Why is Vietnamese bread so popular all over the world?

Vietnamese Bread – The “national” dish conquering the world

Vietnamese bread is not only a breakfast dish, but also an internationally recognized culinary symbol. (Photo: Collected)

Banh mi - a dish that every Vietnamese person has eaten at least once, continues to make the country's cuisine famous when it was ranked in the top 100 best sandwiches in the world by TasteAtlas.

Originating from the French baguette, when coming to Vietnam, banh mi has "transformed": smaller, thinner and crispier crust, and the filling is more diverse and flavorful.

Nowadays, Vietnamese bread is not only a quick breakfast or an afternoon snack after work, but has become a representative of Vietnamese street food loved all over the world.

Flavors at your fingertips but diverse across the country

A small loaf of bread contains a whole map of Vietnamese flavors – from North to South, from rustic to sophisticated. (Photo: Collected)

Vietnamese bread has a special feature: it fits in your hand, you can eat it in just a few minutes, but it is enough to feel all the flavors of salty - sweet - fatty - spicy - sour - fragrant. And what is even more interesting is: each region has its own unique version of this dish.

Saigon Bread: Super crispy crust, full filling of pate, cold cuts, ham, cucumber, pickles, special sauce. This is the “national” version that everyone has eaten.
Hoi An Bread: Internationally famous thanks to the shop “Banh mi Phuong”. Thin crust, rich filling of char siu, grilled meat and thick sauce.
Banh mi chao: A fun variation – with a loaf of bread served with a small pan of fried eggs, pate, stir-fried beef, and sausage. Popular among Saigon youth.
Banh mi pha lau: Southern style with beef or pork pha lau soaked in five-spice powder. Served with Vietnamese coriander and satay, extremely delicious.
Hai Phong baguette: Small, crispy, filling includes only pate and chili – spicy, simple but addictive.
Vegetarian sandwiches: Frugal with vegetarian sausage, stir-fried mushrooms, and tofu skin – usually sold on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month.

Each type of bread is a unique culinary “piece”, reflecting the taste of each region and each way of life. But the common point is still: crispy crust – just enough filling – a taste that cannot be found anywhere else.

Vietnamese bread and its proud journey abroad

The Vietnamese word “Banh mi” has now become a familiar noun in many countries around the world. (Photo: Collected)

Many foreigners after traveling to Vietnam ... forever remember the first loaf of bread they tried on a Hanoi sidewalk or a Saigon street corner.

Nowadays, you can easily find “Banh Mi” shops in New York, Paris, Sydney, Seoul or Tokyo. Many shops are opened by Vietnamese people, and some are opened by foreign chefs who learn the original Vietnamese recipe. Notably, the word “banh mi” is still kept intact, without needing to be transcribed as an official recognition from the world.

From street food, Vietnamese bread has entered the menu of international restaurants but still retains its essence: crispy crust, full filling, harmonious flavor.

Special… but very ordinary – The Vietnamese spirit in every loaf of bread

A rustic loaf of bread encapsulates the daily life and generous spirit of the Vietnamese people. (Photo: Collected)

It is this “ordinariness” that makes Vietnamese bread so special. You can find it in every alley, in front of the school gate, next to the bus stop, in the supermarket, or even at the airport.

A sandwich is always affordable, easy to eat, easy to carry, easy to personalize (add pate, less chili, more vegetables… depending on taste). And somewhere, the sandwich also encapsulates memories: of mom’s hasty breakfast, an afternoon snack after school, or the first “fancy snack” with friends.

A variation of bread with fish meat filling. (Photo: Phung My)

Vietnamese bread is a delicacy, a story, and a spirit. Simple but not monotonous. Modest but always outstanding. That is why Vietnamese bread is not only in the hands, but also in the hearts of both Vietnamese people and international friends.

From a fast food for workers, Vietnamese bread has conquered international newspapers, entered the menus of many countries, and become the pride of Vietnamese cuisine.

A small cake but contains the essence of cuisine: simple, close, flexible and very Vietnamese. Next time, when traveling to Vietnam , you hold a hot and crispy loaf of bread in your hand - remember, you are enjoying a part of Vietnamese culture, recognized by the whole world!

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/banh-mi-viet-nam-v17489.aspx