"Banh mi", a beloved name that has been deeply ingrained in the minds of many Vietnamese people, has become a source of national pride and is considered one of the finest examples of Vietnamese cuisine. Despite facing many challenges throughout its history, Banh mi has successfully crossed national borders and left its mark on the world's culinary scene.

The contents of a Vietnamese baguette, or banh mi, can vary by region and are typically categorized into three main groups: animal ingredients, vegetables, and sauces/condiments. Animal ingredients include roast pork, stewed minced meat with spices, shumai, pate de foie gras, sausage, Vietnamese sausage, chicken, sardines, cheese, fried eggs, spring rolls, cold cuts, tamarind, butter, onion fat, and more. Vegetables typically consist of thinly sliced cucumber, coriander (cilantro), pickles, onions, basil, and more. Sauces and condiments may include soy sauce, fish sauce, pepper sauce, soup powder, chili sauce, and others.

Depending on the ingredients sandwiched inside, banh mi can be divided into different types of Banh mi with different names.
Meatloaf is the most popular type of Banh mi in Vietnam and typically includes cold meat accompanied by rolls, grilled meat sandwiches, or roasted pork sandwiches.
Banh mi shumai is available in many places, but shumai Banh mi in Da Lat is particularly unique and is served in a small bowl filled with soup, shumai balls, pork rolls, pork skin, and scallions.
Banh mi sticks are stick-shaped and filled with fried onion, chili, butter, and signature sauce. Opa Banh mi may be served in a pan with cilantro, pickles, and sauce or as a sandwich with an egg omelet inside.
Chicken Banh mi is a popular Da Nang Banh mi that includes butter, pâté, pickles, vegetables, and jam, and is often round in shape.
Scrambled Banh mi is filled with shredded meat and a little soy sauce, while sardine Banh mi is served with canned sardines and ketchup.
Braised beef Banh mi is dipped and served with braised beef, while pâté Banh mi includes a pâté sandwich.
Toad Banh mi is a type of Banh mi with meat and pâté, and tofu Banh mi is a vegetarian option.
Banh Lau features filling made from breaking Lau, and banh mi fish cake is a fried fish cake sandwich.
Finally, margarine Banh mi is spread with a little butter and sugar.

 

Banh mi is a popular dish in Vietnam and can be found anywhere. The unique flavor mixed with a variety of side dishes creates a unique feature that is only found in Vietnamese Banh mi. If you have the opportunity to visit Vietnam, trying Vietnamese-style banh mi is a must. It will give you a great feeling and an opportunity to experience the local cuisine. To learn more about Ho Chi Minh City's cuisine and culture, follow Saigonwalks.