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Once listed in the Oxford Dictionary as an icon of Vietnamese cuisine, banh mi has been an integral part of Vietnamese life for generations. From the baguette, introduced over a century ago, Vietnamese people have created versions of banh mi with their own unique flavors – familiar yet constantly evolving. Each loaf evokes memories, combining familiar tastes with a modern, creative spirit.
From French baguettes to Vietnamese "culinary delights"
Bread was introduced to Vietnam during the French colonial period, initially as a simple baguette with a crispy white interior. Over time, Vietnamese people adapted it to suit their taste: smaller crusts, a fluffier interior, and a variety of fillings including pâté, sausage, eggs, braised meat, and added herbs and sliced cucumbers. From then on, this dish, bearing the mark of cultural exchange, gradually became a familiar part of Vietnamese life, both simple and showcasing the creativity of the Vietnamese people in cuisine.
"Remember Mom" bread and Bun Cha bread
Today, bread is being reinvented with many variations in flavor and ingredient combinations. In Hanoi, a culinary space near the Temple of Literature is telling the story of Vietnamese culture through each dish, in which bread takes on many unique nuances. On the menu, names like"Remember Mom" bread, Bun Cha bread, Overseas Vietnamese bread, Neighbor's bread...It evokes familiar yet fresh flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
The culinary scene near the Temple of Literature – National University is steeped in Vietnamese culture.
Each dish on the menu is associated with a memory, a different perspective on culture. The entire space embodies the spirit of "contemporary Vietnamese culture," decorated with paintings.Toad TeacherThe design features dragon motifs from the Ly Dynasty, lanterns depicting crabs, fish, dragons, and folk tales. Each detail continues the story of the traditional learning and creative spirit of ancient Vietnamese people.
The combination of grilled pork patties and herbs in the sandwich evokes the flavor of Hanoi's bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli).
Beyond simply combining ingredients, these new versions of Vietnamese sandwiches are also a means of telling the story of Vietnamese culture in a new language.Banh Mi Bun ChaIt brings the familiar flavors of Hanoi, with grilled pork patties, sliced cucumber, and herbs. "I want to ensure that when customers take a bite of the sandwich, they can still fully appreciate the taste of bun cha," shared Ms. Thanh Huong, owner of Miss Hanoi.
Meanwhile,Bread Remembering MomIt evokes memories of family meals, with braised pork and eggs, and pickled vegetables. "Everyone has eaten braised pork and eggs cooked by their mother. When you take a bite of this bread, you'll relive those memories," she said.
Vietnamese expatriate breadIt also bears the mark of French-Vietnamese fusion, with rich, country-style liver pâté and crispy fried onions.Neighbor's BreadBringing a touch of Southern Vietnamese flavor, the combination of braised pig's ear, sour mango, and mildly spicy Vietnamese coriander creates a feeling that is both rustic and surprising.
Vietnamese expatriate banh mi, a fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors with rich, creamy country-style liver pate.
Hang Xom bread, with its unique combination of braised pig's ear and sour mango, evokes the rustic flavors of Southern Vietnam.
Each sandwich is made from Vietnamese ingredients, meticulously prepared to preserve its distinctive flavor while incorporating a modern touch. Priced from 70,000 VND per sandwich, it targets international tourists and young people who appreciate contemporary Vietnamese cuisine.
"Innovating" dishes from familiar ingredients.
The creativity in today's banh mi doesn't lie in the recipe, but in how chefs preserve the Vietnamese essence in each flavor. Instead of "Westernizing" Vietnamese dishes, they find ways to maintain their identity through fish sauce, pickled vegetables, a crispy crust... along with skillful creativity, all creating a sophisticated combination that offers diners a fresh experience.
Banh mi has transcended its status as a street food, becoming a distinctive cultural culinary icon of Vietnam. The exquisite combination of the savory taste of braised meat, the sourness of pickles, and the spicy kick of chili sauce... makes banh mi not just a food item, but a cultural "language." From familiar ingredients, the Vietnamese have created a small dish that embodies a vibrant contemporary spirit, identity, and global reach.
