This blog post details a quest to discover the best banh mi in Vietnam, exploring various vendors across Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
What is a Banh Mi?
A banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, typically filled with savory ingredients. While variations abound, common fillings include various pork products, pâté, pickled vegetables (cucumber and carrots), cilantro, and chili sauce. Its origins blend Vietnamese and French culinary traditions, resulting in a popular street food enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Some vendors cater to Western tastes, offering additions like avocado or cheese. Banh mi are readily available throughout Vietnam, from street carts to dedicated shops and even chain restaurants.
The best banh mi in Vietnam? Maybe!
Finding the Best Banh Mi in Vietnam
This culinary adventure involved extensive research, exploration, and, of course, considerable banh mi consumption. The author provides a subjective ranking of her favorites, categorized by city.
Best Banh Mi in Hanoi
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is saturated with banh mi vendors. The author highlights several standout locations.
Maison de Lien: Elegance and Quality
Recommended by a local, Maison de Lien stands out with its refined atmosphere and high-quality ingredients. The banh mi, though small, is rich in flavor, featuring flavorful meat and smooth pâté. While coriander is the only green, the focus is on the richness of the ingredients and the elegant setting.
Tram Banh My: Chili Sauce Focus
This bustling, casual eatery offers a banh mi with exceptional bread—crunchy exterior, soft interior—and a generous layering of meats. The author finds the sweet chili sauce overpowering, but those who enjoy generous condiments might appreciate it. Abundant carrots are also a noted feature.
Price: 20,000 VND (Very cheap!) Rating: 7/10 (Lower rating due to excessive sauce) Address: 252 Cửa Nam
(The review continues with sections on Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City’s best banh mi, and a final verdict on the overall best in Vietnam. These sections would follow the same format as the Hanoi section above.)
Hanoi’s Top Banh Mi: A Culinary Journey
Banh Mi 25: The Tourist Hotspot
Banh Mi 25, despite its association with Justin Bieber (purely coincidental!), caters largely to a Western clientele. While not a traditional Vietnamese experience, it’s known for its excellent banh mi, particularly its variety of vegetarian options (six, to be exact). They offer tofu, vegetable, and mushroom options alongside chicken and beef. The “everything” banh mi, packed with pork, sauce, and vegetables, receives high praise. Though less favored by locals, this spot delivers a delicious, Western-palate-friendly banh mi experience.
Nguyen Sinh Hanoi: A Pate-Lover’s Paradise
Nguyen Sinh Hanoi, a historic establishment dating back to French colonial rule, is famous for its generous portions of pate. This banh mi notably lacks vegetables, focusing instead on rich, flavorful pate. While some might find it lacking in textural variety, its history and luxurious pate make it a unique experience.
Price: 50,000 VND (approximately under £2)
Rating: 6/10 – A historically significant but texturally limited offering.
Address: 17-19, Ly Quoc Su. https://goo.gl/maps/1MHoswxcgmw
Hoi An’s Best Banh Mi: A Tourist’s Delight
Hoi An, despite being overrun with tourists, offers some truly exceptional banh mi.
Madame Khanh: The Messy Masterpiece
Madame Khanh, run by the legendary 80-year-old Nguyễn Thị Lộc for 50 years, is known for its perfectly balanced and deliciously messy banh mi. Generous portions of meat, pate, vegetables, and sauce combine for a truly satisfying experience.
Price: 20,000 VND
Rating: 10/10 – A flawless banh mi experience.
Address: 115 Trần Cao Vân. https://goo.gl/maps/rWrS54HJWZ82
Phi Banh Mi: The Customizable Champion
Phi Banh Mi stands out for its extensive menu and customizable options. It offers a wide range of traditional and Western choices, including excellent vegan alternatives. From avocado and cream cheese for a familiar taste to the “Phi Special”—a fully loaded banh mi—there’s something for everyone.
Price: 15,000 – 35,000 VND
Rating: 9/10 – Highly versatile and tasty, catering well to both local and international tastes.
Address: 88 Thái Phiên. https://goo.gl/maps/99RsxhMz74x
Bánh Mì Phượng: Anthony Bourdain’s Pick
Made famous by Anthony Bourdain, Bánh Mì Phượng offers a well-balanced banh mi using high-quality ingredients like grilled pork, cucumber, and lettuce. While less saucy than some preferences, the quality of ingredients and balanced flavors make it a strong contender. Be prepared for queues, however, due to its popularity.
Price: 20,000 VND
Rating: 8/10 – A well-executed banh mi, though possibly overrated due to its fame.
Address: 2B Phan Chu Trinh. https://goo.gl/maps/mg6kCfJyBkk
Ho Chi Minh City’s Banh Mi Scene
Ho Chi Minh City offers a diverse culinary landscape, with banh mi being a key component. Further exploration of the city’s banh mi offerings is warranted.
Huynh Hoa Bakery: A Meat-Lover’s Banh Mi Experience
Huynh Hoa Bakery in Ho Chi Minh City offers a banh mi experience focused on abundant meat fillings. The sandwich is packed with pâté, ham, luncheon meat, and pork floss, creating a substantial and potentially challenging meal. The creamy mayonnaise and pâté result in a messy but enjoyable eating experience, surprisingly incorporating some greens amidst the meat. While its claim to being the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City is debatable, its value and filling nature are undeniable.
Price: 40,000 VND
Rating: 7/10 (portion size proved challenging to finish)
Address: 26 Lê Thị Riêng
Other Ho Chi Minh City Banh Mi Options:
The Best Banh Mi in Vietnam? Madame Khanh in Hoi An
The author declares Madame Khanh’s banh mi in Hoi An the ultimate winner. The owner’s dedication to crafting the perfect banh mi is evident in the quality of the sandwich. The establishment’s popularity is such that the owner reportedly keeps a wall filled with letters from satisfied customers.
So, are you ready to embark on your own banh mi adventure? Don’t hesitate to explore beyond the well-trodden tourist paths; the most rewarding discoveries are often found in unexpected places. With its diverse ingredients and passionate vendors, Vietnam offers a banh mi experience unlike any other. Grab a baguette, embrace the adventure, and discover your own personal favorite. The journey awaits!
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