Falling in love with “Banh mi” – Vietnamese Bread

If you spend a day wandering through the narrow alleys and hidden corners of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you’ll discover countless street food stalls and small shops run by middle-aged women carrying baskets filled with bánh mì — the iconic Vietnamese bread. More than just a humble breakfast staple for locals, bánh mì has earned its place as one of the top 10 best sandwiches in the world, attracting food lovers and travelers from every corner of the globe. Whether you’re seeking an authentic taste of Hanoi or a quick, delicious bite, bánh mì offers a perfect blend of flavors that truly captures the spirit of Vietnamese cuisine.

Bánh mì is a delicate dish that perfectly blends the cultures and cuisines of the East and the West. During French colonial rule, the French introduced the baguette to Vietnam, leaving a significant influence on Vietnamese cuisine. However, bánh mì only gained widespread popularity in Vietnam after the end of the French war in 1954, when locals began creating a unique sandwich filled with pork, fresh herbs, and cucumber—truly embodying Vietnamese flavors. Later, following the Vietnam War in 1975, many Southerners emigrated to America, Europe, and Australia, helping to spread the popularity of bánh mì worldwide.

It’s true to say that bánh mì has grown up with me throughout my childhood. When I was little, every morning my mom would give me some money to buy a piece of bread for breakfast. Back then, in my hometown, both children and adults loved dipping small pieces of bread into sweetened condensed milk — a simple yet irresistible treat that seemed to capture the hearts of my entire generation.

As I grew older and moved to higher grades, my bánh mì experience evolved. I started enjoying bread filled with pork sausage, hot dog, fresh coriander, crunchy cucumber, pickled carrots, or topped with pork floss, chili sauce, mayonnaise, egg, and pâté — often made from liver and other animal organs. Each bánh mì felt like opening a flavorful world where spices and ingredients melted perfectly in the mouth. The crispy toasted crust crackling with every bite seemed to awaken every sense. Every bite of bánh mì is like a small puzzle piece, contributing to a bigger picture that reflects the unique and special traits of Vietnamese cuisine.

Not only do regular tourists fall in love with bánh mì when they visit Vietnam, but even world-renowned chefs and food bloggers, like Anthony Bourdain, have expressed their deep passion for this iconic dish. During his travels to Hoi An in central Vietnam, Bourdain — one of the most famous foreign cooks fascinated by Vietnamese cuisine — spent considerable time exploring and studying local foods. His enthusiasm helped introduce bánh mì and Vietnamese flavors to a global audience.

If Phở is regarded as the most exquisite dish of Hanoi, embodying the soul of Vietnamese culinary culture, then bánh mì is undoubtedly the perfect choice for a quick meal and stands proudly as a representative of Vietnam’s vibrant street food scene. Missing out on bánh mì would be a real pity during your holiday or visit to Vietnam, as it offers an authentic taste of local life and flavors you simply can’t find anywhere else.