Banh Mi: Why You Should Try this Popular Vietnamese Sandwich (2024)

What is Banh Mi?

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that has its roots in French Colonialism. It is a flavourful dish that is popular around the world. A traditional Banh Mi consists of a fresh baguette filled with pate, mayonnaise, roast pork, pickled vegetables, fresh vegetables, and cilantro. Fish sauce is usually drizzled across the sandwich or is available on the side for dipping. Banh Mi is a dish beloved by many Australians. This is why selling Banh Mi in Perth is a smart decision.

Is Banh Mi Healthy?

Banh Mi is quite healthy. The typical Banh Mi has just under 600 calories. The protein is the nutritional star of the dish coming in at 30 grams. The 19 grams of fat are still acceptable. The bread provides 72 grams of carbohydrates which may be on the high side for those who limit carb intake.

The Origin of Banh Mi

Banh Mi has an interesting history that spans decades and continents.

During the French colonization of Vietnam and other parts of the Indochina region, it was not practical to ship the foods the French loved. So, they brought livestock and crops to keep the supplies of their favourites intact.

However, Vietnam was not favourable to wheat production, and bread had to be imported at high prices. During World War I, German-owned import company warehouses fell into French hands. This meant an abundance of baguettes and other French delicacies were affordable to the masses.

Vietnamese cooks put their spin on the foods to ensure it was accessible to all the people. Amid the horrors of war and occupation, Banh Mi came into existence.

Banh Mi: Why You Should Try this Popular Vietnamese Sandwich (1)

What is a Traditional Banh Mi?

A dish with as many variations as the day is long often making people wonder about the traditional version. Banh Mi is no exception. The humble sandwich has made its way around the world, and alterations happened as it swept the globe.

Here is a rundown of the traditional Banh Mi ingredients:

  • Vietnamese Baguette – It is the traditional base for the sandwich, a crusty roll with a soft inside
  • Pate – Often, Banh Mi vendors mix their pate
  • Meat Filling – The traditional meat filling is pork or pork belly
  • Mayonnaise – It adds a layer of moisture to the sandwich
  • Pickled Carrots and White Radishes – A salty, sweet, and sour bite with a crunch
  • Vegetables – Usually green onion, cucumber, and cilantro
  • Fish Sauce – The sauce is drizzled on the sandwich. Often, extra sauces are available for dipping the sandwich

Five Reasons You Need Banh Mi in Your Life

1. Tasty

Banh Mi is definitely at the top of the taste pyramid. The sandwich combines a vast variety of tasty flavours to create an exceptional balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. It also has a delightful combination of textures. The bread has a satisfyingly crunchy crust and a tender and delicate centre. All Banh Mi fillings play an essential part in the sandwich, and the result is outstanding.

2. Healthy

Banh Mi is an excellent addition to a balanced diet. The typical sandwich boasts 30 grams of protein and 19 grams of fat. That is an excellent amount of protein and a fair number of fat grams. The only potentially questionable facet of Banh Mi is the carbohydrates. A typical Banh Mi has around 72 grams of carbohydrates. While carbs are not necessarily terrible for you, some groups, like diabetics, need to be wary of eating too many carbohydrates.

3. Get More Veggies

Face it. Eating well can be a real challenge in our fast-paced world. We all aim to eat more veggies and drink more water, but those goals can be a struggle for many. This is why enjoying Banh Mi is a wonderful way to add vegetables to your diet. Banh Mi has an abundance of vegetables nestled inside the light baguette. It is a delicious meal you will feel good about eating.

4. Add Variety to Your Meal Choices

If you are someone who dreads hearing the question, “What’s for dinner?” You are not alone. However, your answer does not need to be one of the same dull choices your family frequently eats. Enjoying Banh Mi or other delectable Vietnamese cuisine is easier than ever when you contact Baguette Me Not. You can place an order to pick up or treat yourself to a marvellous meal in their charming café.

5. Baguette Me Not Just Opened a New Location in Karrinyup

Here is a common problem for Banh Mi fans. You want to enjoy Baguette Me Not’s unique and creative food, but you are not near their Allendale location? You are in luck. Baguette Me Not opened a second location in Karinyup. Here you can savour the same outstanding delights available at their location in The Underground at Allendale Square.

Banh Mi: Why You Should Try this Popular Vietnamese Sandwich (2)

You can find Baguette Me Not Karrinyup at:

The West Deck Karrinyup Shopping Centre

200 Karrinyup Road, Karrinyup, WA 6018
Monday-Tuesday: 8am-3:30pm
Wednesday-Saturday: 8 am-9 pm
Sunday: 8am-3:30pm

Banh Mi: Why You Should Try this Popular Vietnamese Sandwich (2024)

FAQs

Banh Mi: Why You Should Try this Popular Vietnamese Sandwich? ›

Banh Mi is definitely at the top of the taste pyramid. The sandwich combines a vast variety of tasty flavours to create an exceptional balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. It also has a delightful combination of textures. The bread has a satisfyingly crunchy crust and a tender and delicate centre.

Why you should try Vietnamese food? ›

True, there are many other ingredients – sauces, spices, and rich broths cooked for hours to name a few. But the fresh herbs – finishing touches - brighten, temper, and compliment authentic Vietnamese dishes making them stand out from other cuisines. Fresh herbs are rolled onto spring rolls. They're served in salads.

Why do people like banh mi? ›

While balancing different textures and temperatures, bánh mì also has a flavor profile that is off the charts: salty, sour, savory, sweet, and aromatic all at once!

What makes banh mi special? ›

It represents the unique fusion that takes place in Vietnam between Asian flavours (coriander, pickles, chili, fish sauce) and the French colonials who taught the locals how to bake baguettes, and introduced things like pate. With many foreigner, it is the coriander that makes a banh mi sandwich taste so unique.

Is banh mi good for you? ›

The banh mi also has fresh veggies and herbs — which you already know are good for you — as well as pickled vegetables, which help control blood sugar and restore electrolytes.

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