A baguette, fresh herbs, cucumber, vegetables – both fresh and pickled – mayonnaise, protein (Vietnamese mortadella, pork, chicken or tofu) and, depending on your taste, chili and/or Maggi seasoning. It is impossible not to fall for this sandwich, which was born in Vietnam at the end of the 19th century. Made with a baguette – introduced by French colonizers (wheat bread that the Vietnamese began calling banh mi) – and stuffed with tasty ingredients, it is the perfect, complete meal when you are hungry and craving something soft, rich, crunchy, aromatic and comforting. Whether you are looking for traditional spots or new favorites, here is our selection of places to enjoy these delicious sandwiches (especially when made to order with fresh ingredients) – and, to our delight, they abound in the French capital.
We have to admit it: This particular banh mi got us completely hooked. We stopped by Comptoir Banh Mi for lunch – a new and beautifully designed spot that is still far too under the radar – opened by chef Quynh Hoa, who drew inspiration from recipes from Vietnam, particularly Hanoi, where she grew up. Choosing is tough, despite the short menu. Should we go for the chicken banh mi with garlic sauce (it is hard to resist garlic sauce) or the beef la lôt (aromatic beef cooked in la lôt leaves, which have a peppery flavor and are used as edible wrappers)? "You should try the xiu mai, pork and salted egg," our neighbor advised us, still licking her lips in delight.
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