Bánh mì

The French introduced Vietnam to the baguette in the middle of the 19th century and it has become a staple in this country. Bánh mì, the ubiquitous Vietnamese sub, was invented in Saigon in the 1950s. It consists of a short baguette, toasted and crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with meats and veggies. The most popular meats are grilled pork and chicken, although you can also order it with paté, ham, even sardine, or vegetarian with either an egg or tofu. Veggies are typically julienned cucumbers and carrots, as well as fresh cilantro. Add a flavourful sauce, a bit of chilli, and you have a delicious breakfast, lunch, or snack, which can be found on every street. It’s no wonder that the Vietnamese eat less at fast food places; their fast food Bánh mì stands are excellent! In Hanoi, one of the best places to get this treat is Bánh Mì 25 in the Old Quarters. Not only is it tasty, but it is also quite inexpensive ($2-$3), so it fits every budget.