Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)

Banh mi is what happens when a French baguette meets a Vietnamese kitchen, and the result is one of the great sandwiches of the world. Crusty bread is layered with savory pork, creamy pate and mayo, and a bright pile of pickled vegetables and fresh herbs. Street carts in Saigon have been building these for decades, and the formula is pure genius. It is proof that great cooking is often just great contrasts done right.

A crusty baguette holding crunch, cream, and bright pickle

The joy is in the contrast: shattering crust, cool crunchy pickles, silky pate, juicy grilled pork, and a hit of chile heat. Everything is balanced so nothing shouts, and the bread soaks up the juices just enough to stay interesting. Assemble the sandwiches right before serving so the baguette keeps its crackle. Make the pickles the night before if you can; they get even better with time. Once you taste a proper banh mi, the humble sandwich never quite measures up again.

Craving more? Explore all Vietnamese Kitchen recipes.

Vietnamese recipes →