As reported by CNN, Bánh Mì, a unique culinary creation born from French colonial influence, has been creatively adapted to cater to Vietnamese tastes.
This dish is now a ubiquitous street food staple, sold from carts on almost every street corner in Ho Chi Minh City and across Vietnam. Its popularity extends far beyond the country’s borders, as noted by CNN.
The classic Bánh Mì features a pork-based filling, including chả lụa (a delicate Vietnamese pork roll), shredded pickled carrots, daikon, cilantro leaves, mayonnaise, and other carefully selected ingredients.
For those seeking alternatives, there are also mouthwatering variations available. Foodies can indulge in versions with tofu or thinly sliced lemongrass chicken. The texture is a delightful combination of crunchy and fresh, with savory notes that tantalize the taste buds.
In a ranking of the world’s 24 best sandwiches, Torta Ahogada, a Mexican street food favorite, took the top spot. Other notable mentions include the Tramezzino from Italy, Shawarma from the Middle East, and Pambazo, another Mexican delight.
Previously, the international food website TasteAtlas recognized the top 100 sandwiches globally, with Bánh Mì securing the number one position. This Vietnamese sandwich, introduced during the colonial era, now stands as one of the most beloved legacies of that time.
Following the Vietnamese baguette in the rankings are the Tombik Döner from Turkey, Italy’s Panino col Polpo, Ahawarmas from Lebanon, and the Sandwich de Lomo, an Argentinean creation.
5 Best Local Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
The best local restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City are legendary establishments that have stood the test of time, offering authentic and satisfying meals at incredibly attractive prices. As a first-time visitor, it can be quite a challenge to go where the locals eat as most are actually dingy-looking food stalls within Saigon’s lively street markets or open-air restaurants hidden in narrow alleyways. The majority of Saigon’s restaurants focus on one local speciality, which is usually included in their signage. Despite the roadside setting and lack of air-conditioning, they are often packed with locals and tourists looking to enjoy tasty yet inexpensive treats such as banh mi, pho noodles, and banh xeo. If you’re looking to embark on a foodie adventure during your Vietnam holiday, check out our list of Saigon’s top restaurants for local dishes.