Banh Mi – The Best Vietnamese Sandwich to Fall in Love With

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“That’s a symphony in a sandwich” is how Anthony Bourdain described the most famous Vietnamese sandwich called the Banh Mì.

If you’re planning on traveling to Vietnam, the one sandwich you will not want to miss is the banh mi. This iconic sandwich has been consistently ranked as one of the best sandwiches in the world.

While exploring the local food specialties in Vietnam, we absolutely fell in love with the banh mi sandwich. Beyond the delicious flavors, we liked this Vietnamese sandwich for different reasons. 

For Claire, the baguette bread  transported her back to France, where she has fond memories of the simple pleasures of a baguette sandwich.  

On my end, I’m personally not a huge sandwich fan. I’d choose a meal, anyday, over a sandwich. However, something magical happened in Vietnam. I finally discovered how good a sandwich really could be.

While traveling across the country, we made it a point to try the Vietnamese banh mi sandwich in different regions.  

Join us on a culinary adventure and discover what makes the banh mi the best Vietnamese sandwich to fall in love with.  

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What Is Banh Mi – The Famous Vietnamese Sandwich

Bahn mi Mme Khan Banh My Queen Food in Hoi An by Authentic Food Quest
All the goodness in a banh mi Vietnam sandwich

The banh mi is an airy and crunchy French baguette, stuffed with an ever-varying combination of meats, vegetables, and sauces.

 This airy Vietnamese baguette is made with a combination of wheat and rice flours with a thin crispy crust. 

It is filled with pork, pâté, cured ham and a variety of cold cuts. The sandwich also has a mix of Vietnamese herbs and fresh vegetables.

Coriander, cucumber slices, radish, pickled carrots, and daikon are typically used.

Bringing together the salty, sweet, sour and spicy flavors is a delicious sauce.

Banh Mi Ingredients for the traditional Banh Mi Sandwich the famous Vietnamese Sandwich in Vietnam by Authentic Food Quest
Street cart with typical ingredients for a bánh mì sandwich

Depending on what part of the country you are in, this Vietnamese sandwich will be prepared in a slightly different manner.

Banh Mi History and Influences

Banh Mi from Banh Mi Queen by Authentic Food Quest
Juicy banh mi Vietnamese sandwich from Banh Mi Queen, Hoi An

The banh mi sandwich gets its origin from the French influence in Indochina. The baguette was introduced by the French, but appropriated by the Vietnamese in the 1950s when they started calling it the banh mi or wheat bread. 

The sandwich gained popularity around the world after the Vietnam War. 

Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City is believed to be the birthplace of the banh mi sandwich. The Le family moved from Hanoi to Saigon in the 1950s and created this Vietnamese sandwich.

Their shop, Banh Mi Hoa Ma, named after their village in the north is in District 3 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Today, this famous Vietnamese sandwich is eaten all over the world. While banh mi Vietnam is mainly eaten for breakfast, it is enjoyed at any time of the day.

Considered a national staple food all over Vietnam, the banh mi is an experience not to be missed.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you would love an authentic banh mi sandwich but are not traveling to Vietnam, learn how to make one in an online cooking class. In a private online cooking class with The Chef & The Dish, learn to make banh mi sandwiches with marinated pork and pickled vegetables. Alongside, you will also make fresh spring rolls and an accompanying dipping sauce. Transport your kitchen to Vietnam in this fun online banh mi cooking class.

Best Vietnamese Bánh Mì in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

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The busy and noisy streets of Saigon

The first time we visited Vietnam, we fell seriously in love with the banh mi sandwiches in Hoi An. As we traveled south to Saigon, we noted the differences in tastes and ingredients used in the Vietnamese sandwich.

Looking for local recommendations for the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City, we asked our Airbnb host for guidance. 

With their suggestions in hand, combined with local spots we found in our research, these are places worth experiencing.

READ MORE: Guide To The Best of The Food in Saigon – 15 Local Foods Not To Miss

Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa – Traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi

Bánh Mi Huynh Hoa Best Banh Mi in Saigon for the quest of the best Banh Mi in Vietnam the famous VietnameseSandwich Authentic Food Quest
Filling banh mi with slices of cucumber, peppers, onion and cilantro at Huynh Hoa

With a reputation of making the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City, Huynh Hoa restaurant has quite a following. 

We got to the restaurant right before it opened at 2:30 pm and no sooner had the doors opened, a crowd suddenly appeared.

Run like a well-oiled machine, everything and everyone working had a role to play. 

On one side of the room was a cart filled with the different types of ingredients, meats and pate. 

Next to that cart was a smaller cart, with ingredients managed by a gruff old man. He spoke just enough English to tell me very sternly “stand here and wait.” 

Across the room were baguettes toasting to crispy perfection.

Banh Mi Huynh Hoa Vietnam Sandwich

Inside Huynh Hoa waiting for the best banh mi sandwiches in Vietnam_VietnameseSandwich_AuthenticFoodQuest
Crowded and everyone waiting for their bánh mì sandwiches at Huynh Hoa

The restaurant does not have any seating area. After waiting in line, we sheltered from the rain and sat down to devour the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City.

The sandwich was heavy in weight and filled with several layers of meat. One of the reasons it is so popular is because it is filled with 8 or 9 different types of cold cuts.

Layered with the meat were slices of cucumber, peppers, onion, cilantro and a few shreds of carrots. The sandwich also had homemade mayonnaise and topped with chili sauce.

While we found the sandwich very fresh, we found it way too heavy on the meat.

More like a meat-sandwich and missing the balance of the fresh veggies and herbs that accompanied the banh mi sandwiches we enjoyed in Hoi An.

Even so, visitors to Ho Chi Minh City should not miss what is considered by many as the best banh mi experience.

Where to Eat the Best Traditional Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh City District 1

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The banh mi sandwich operation at Huynh Hoa

Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa

Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng, District 1,  Hồ Chí Minh City

Hours: Open every day from 2:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Prices: About 33,000 VND per sandwich (approximately $1.44 USD)


Banh Mi Hong Hoa – A Solid Option For Vietnamese Sandwich

Bánh Mì Hong Hoa Best Banh Mi in Saigon and Ho Chi Minh District 1 on the quest for the best Banh Mi in Vietnam the famous Vietnamese Sandwich Authentic Food Quest
Fresh omelette in the banh mi sandwich from Hong Hoa

On our first trip to Vietnam, we traveled from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia by bus. For the 6-hour direct bus trip to Phnom Penh, we picked up Vietnamese sandwiches to eat.

Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa, not far from where we were staying was another recommended place we tried.

The restaurant is a typical shophouse with a walk-up counter on the exterior where you can choose from several types of banh mì sandwiches. 

We got there at noon and the place was already busy with motorcycles constantly stopping by for orders.

We ordered the classic banh mi sandwich with pork slices (bánh mì thịt) and one with an additional egg added.

These were our favorite banh mi sandwiches in Ho Chi Minh City. The balance between the meat and fresh vegetables and herbs was closer to what we enjoyed in the north. 

The bread was incredibly fresh and crispy. Furthermore, the sandwich held up surprisingly well in the to-go packaging. It was not “mushy” when we ate it about 2 hours later.  

This is definitively a place not to miss for the best Saigon banh mi.

Where To Eat The Best Local Favorite Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh City District 1

Banh Mi Hong Hoa Best Banh Mi in Saigon also Best Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh District 1 on the quest for the best Banh Mi in Vietnam the famous Vietnamese Sandwich Authentic Food Quest
Hong Hoa, well known for its delicious Banh Mi the famous Vietnamese sandwich

Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa

Address: 62 Nguyen Van Trang, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh City

Hours: Open every day from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (check as hours vary)

Prices: About 12,000 VND to 18,000 VND per sandwich (approximately $0.50 to $0.80 USD)

Banh Mi Hoa Ma – Famous Saigon Banh Mi

Banh Mi Op La food in Saigon by Authentic Food Quest
The famous Banh Mi Op La popularized by Anthony Bourdain

Banh Mi Hoa Ma, the restaurant said to have created the original banh mi sandwich is a popular place. 

In addition to being the original, it was further popularized by Anthony Bourdain when he visited Saigon.

Located in District 3, it is still family owned and a solid option for banh mi sandwiches. 

One of their most popular Vietnam sandwich is the banh mi op la. This version is like a  deconstructed banh mi where the baguette bread is served separately from the filling. 

There are small dishes with fried eggs, pork, onions and vegetables. A side of pâté is provided on the side to spread on your roll.

While the cuts of meat, vegetables, and bread were all quite fresh, we found it too touristy.  Due to its popularity, it lacks the charm of more authentic eateries

Where To Eat The Best Original Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh City District 3

Banh Mi Hoa Ma Best places to Eat in Saigon Authentic Food Quest
Try banh mi or banh mi op la at Hoa Ma

Bánh Mì Hoa Ma 

Address: 53 Cao Thắng, Phường 3, Quận 3, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Hours: Open every day from 6:00 am to 11:00 am

Price: 52,000 VND (approx. $2.25)

Best Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich in Danang, Central Vietnam

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A view of Danang from the river

Danang in central Vietnam has a rich culinary history. We visited Da Nang several times, each time spending several weeks exploring the local food.

Not surprisingly, banh mi sandwiches feature prominently. The Vietnamese sandwiches are just as fresh and flavorful as they are in other parts of the country.

Like in Saigon, the banh mi sandwiches are meat-heavy. Whereas in Hoi An, which is also in central Vietnam,  the sandwiches have more vegetables and are served with eggs.

READ MORE: Top 17 Authentic Food in Danang You Want To Have

Bánh Mì̀ Bà Lan –  Best Banh Mi in Danang

Banh Mi sandwich a Danang Street Food by authentic Food Quest
Hearty banh mi Vietnamese sandwich in Danang

Bánh Mì̀ Bà Lan is one of our favorite Danang banh mi local eateries. They are celebrated for making fresh banh mi sandwiches at the same spot for over 20 years. 

An iconic street food in Danang, banh mi sandwiches can be found at street stalls, local bakeries and eateries.

At Banh Mi Ba Lan, expect to find a line at their busy street food cart. Simply wait patiently for the delightful banh mi Vietnam flavors.

Where To Eat The Best Local Banh Mi in DaNang

Banh Mi Ba Lan Best Place to Eat Banh Mi inDanang by AuthenticFoodQuest
Preparing Banh Mi non-stop at Banh Mi Ba Lan

Banh Mi Ba Lan

Address: 62 Trưng Nữ Vương, Hải Châu, Danang

Hours: Open everyday, 3:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Price: “Classic” for 20,000 VND with vegetables and pate and “Special” for 25,000 VND with more pate and pork (approx. $0.86 to $1.08)

Best Vietnamese Banh Mi in Hoi An, Central Vietnam

Hoi An The city where to find and eat the best banh mi sandwich in Vietnam by Authentic Food Quest
The beautiful and charming Old Town in Hoi An

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is an atmospheric old town with Chinese and Japanese influenced architecture. You will find famous Chinese temples, Japanese bridges, pagodas, ancient shop houses and old canals. 

In addition to being a World Heritage site, it is also known for its local food specialities.

READ MORE: Guide To The Best Food in Hoi An & Authentic Restaurants

Bánh Mì Queen Hoi An – Our Favorite Banh Mi Sandwich

Best Banh Mi Sandwich at The Banh Mi Queen Hoi An Madam Khanh_VietnameseSandwich_AuthenticFoodQuest
Gorgeous and delicious banh mi sandwiches from the Banh Mi Queen

The first time we visited Hoi An, we arrived tired and hungry. When we asked our Airbnb host for a nearby banh mi spot, she recommended Madam Khanh, the Bánh Mì Queen. 

At this point, we had no idea we were about to eat the best banh mi ever. We had been told Hoi An had some of the best banh mi sandwiches in Vietnam, and we were eager to find out for ourselves.

When we got to the stand, there was only one item on the menu –  bánh mì.  You can choose different types of filling, and we chose to go with “everything.”  

We were ushered into the very simple room in the back and waited patiently.

After a few minutes, the most beautiful sandwiches arrived. Even before our server would let us eat, she held onto the plate saying “photo”, “photo.” 

You could tell that she had been trained to make sure only the best and most flattering pictures of the sandwich are taken. 

She hung around the table for a few minutes watching us take photos. She left after only after we showed us the pictures we had taken.

Topped with an egg and the bread lightly toasted, this banh mi sandwich was divine. 

In each bite was a wealth of textures and flavors. The spicy, salty, savory, sweet, and aromatic tastes keep you savoring for more. 

We’ve been back several times and this is definitely our preferred banh mi sandwich in Vietnam.

Where To Eat The Best Banh Mi Hoi An

Madam Khanh, known as the Banh Mi Queen where to find the best banh mi in Hoi An and in Vietnam VietnameseSandwich Authentic Food Quest
The entrance to Madam Khanh, the Banh Mi Queen in Hoi An

Madam Khanh The Banh Mi Queen

Address: 115 Trần Cao Vân, Sơn Phong, Tp. Hội An

Hours: Open everyday from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm

Prices: About 20,000 VND per person, with everything, (approximately $0.87 USD)

Bánh Mì Phượng, Hoi An – A Must Try Banh Mi Sandwich

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Plump and overflowing banh mi sandwich from Banh Mi Phuong in Hoi An

The other popular place in Hoi An for banh mi is Bánh Mì Phượng. This is the place that Anthony Bourdain visited when he described the banh mi “as a symphony in a sandwich.”

We are always cautious about the quality of food at local places that receive celebrity endorsement. Our biggest concern is whether the place maintains its authenticity.

We went to Bánh Mì Phượng without any expectations. Not surprisingly, we were met by a long line of tourists waiting and others snapping photos in front of the endorsement by Anthony Bourdain.

Extensive Banh Mi Menu at Banh Mi Phuong

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The delicious menu at Banh Mì Phuong

After patiently waiting we made it up to the busy counter. Several ladies were working frantically, preparing sandwiches “to-go” as well as for the restaurant.

For an equal comparison to the Queen of banh mi, we ordered two kinds of sandwiches. One banh mi with everything, including a fried egg. This was bánh mì thịt bò với trứng or #12 on the menu. The second was #9 with ham and paté, plus the addition of an egg. 

The pace was rushed and the ambiance harried. After waiting patiently for our order, we sat at a corner table to savor this delicious Vietnamese sandwich.

Plump and overflowing with goodness is how the sandwiches arrived. We bit into them with eager anticipation. 

The first thing we noticed right away was the delicious bread. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

The sandwich was very fresh and filled with unique flavors and delicious herbs. One negative was fatty pork within the meat. While tasty, we also found one of the sauces to be too sweet. 

All things considered, this Vietnam sandwich is an experience to be had in Hoi An. The best part is the bread which is baked fresh daily at the bakery next door.

Where To Eat Best Banh Mi Hoi An With Anthony Bourdain Endorsement

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People eagerly waiting in line for their Bánh Mì sandwiches at Bánh Mì Phuợng

Bánh Mì Phượng, Hanoi

Address: 2B Phan Châu Trinh, Minh An, Tp. Hội An

Hours: Open everyday from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Prices: About 20,000 VND  – 25,000 VND per person, (approximately $0.87 USD – $1.10 USD)

Best Banh Mi Sandwich in Hanoi, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi by Authentic Food Quest
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi

Hanoi, in northern Vietnam, is known for its unique local specialties. Pho soup is one of the most iconic Vietnamese food from the north. 

Hanoi’s proximity to China, the cooler climate, and abundance of seafood and fresh fish give the food a distinct identity.

Like the rest of Vietnam, banh mi sandwiches are also very popular and found on almost every street corner.

Banh Mì Ngon Best Local Banh Mi Sandwich in Hanoi

Banh Mi Ngon in Hanoi a Banh Mi Sandwich on our qest for the best Banh Mi in Vietnam the famous Vietnamese Sandwich by Authentic Food Quest
Our first bánh mì sandwich in Hanoi

In Hanoi, we stumbled onto Bánh Mì Ngon where we had two freshly made banh mi sandwiches.

These sandwiches were filled with crispy herbs and vegetables, pate, a fried egg in a delightful homemade sauce. 

The banh mi style in Hanoi is similar to those in central Vietnam. Filled with more vegetables and less meat as compared to Saigon banh mi.

These were the very first banh mi sandwiches we had in Vietnam and we enjoyed them tremendously. 

Later, we discovered the Banh Mi Queen in Hoi An, and this became our favorite Vietnamese sandwich.

Where to Have The Best Banh Mi Hanoi

Banh Mi Ngon Must Eat in Hanoi Authentic Food Quest
Banh Mi Ngon

While there are many banh mi Vietnamese street vendors in Hanoi, we seek out local eateries that are off the beaten path. 

For instance, we spotted one trendy kebab banh mi sandwich on the streets of Hanoi. This Vietnamese sandwich version is nothing close to the original banh mi Vietnamese sandwich. 

Banh Mi Ngon, a small eatery on a busy street fit our criteria for local and authentic. In addition to the delightful banh mi experience the service was exceptional. 

What made this experience special, was the owner of the place made us taste a local dessert which was pomelo slices topped with a mix of chili spices. A very nice and unexpected treat.

Bánh Mì Ngon

Address: 49 Đường Thành, Ha Noi

Hours: Open everyday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

Prices: About 15,000 VND to 25,000 VND (Approx. $0.66 USD to $1.10 USD)

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In Summary

The banh mi sandwich is beloved in Vietnam. It is a quintessential French inspired Vietnamese street food that is delicious, filling and cheap. 

In every part of Vietnam, vendors and local restaurants sell their own unique interpretation of the sandwich. 

Whichever city you may be visiting in Vietnam, walk around and explore the street food in the local areas. And when you see a banh mi shop or vendor with a line of locals queuing, take your place in line.

Follow your nose and local recommendations and discover the nuances of this signature Vietnamese sandwich.

Within no time, you will discover for yourself why the Vietnamese banh mi is the best sandwich to fall in love with.

Have you had banh mi, the famous Vietnamese sandwich?  Let us know in the comments below, where you had it and what you thought of it.

Savor The Adventure!

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100 Comments on “Banh Mi – The Best Vietnamese Sandwich to Fall in Love With”

  1. Hi ! I’m VietNamese and very glad when you wrote about banh mi. but we never call it “bahn mi” it just “banh mi”. And one thing you must try when you thinking about VietNam is “wakeup at morning and your breakfast menu is banh mi and one cup of coffee robusta”

    Reply
    • Thank you Hoan for your feedback. The banh mi sandwich is indeed one of our favorites and an iconic sandwich that must be discovered. Yes, banh mi with coffee in the moring is the best. Thank you for stopping by. Cheers

      Reply
  2. Wow this is lovely food and good food for good heath thanks sharing this beautiful recipe about the sandwich and this article

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  3. wow a bourdain endorsement? thats huge. Did the one stand have laughing cow cheese surrounding? Do they make these vegetarian? I love the influence of France with the crusty bread. Love a sandwich with pickled veg and lots of sauce!

    Reply
  4. Waoo its just an amazing article about food items and travelling I just love to eat during travel.. by reading out this post my mouth is filled with water and its so yummy by seeing in this post and that sandwich is so yummy to see in photograph its really interesting article for all foodie persons just like me

    Reply
  5. I usually like some items from the veitnam but I think I should try its sandwiches for sure. I will try these at tea time as a snack. my family and kids will surely love it. I have most of its ingredients available. thanks for the blog.

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  6. Anthony Bourdain always had a way with describing food and I love that he called this sandwich a symphony. It looks so juicy and full of fresh ingredients! I’m starving now!

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    • If you are sandwich lover, definitively check out the bahn mi sandwich at a local Vietnamese restaurant in your area. You’ll be surprised just how much you will love it! The French influence in Vietnam runs deep 🙂

      Reply
  7. When I think about Vietnamese food. I think about everything else except a sandwich!! I haven’t been to Vietnam yet, but I just have some imagination 🙂 If you asked me to guess, I wouldn’t be able to do so. Bánh Mì Sandwich; a sandwich with a baguette! I am from Iran and in Iran we have a sandwich similar to Bánh Mì Sandwich, the main different is we add cheese to top of everything we put inside the bread

    Reply
  8. Oh, girl. You’re making my belly rumble. I love Banh Mi! It was my go-to for lunches in Vietnam. Although, I wasn’t daring enough to do the pate on it. I mostly loaded it up with veggies! You’re making me eager to book another flight to Vietnam!

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  9. I think it’s so awesome that at Bánh Mì Queen they wanted you to take photos! A lot of places frown on people taking photos. It definitely did look like a good looking sandwich, especially with the egg. I’d love to try it for myself one day!

    Reply
    • The bahn mi is one amazing sandwich, especially in Vietnam. Hope you get to Bahn Mi Queen one day so that you can enjoy it too. Agreed, it was surprising to be allowed to take photos. It’s not always the case. Thanks,Vicky for stopping by!

      Reply
  10. Haha, it’s cute how the lady handed over your sandwich to you saying ‘photo photo’ 😀 I have never heard of the Banh Mi sandwich, but you speak so highly of it that I am sure it deserves a try. I am not too fond of sandwiches in general, just like you, but Banh Mi seems to have converted you so I am really keen on giving it a shot myself!

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  11. I have never known of this sandwich until just!! they look amazing! this post has made me so hungry I might try and make me one of those myself. i love the idea that you could have the same sandwich 100 times and never really have the same one twice! awesome!

    Reply
    • Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed the article!! The Bahn Mi sandwiches are versatile and you never get tired of them. Try one at your local Vietnamese restaurant and let us know what you think of it! Thanks for stopping by Dave. Cheers.

      Reply
  12. Banh Mi’s really are the best sandwiches. They have so much flavor and it’s hard not to love anything served on French bread. There used to be some places near my old apartment and I would walk there at least once a week.

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  13. At first I was super confused by the concept of a Vietnamese sandwich, but then I remembered the French influence! I love the idea of coriander and chilli sauce in a sandwich! Hoi An sounds like the best spot with a good mix of meat and salad, I think the 8-meat bánh mì in Ho Chi Minh would’ve been a little too much for me 😉

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  14. I love the sound of the fresh bread baguette style sandwich. I would definitely have everything in it but not sure about the omelette. It’s interesting reading about every countries version of bread

    Reply
    • You are right, discovering how each country uses common ingredients like bread is truly fascinating. You’ve got to give Bahn Mi sandwiches a try, especially in Vietnam. If Vietnam is not on your travel plans, check out a Vietnamese restaurant in your area and be prepared to delight in the food! Cheers.

      Reply
  15. Ooooh these look like deliciously messy sandwiches, and those really are my favorite type! Is this the sort of food that is also usually available in Vietnamese restaurants or is it only really found in Vietnam? I’d love to sample it, but flying there is currently not an option. :p

    Reply
    • Hi Ronnie, you can also find Bahn Mi sandwiches in the U.S or Europe. All you simply need to do is look for a Vietnamese restaurant. Don’t let the distance keep you from having a Bahn Mi sandwich 🙂 Cheers.

      Reply
  16. I have never eaten Vietnam food in my life. This is sad because I am 42 years old. Looking at the bánh mì, I think I’d enjoy Vietnam food. The French-style baguette, stuffed with an every varying combination of meats, vegetables, and sauces sounds delicious.

    Reply
  17. I’ll be honest, I’ve never considered visiting Vietnam. Here in the UK it isn’t really somewhere where most people woudl visit. That said, it looks incredible and having read your post I would absolutely love to visit in the future. That sandwich looks so good, it’s worth the trip for that alone! Hehe!

    Reply
    • That’s interesting that Vietnam is not a popular destination for folks in the U.K. It certainly is a country that has a rich history and an amazing culinary tradition. It’s worth a trip to discover this gem in SE Asia. And yes, the sandwich is worth the trip 🙂 Cheers.

      Reply
  18. I’ve never had bánh mì but my old boss was Vietnamese and his wife used to make them for his lunch. I’m a very picky eater so I’m not sure this sandwich would be for me.

    Considering Vietnam is on my bucket list, I like how you listed the pros and cons of each establishment you visited. I always marvel at how inexpensive the food is over there. Thanks for your attention to detail. Pinning for future reference!

    Reply
    • Thank you so much Kim. So glad you enjoyed the thoroughness of the article. The food in Vietnam is quite exceptional and you will love it when you eventually get there. There are many variations to the Bahn Mi sandwich and I’m sure you’ll be able to find one that’s just right for you. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  19. I love Southeast Asian cuisine. After a trip to Cambodia a few years ago I have been itching to get back, see the people, taste the food, find a backalley massage parlor (that was the best). This Banh Mi sounds incredible. I need to get to Vietnam.

    Reply
  20. I’ve been to Hanoi for 2 weeks for business and i’ve tried Banh mi Hanoi twice and when coming across this post (omg it’s helpful), I wonder how other types of Banh mi taste like. Hence, could you pls tell me some eateries that serve Hoi an or Saigon’s Banh mi? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Awesome Alex, so glad to hear you are enjoying discovering Bahn Mi with our article in Hanoi. Lucky for you, we have Food Trail for Hanoi available on our website that is dedicated entirely to helping you discover the local specialties in Hanoi. Feel free to purchase it from the store page on the website. Cheers.

      Reply
  21. I found your site today from Natalie at Suitcase Entrepreneur and had to laugh seeing this post because I just made myself a Bahn Mi sandwich for lunch, fondly remembering the dozens (hundreds?) of them I think I ate in Vietnam. I love the concept of your website and, as someone striving for a location independent life myself, the bravery and passion that took you to a life nomadic. Well done! I can’t wait to delve further into your website.

    Reply
    • Thank you so much Rhonda for jumping over onto Authentic Food Quest after the mention on Natalie’s site. That’s so funny that you had just made yourself a Bahn Mi sandwich 🙂 That’s an alignment!! Please look around the site and join us by subscribing to our newsletter. Thanks for your support!!

      Reply
  22. Never been to Vietnam but I looove banh mi. I used to have a really great banh mi place around the corner from where I lived in London and it became a Saturday ritual. Bookmarked this for when I eventually go on a banh mi pilgrimage to Vietnam!

    Reply
    • Perfect, sounds like this article went to the heart of a bahn mi lover. That’s great that you discovered a great place in London. I’d be curious how different the taste would be from the ones in Vietnam?? Thanks Steph and hope you make your bahn mi pilgrimage to Vietnam soon. Don’t forget to let us know your favorite finds!! Cheers.

      Reply
    • Thanks so much and so glad you enjoyed the article – indeed, pho and bahn mi and many other delicious delights make Vietnam a place to be for the food. If you’ve not been to Vietnam, hope you can get there soon and indulge!! Cheers and let us know if your travel plans take you to the country.

      Reply
  23. So far, I’ve had my best Banh Mi in Prague, Czech Republic (at Banh mi Ba). But I’ve also not been to Vietnam, yet. I can’t wait…
    Thank you!
    C

    Reply
    • That’s really interesting about Bahn mi in Prague…that sounds like a trip worth taking!! Hope you can get to Vietnam soon and compare and contrast with the local version. Thanks Carola for stopping by!

      Reply
  24. We were in Vietnam this past summer and the food was just amazing! I have celiac disease though so I can’t eat bánh mì sandwiches. Knowing how much I REALLY wanted to try them my husband decided not to have any himself even though I kept telling him it was ok. I really wish I could have had them though. Your photos are making me drool! 😉

    Reply
    • What part of Vietnam were in and did you get a chance to eat in the different parts of the country? Yes, the food is delicious including the banh mi sandwich. Perhaps the next time you go to Vietnam, your husband will try the sandwich!! Thanks Jessica for stopping by.

      Reply
  25. Your description of the bánh mì goes directly to my heart (or I should say my stomach) as I really enjoy this sandwich that can be consider as a complete dish. Beside the baguette bread, you may mention as french heritage these little drops of Maggi seasoning sauce that is part of the secret of the sauce in every bánh mì !

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  26. DC has a lot of Vietnamese restaurants. I am a big fan of Pho but have not yet fallen in love with the bánh mì sandwich. May be I need to make my way to Vietnam to try the real deal 🙂

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  27. I love Vietnamese sandwiches! I haven’t had one in awhile. I used to pick them up in China Town in Toronto but I have to say these look far better than the ones I have had in Toronto. I think I’ll treat myself this weekend 🙂

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    • That’s wonderful to hear Jacqueline that you love Vietnamese sandwiches as well. Great that you have them in Chinatown, Toronto. I’d be curious how different they are from the ones in Vietnam. In any case, these delicious banh mi sandwiches are to be devoured!!

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  28. Gah, Bordain’s description is SO right. When you get a good bahn mi, you just know it. We have a great place here in Seattle (a few actually!) run by Vietnamese families and folks – not quite as authentic as going to Vietnam though 🙂

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    • Lucky you for having delicious options right in your area. I’m sure they are delicious as well. And we agree, Anthony Bourdain did get it right about the sandwich. Simply delightful. Thanks Valerie for stopping by!

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    • Thank you so much Candica, and so glad you enjoyed the article. The food in Vietnam is worth serious exploration. Hope you can visit the country soon and experience the culture and food. Appreciate your comments.

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