Banh mi  

This Vietnamese staple combines the baguette, introduced during the French occupation, with traditional Vietnamese meat, vegetable preparations, and other French-inspired ingredients.  

While the baguette is quintessentially French, the Vietnamese version stands out for its light, fluffy texture, thanks to the inclusion of rice flour. This tender bread serves as the perfect foundation for a filling that balances savory, rich flavors with fresh, crisp ingredients — creating a superbly satisfying sandwich

A typical banh mi includes a variety of meats and vegetables, though technically you can fill it with just about anything.

Common vegetables and herbs include cilantro, shredded carrots, cucumber, and daikon, often quick-pickled. Popular meat fillings include one or a combination of pork belly, ham, pate, Vietnamese cha lua sausage, meatballs, fried egg, shredded or minced pork, or vegetarian options like tofu. Mayo and chili sauce are popular condiments that add richness or heat to round out the flavors.

Though banh mi is a relatively modern creation, its popularity has exploded far beyond Vietnam, becoming a beloved sandwich worldwide.