Banh Mi, a Hanoi Street Food, is the combination between Western and Eastern cuisine. Brought into Vietnam by French, Banh Mi has its own reputation in the world. It is a true fact that people of any nations call it Banh Mi Vietnam instead of Vietnamese Bread.
A breakthrough in culinary culture
The French actually brought their culinary culture to Vietnam during their colonial exploitation, but they did not give it to the Vietnamese. Together with advanced technology and richness of French at that time, food and culinary culture also played an important part in reinforcing the power and dividing the line between the rulers and commoners.
The French invaders did not accept the culture of a small Oriental nation on their table and was also not willing to share their culture with Vietnamese. So, in the past, bread was called “banh tay” (western cake) by Vietnamese for the high cost and luxury of wheat flour in Vietnam.
When the World War I took place in Europe in 1914, which led to the return back to mother country of French soldiers and workers to support the war. Two largest importers in Indochina managed by the German were seized by French Government. The prices of Western food in the market then went down and that was the first time Vietnamese working class and civilians had opportunity to taste Western food one of which is bread.
On the other hand, due to the lack of wheat flour, the French had to mix the rice flour with wheat flour. Since then, the boundary between French cuisine and Vietnamese cuisine had been broken through.
Some still believe that it was rice flour in the ingredients that made Banh Mi soft inside crunchy outside. But, it cannot be the true recipe of Banh Mi because the large amount of rice flour just makes the bread harder and heavier.
If your are wondering how Banh Mi is made, just join Vietnam cooking class the baker will not hesitate to share with you their recipes.
Versions of Banh Mi
Banh Mi has many versions depending on what the maker put inside the bread. It is explained that people do not have enough time to savor the dish, so they put meat, sour vegetables, coriander, carrot, cucumber… inside for the convenience.
Banh Mi is like sandwich of European; it is, however, more special. Interior of the crunchy crust are the ingredients which are enough for a nutritious meal.
Banh Mi is always served with meat or egg inside. Fresh vegetables are indispensable.
There are more than 10 types of Banh Mi and the amount is increasing thanks to the creation of the bakers.
In Hanoi, you can easily see the smalls stalls on the sidewalk which sell fried egg banh mi, paste banh mi, pork sausage banh mi, pork floss banh mi,… Even veggies banh mi for the vegetarians is available here.
If you are on a Street Food Tour in Hanoi, give Banh Mi Vietnam a try. You will not be disappointed.