánh mì kẹp is so flavourful, personalized and might easily satisfy anyone’s taste and preference.
In Vietnam, banh mi is more than just a sandwich – it’s a reflection of regional flavors and traditions. Each part of the country has its own unique twist, making every bite a new experience.
In Hanoi, the classic banh mi is simple yet delicious, filled with butter, liver pâté, shredded pork floss, char siu, and a dash of chili sauce. Travel to Hue or Quang Binh, and you’ll find a heartier version – crispy banh mi paired with chewy tapioca dumplings for a satisfying meal. In Khanh Hoa, the local favorite features crispy bread stuffed with fried fish cakes, topped with garlic chili sauce, pickled veggies, scallions, and Vietnamese coriander.
Even the shape of banh mi varies across regions. In Hai Phong, the famous ‘banh mi cay’ is just 20 cm long, as thin as two fingers, and packed with pâté, chili sauce, and fresh cilantro. Meanwhile, Hoi An is known for its slender, pointed-end banh mi, stuffed with grilled pork, pâté, Vietnamese sausage, fresh herbs, pickled veggies, and a special meat sauce.
From north to south, every region of Vietnam has its own take on banh mi, each one delicious in its own way. Which version would you try first?
‘Bánh mì’ with condensed milk
Apart from being such a delightful and convenient meal in Vietnam as mentioned above, plain bánh mì combined with sweetness makes a simple yet interesting snack. Whereas bread is commonly spread with butter and fruit jam in European countries, Vietnamese bánh mì has been known to be so compatible with condensed milk. Bánh mì is torn into small pieces and then dipped into condensed milk, creating a creamy sweet treat called bánh mì chấm sữa.
Silk Path’s Guide: Where to enjoy ‘Banh Mi’
Bánh mì, along with phở, bún, xôi and many other traditional dishes, should be included in the must-try food list of any visitors who want to discover the beauty and uniqueness of Vietnamese cuisine.
BANH MI PHO HUE
● Address: 118A Pho Hue, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi
● Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
BANH MI LAN ONG
● Address: 20 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
● Opening hours: 7 AM – 10 PM
BANH MI 25
● Address: 25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
● Opening hours: 07:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Silk Path Hotel Hanoi and Silk Path Boutique Hanoi will make it easier for you to walk through the city to find the best bánh mì in Hanoi. The Gloria by Silk Path, a serviced apartment in Hanoi, offers a comfortable and home-like experience with a convenient location for discovering the city’s rich culinary culture.
