Vietnamese Banh Mi and the Journey to the World

"Bánh mì" is Vietnam's pride in its unique cuisine. From the crispy and flaky crust to the pickled veggies to the truly authentic fillings, this is a product that many people associate with Vietnam. Nowadays, Bánh mì is favorable worldwide and it is on the journey to introduce Vietnam's best dishes to other countries.

Bánh mì is the Vietnamese term for all kinds of baguettes, originally introduced to Vietnam by the French in the 1950s. Though, the Vietnamese version was changed in recipes to adapt to the local tastes. The baguettes were made to be more airy with thinner crusts. What makes Bánh mì stand out from other similar bread is the variety of fillings which can any eatable ingredients you can think of. While the most popular fillings are meats, omelets and pâté with sliced chilis, pickled carrot, cucumber and green onion, "Bánh mì kem" (with ice-cream) is an amazing sweet dessert for those who are looking for exotic flavors.

Generally served to go, the baguettes are usually wrapped in paper. Diners can choose their favorite version of Bánh mì outside Vietnam. Read on to discover the famous Vietnamese Bánh mì brands around the world.

Le Petit Saigon, Hong Kong, China

Le Petit Saigon is an outstanding restaurant that offers a wide selection of Vietnamese, including Bánh mì. There are three signature options on the menu. One of them is Vietnamese banh mi with steamed pork, chicken liver pâté, cucumber, chilies and cilantro. Another option is baguettes with shredded chicken, chicken liver pâté, cucumber, green onion, cilantro and hot sauce. Also, you can choose veggie baguettes. The average price is HKD 88.

 “It is a good between-service snack. I eat one every other day. It is definitely not something you get sick of,” says Theign Yie Phan, who is the head chef of Le Petit Saigon. (SCMP)

Le Petit Saigon was ranked 4/5 stars, according to the Open Rice by Hong Kong. Customers fall in love with the crispy crust and the balance of flavors from the ingredients. A combo of Bánh mì with pork and a cup of iced coffee (less sugar) is strongly recommended.

Phượng - Bánh mì in Seoul, Korea

Photo Credit: taii21.11

The brand name "Bánh mì Phượng - Hội An" has received international recognition, praised as "the world's best sandwich" by Anthony Bourdain. And its branch is now available in Seoul. The store in Seoul is inspired by Hoi An's style with mango yellow wall, lovely lanterns, paper flowers and cyclos.

Best-seller baguettes here are the ones with roasted pork, chicken with cheese and salad, ranging from 7,000 KRW. Diners who stop at Phượng will enjoy the unique tastes from Hoi An and immerse in the ancient atmosphere at the same time.

Kêu, London, UK

Photo Credit: Banhmilife

Kêu is one of the most popular Vietnamese restaurants located on Old Street. There are 4 stores of Kêu in London, on Soho Street, Hoxton and Shoreditch. The main dish is Bánh mì Sài Gòn, featuring roasted pork, duck and chicken curry. In addition to Bánh mì, the restaurants are highlighted with a mouth-watering selection of rice with fried pork, fresh spring roll, etc.

According to Bui Hieu, Kêu's founder, Bánh mì is popular in Vietnam, but its fame now spreads everywhere, like in Western countries. The Vietnamese Banh mi made by Kêu' chef is a combination of home-made pâté and Saigon's flavors characteristic of fresh veggies and rich sauce.

Ba, Prague, Czech Republic

Le Hung and his brother opened Bánh mì Ba in Prague, aiming at introducing Vietnamese cuisine to the West. The menu here is not much distinguished from similar restaurants, with roasted beef, roasted pork as the main fillings combining with pickled veggies.

Bánh mì Ba also offers a wide variety of Vietnamese noodles, including Bún chả - Vietnamese dish of grilled pork and noodle and Phở. To understand how successful and popular Bánh mì Ba is, it's good to know there are five branches of Bánh mì Ba in Prague. With the theme focusing on warmth and simplicity, Bánh mì Ba is doing a good job in marketing Vietnamese baguettes to one of the most challenging markets.

Bun Mee, San Francisco, Vietnamese Banh mi in the U.S.

Photo Credit: Bun Mee

Bánh mì at Bun Mee stands out from the rest thanks to the authentic fillings with spicy grilled chicken, grilled pork with lemongrass, pickled carrot and cilantro. Bun Mee offers appetizing baguettes at two locations in San Francisco.

Serving as a gourmet Vietnamese sandwich eatery that blends the Vietnamese street food concepts with the founder's flavorful modern interpretations using fresh, local ingredients, Bun Mee is a good representative of Vietnam's typical recipes growing in the States.