Despite its simple name, Vietnamese banh mi packs a powerful punch, captivating the hearts of both locals and international visitors. More than just a convenient street food, banh mi carries a distinct cultural identity, elevating it to the status of a globally recognized Vietnamese culinary icon.
The story of banh mi, Vietnam’s beloved street food, begins in the mid-19th century with the arrival of the French. They brought with them baguettes, thick and crusty loaves of bread that would become the foundation for this iconic dish. Over time, it gradually gained acceptance. Soon, it became a familiar sight everywhere: on carts pulled by vendors, bicycles laden with baskets overflowing with baguettes, and even carried by hand. But in these early days, Banh mi wasn’t the filled sandwich we know today. It was simply a loaf of bread, enjoyed with milk for breakfast, brushed with butter for a simple snack, or perhaps served alongside a slice of ham for a more substantial meal. The transformation of this basic bread into the explosion of flavors we enjoy today is yet to come.
In 1958, a pivotal moment unfolded in the history of Vietnamese banh mi with the establishment of Hoa Ma, a shop founded by Mr. Hoa and Mrs. Tinh. Mrs. Tinh, armed with her experience working for a ham and sausage company that supplied French restaurants in Hanoi, brought her culinary expertise to Saigon upon relocating. Together with her husband, they opened a shop to serve locals with bread and ham. Initially, Hoa Ma adopted a Western-style approach, presenting bread and ham on plates accompanied by cutlery. Later, they embraced a revolutionary concept: pre-filled banh mi. These creations went beyond the classic ham and pâté, incorporating flavors familiar to Vietnamese cuisine, such as sausages, pickles, and other delectable options. Customers could conveniently grab and go, enjoying these flavorful creations on the move. This innovation marked the true birth of Vietnamese banh mi, transforming it from a simple bread offering into the symphony of flavors and textures we relish today.
Banh mi’s appeal, particularly among students and civil personnel, arises from its convenience. As more banh mi stores popped up throughout Vietnam, the dish grew in popularity. The variety of toppings inside a loaf of banh mi is becoming more diverse, all at reasonable rates, making it accessible to a wider spectrum of customers. As a result, banh mi has become a popular cuisine in Vietnam. This popularity spreads beyond Vietnam’s boundaries. Wherever Vietnamese populations establish themselves, banh mi follows, becoming an integral element of their cuisine. It allows people to satisfy their needs for familiar flavors and a taste of home even when they are far away.
Since its humble beginnings, Vietnamese banh mi has steadily climbed the ranks of international recognition. In 2011, banh mi achieved a formal milestone with its official inclusion in the Oxford English Dictionary. This recognition was continued in 2020 when the iconic image of a Vietnamese banh mi graced the homepage of Google, a powerful symbol of the dish’s widespread appeal. Moreover, numerous prestigious publications and newspapers have consistently featured banh mi on their lists of the world’s most delicious foods. This continuous stream of praise has solidified Vietnamese bánh mì’s position as a star player on the international culinary map.
Banh mi, a beloved Vietnamese street food, offers a unique and exciting taste sensation. It’s no wonder this dish has captured the hearts of both locals and international foodies. Let’s delve into what makes banh mi so appealing and explore its rise to fame in Vietnam and beyond!
The first thing that grabs your attention with a Vietnamese banh mi is the irresistible aroma – a blend of crispy baguette and fragrant fillings. Crack open the crust, and you’ll find a layer of delicious ingredients. Depending on the vendor and your preferences, this might include savory sauce, creamy pâté, grilled meat, ham, pork sausage, fishcake, a fluffy omelet, fresh vegetables, tangy pickles, and a kick of chili. All these come together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of flavors: salty, sweet, fatty, sour, and spicy. Each bite is an explosion that keeps you coming back for more.
The convenience
Banh mi is a ubiquitous presence in Vietnam. You’ll find it readily available on almost any street corner, from popular stores to premium eateries. Affordability is another key factor in its popularity. A single serving is budget-friendly, making it a great option for any meal. Plus, the convenient size and handheld nature allow you to enjoy it on the go without needing a table or utensils.
Banh mi goes beyond just a delicious dish; it’s a symbol of Vietnamese identity. The dish embodies a rustic charm, reflecting the everyday lives of Vietnamese people. It’s a source of national pride often shared with international visitors. The widespread popularity and familiarity of banh mi translate into a unique gastronomic experience. It’s both comforting and homely, yet it still offers an exciting and flavorful introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.
Aside from conventional flavors such as meatball banh mi, pate banh mi, and fishcake banh mi, Vietnamese people are always coming up with new versions, such as Vietnamese meatball banh mi, vegetarian banh mi, omelet banh mi, banh mi grilled with salt and chili, and so on. Each type of bread has a distinct flavor, so you can simply select based on your preferences.
It is easy to find a tasty banh mi in Hanoi! Banh mi stands can be found on busy streets, eateries, bus stops, school gates, marketplaces, etc. Each region has its own distinct appeal and flavor.
To help you traverse this banh mi heaven, we’ve compiled a list of our best places in Hanoi to grab a fulfilling loaf.
Pho Banh Mi is one of Hanoi’s most well-known banh mi stores, with over ten branches. The grilled meat loaf of banh mi is paired with huge pieces of grilled pork and fresh lemon sauce, resulting in a deep flavor characteristic of Pho Banh Mi.
Address:
No.57C, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
No.64, Hang Bong Street, Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
No.39, Hang Bai Street, Hang Bai Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
No.61E, Hang Ma Street, Hang Bo Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
No.29, Tran Binh Trong Street, Nguyen Du Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam
No.21, Pham Ngoc Thach Street, Kim Lien Collective Area, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam
No.22, Tran Thai Tong Street, Dich Vong Hau Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam
No.139, Nguyen Van Loc Street, Mo Lao Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, Vietnam
No.40A, Bat Dan Street, Cua Dong Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, Vietnam
No.94, Nguyen Khuyen Street, Van Quan Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, Vietnam
In this store, each loaf of banh mi will be served with two grilled meat skewers, pickled cucumbers, lettuce, chili sauce, and mayonnaise. Hanoi Old Quarter Banh Mi, with prices ranging from 20,000 VND to 25,000 VND, is regarded as one of the stores in Hanoi that sells great banh mi at reasonable costs. In addition to grilled meat banh mi, the store sells additional types of pan bread, roasted meat bread, and beverages such as Vietnamese coffee and tea.
Address: No.38, Dinh Liet Street, Hang Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Dan To Banh Mi, a banh mi store with an outstanding name, is one of Hanoi’s most popular banh mi spots, with nearly 30 years of expertise. The store opens at 3:00 AM, serving primarily customers who go out late at night or have jobs during this time range.
Address: No.32, Tran Nhat Duat Street, Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Ba Dan Banh Mi has been in business for over 40 years and is one of Hanoi’s oldest grilled pork banh mi stores. Grilled meat and pate loafs of banh mi are the two most popular options here, and they are also reasonably priced. In addition to banh mi, the store also sells soy milk as a refreshment.
Address: No.34, Lo Su Street, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnamese banh mi has won the hearts of people who are keen on cuisine with its delightful combination of flavors and affordability. More than just a quick bite, banh mi offers a window into Vietnamese gastronomy and culture. A loaf of banh mi, filled with savory meats, fresh vegetables, and a touch of tangy sauce, is a versatile option that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a satisfying snack. If you ever find yourself in Vietnam, don’t miss the chance to experience banh mi. It will provide you with memorable culinary experiences that will live in your memory forever.
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We will explore the most amazing places in the north of Vietnam. First, North Vietnam Hanoi Tour will bring you to explore Hanoi charming city, with a half-day city tour, you will visit the most iconic attractions in Hanoi such as President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter of Hanoi. After Hanoi, we are going to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy the boat trip in Tam Coc and to discover the countryside. For ending two days of Inspirational Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Tour, we will spend one night stay on a cruise to explore the seven natural wonder of the world. Let’s explore the Magnificent North of Vietnam with Impress Travel.
Email:northvietnamtour@impresstravel.com or contact the hotline (Whatsapp, Zalo, Viber, Skype) at +84.912 379 189 – Mr. Alex.
Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, English-speaking tour guide in Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hanoi
Day Inclusions: Car/Mini-Van, Outstanding English speaking guide, Lunch – Vietnamese Cuisine at Tam Coc Nature Eco Lodge, All sightseeing tickets, Good bike with gears, 02 bottles of Mineral water, Services charges and government tax, Rowing boat to visit Tam Coc, One conical hat as souvenir, Demonstration of teaching to learn how to write, speak Vietnamese, and catch fish
Day Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, shuttle bus A/C transfer, English speaking tour guide on CRUISE only, entrance fee, full board, joint Cruise in Halong bay with private cabin (2 persons share 1 cabin)
What’s included in this trip :
3 STAR HOTELS & CRUISES IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination |
Room Type |
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE |
Hanoi 3-star Hotels |
Adamas Deluxe City |
ADAMAS HANOI HOTEL Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/ |
3-star Halong Bay Cruises |
Swan Cruise Deluxe |
SWAN CRUISE HALONG BAY Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/ |
4 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination |
Room Type |
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE |
Hanoi 4-star Hotels |
The light deluxe with window |
THE LIGHT HOTEL HANOI Refer: thelighthotelhanoi.com/en/ |
4-star Halong Bay Cruises |
Sealife Suite Canbin |
HUONG HAI SEALIFE CRUISE HALONG BAY Refer: www.sealifegroup.com |
5 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination |
Hotel Category |
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE |
Hanoi 5-star hotels |
Deluxe Sketch Apricot Hotel |
APRICOT HOTEL HANOI Refer: apricothotels.com/room/sketch |
5-star Halong bay Cruises |
Deluxe Room with Ocean View Margaret |
MARGARET CRUISE HALONG BAY Refer: https://margaretcruises.com |
The hotels and cruise are subject to change to similar category in case of fully booked
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
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