The BBC's gastronomic page once had the article "The World's Best Vietnamese Bread?" Which recorded the author's feelings when coming to Vietnam and enjoying this dish. And not only the BBC, in many world-famous culinary magazines, Vietnamese bread is considered a dish that cannot be missed when coming to Vietnam, even its popularity is just behind Pho.
So, is there anything special that makes the simple Bread like other breads in the world of Vietnam famous all over the world? Let's with us discover the mysteries hidden in that bread.
 |
| Photo by chrisandhilleary |
The origin of the Vietnamese bread
The Banh Mi sandwich gets its origin from the French influence on Indochina. The baguette was introduced by the French, but appropriated by the Vietnamese in the 1950s when they started calling it the bánh mì or wheat bread. The sandwich gained popularity around the world after the Vietnam War.
What Makes for the Best Vietnamese Banh Mi?
The Banh Mi is an airy and crunchy French-style baguette, stuffed with an every varying combination of meats, vegetables, and sauces.
The traditional meats you find in Banh Mi are pork, pâté, and cured ham. Then, additional Banh Mi ingredients are a mélange of Vietnamese herbs and vegetables. Typically, the vegetables are coriander, cucumber, carrot, slices, radish and more depending on what part of the country you are in.
 |
| Photo by Gary Stevens |
Where can you find the best Vietnamese Banh Mi?
Most of the provinces and cities can find Bread. however, in each region, each member will make a different bread with different ingredients suitable for indigenous people.
Here are some of the most sought-after destinations to enjoy the world's best bread
Hanoi Old Quarter
In Hanoi, it's easy to find a Banh Mi, across the streets of Hanoi's old quarter, there are lots of sidewalk strollers that provide Bread. However, not all bread is delicious, to make sure to choose a perfect meal with Mi cake, in Hanoi city tour, ask your tour guide, they will give you the best answer. Or you can refer to some of the following addresses:
Banh Mi Pho Hue: Address: No 118A, Hue Str. This could be the best banh mi sandwich in all of Hanoi, according to locals. The shop has been open since 1974, and the pate is especially delicious.
Banh Mi Moc: Address: 27 Han Thuyen Str, Hoan Kiem. There are lots of different pork rolls at this shop, and all of them are what banh mi dreams are made of.
Banh Mi 25: Address: 25 Hang Ca Str. Locals and tourists alike flock to this go-to banh mi shop. The baguettes here are always crunchy (which is not always the case), and the service is great too. It’s even got vegetarian options (just ask for “banh mi chay”).
 |
| Photo by @oopatoo |
Hoi An ancient town
There are no questions about Hoi An Bread. “That’s a symphony in a sandwich” is how Anthony Bourdain described about Banh Mi Phuong - Hoi An. Hoi An ancient visit do not miss the rare opportunity to enjoy this dish.
Banh Mi Queen - Madam Khanh: Address: Tran Cao Van Str. This place is truly the stuff of legends. Locals say is should be on every “best banh mi” list ever. The owner, Mrs. Loc, has run this store for 30 years, and you can’t really go wrong. Locals say her banh mi perfectly captures the yin-yang taste of the banh mi: It’s sweet and salty, spicy but basic, and crunchy yet creamy — all at the same time. Fillings include pate, pork char siu, sausage, fried egg, homemade pickles, papaya, carrots, parsley, chili sauce, soy sauce, and — last but certainly not least — her secret sauce.
Banh Mi Phuong: Address: 2B Phan Chu Trinh Str. The late Anthony Bourdain recommended this spot, so you know right away that it’s going to be good (Canadian chef Cameron Stauch has praised it too). Run by a small family, the restaurant typically serves more than 1,000 banh mi every single day. But a word of caution: The word is out, so be prepared to queue up, as it’s usually busy.
 |
| Photo by collect on the internet |
Ho Chi Minh city
Like Hanoi, there are many options in Ho Chi Minh, from humble food carts to high-end restaurants, but here are the some best spots to enjoy an amazing bánh mì.
Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng Str, Pham Ngu Lao. If you ask someone for the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City, this will probably be where they send you. It’s very popular, likely because they absolutely pile on the fillings. Get ready for a feast: There are so many layers of pate, meat, veggies and cilantro, and the pickled daikon and carrots may just blow you away.
Banh Mi Tuan Map: Address 196 Pasteur, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam. Look for the yellow food cart out on the sidewalk, packed with heaps of fresh ingredients for the crowds of repeat customers to fawn over as they wait for their favorite dish. They serve the typical bánh mì—a take-away style baguette sandwich, with your choice of fillings - but for a different, more traditional take, try their sizzling hot plate.
Banh Mi 37 Nguyễn Trãi: Address 37 Nguyễn Trãi, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam. If you’re a meat eater, you have to try the grilled pork bánh mì at this spot. They grill the little meat patties next to the food cart, and the smell is enough to have you salivating as you watch them shovel ingredients into your baguette. This place is only open for dinner, though, so don’t show up expecting breakfast.
Banh Mi 37 Nguyễn Trãi: Address 37 Nguyễn Trãi, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam. If you’re a meat eater, you have to try the grilled pork bánh mì at this spot. They grill the little meat patties next to the food cart, and the smell is enough to have you salivating as you watch them shovel ingredients into your baguette. This place is only open for dinner, though, so don’t show up expecting breakfast.
Whatever type you may eat you’re sure to have a moment of heaven from each bite into a well-stacked banh mi that is at once crunchy, soft, aromatic, spicy, salty, sour, sweet, and savory. Choose a holiday in Vietnam with Vietnam Typical Tours to have moments to remember with nature and enjoy special dishes.
