Bánh Mì is one of the most famous and beloved of Vietnamese foods from Vietnam, widely recognized for its balance of flavors and textures.  Depending on regional culture or personal preferences, people can choose many different types of side dishes.

Key Components of Bánh Mì

  1. The Bread:

    • The baguette used in bánh mì is smaller and lighter than the traditional French version, with a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior.

  2. Fillings:

    • Pâté: A rich, spreadable liver paste, a legacy from the French.
    • Cold Cuts: Typically includes Vietnamese-style ham, pork slices, or meatballs.
    • Grilled Meat: Variations include grilled pork, chicken, or beef marinated in flavorful spices.
    • Eggs: Some versions feature fried eggs for a breakfast-style bánh mì.

  3. Vegetables:

    • Pickled carrots and daikon (do chua) add a tangy crunch.
    • Fresh cucumber slices, cilantro (coriander), and chili peppers provide freshness and heat.

  4. Sauces:

    • A savory mayonnaise or butter spread inside the bread.
    • Sometimes a special soy or fish sauce adds an extra umami flavor.

Here are some of the most popular types of bread and their variations found across Vietnam:

1. Traditional Banh Mi

  • The most well-known type, typically filled with pâté, Vietnamese cold cuts (thịt nguội),  Vietnamese Ham (Cha Lua), cucumber, cilantro, pickled carrots, and daikon, all inside a crispy baguette. A special sauce or mayonnaise often adds an extra layer of flavor.

    Traditional Banh Mi Vietnam

2. Fried Egg Banh Mi (Bánh Mì Ốp La)

  • A favorite breakfast, this type contains fried eggs, combined with coriander, cucumber. Sometimes, the eggs are served inside a hot pan with the bread on the side.

    Fried Egg Banh Mi Vietnam

3. Fish Cake Banh Mi (Bánh Mì Chả Cá)

  • Fish cakes are fried and served inside the baguette, accompanied by fresh herbs, pickles, and a spicy sauce. It has a unique flavor that’s beloved in many South Central Coast regions (Nha Trang, Da Nang...)

    Fish Cake Bánh Mì

4. Roast Pork Banh Mi (Bánh Mì Heo Quay)

  • Crispy roast pork (heo quay) with crunchy skin and tender meat is stuffed into the bread, often with a drizzle of sauce, pickled vegetables, and herbs, cucumber.

    Roast Pork Banh Mi Vietnam (Bánh Mì Heo Quay)

5. Pork Meatball Banh Mi (Bánh Mì Xíu Mại)

  • Xíu mại are Vietnamese-style pork meatballs cooked in a savory tomato sauce. This version offers a juicy and flavorful filling, often with some of the sauce soaking into the bread for extra taste. This dish is famous in Da Lat.

    Pork Meatball Banh Mi

Today, bánh mì is enjoyed not just in Vietnam but around the world, with countless variations reflecting different regional and international flavors. Whether filled with traditional Vietnamese ingredients or given a modern twist, bánh mì is a culinary icon that represents the perfect blend of cultures and tastes.