Bánh mì chảo: bread with a sizzling pan
Bánh mì chảo pairs a baguette with a hot pan of toppings such as eggs, pâté and sausage. Tear off a piece of bread and use it to scoop up the sauce.
Some versions include beef or other additions. The sauce and toppings vary by vendor, so check the menu and choose the combination that appeals to you.
Bánh mì que: slender pâté baguettes
Closely associated with Hai Phong, bánh mì que is a narrow, crisp baguette usually filled with pâté. Its small size makes it an easy snack between sightseeing stops.
The crunchy bread and rich filling are often paired with chilli sauce. Ask for the sauce separately if you prefer a milder taste.
Bánh mì sốt vang: bread with beef stew
Bánh mì sốt vang serves bread alongside a fragrant beef stew with French culinary influences, adapted to Vietnamese tastes.
Slow cooking gives the beef a tender texture and the sauce a rich flavour. Tomatoes, wine and spices commonly feature, while vegetables and seasoning vary between recipes. Dip the bread into the sauce and enjoy it while warm.
Bánh mì xíu mại: bread with meatballs
A favourite in Da Lat, bánh mì xíu mại pairs bread with small pork meatballs in a savoury broth. It is a comforting option on a cool morning.
Tear the bread into pieces for dipping, and add chilli or other condiments to taste. Versions elsewhere in Vietnam may use a thicker, tomato-based sauce.
Bánh mì muối ớt: chilli-salt grilled bread
This snack is associated with An Giang in the Mekong Delta. Bread is flattened, brushed with a seasoned mixture and grilled until crisp, giving it a salty, sweet and spicy flavour.
It is then cut into pieces and finished with toppings that may include pork floss, quail eggs and sauces. Ingredients vary, so ask before ordering if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
On your next visit to Vietnam, look beyond the familiar filled baguette and try one of these local variations.
For a journey shaped around local flavours, take a look at A Taste of Vietnam: A Culinary Journey - 12 Days. It is a useful starting point for planning time around markets, regional dishes and your own food interests.
