Banh mi(bánh mì) is a Vietnamese-style baguette bread derived from French cuisine. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, banh mi is generally served as sandwiches with toppings such as meat, pickles, and vegetables.

Baguettes were popularized in Vietnam following French occupation of Vietnam during French imperialism in the 19th century. At first only available as a luxury item, baguettes eventually became a commonplace part of Vietnamese cuisine, especially in cities like Saigon. Banh mi(bánh mì) can refer to the bread itself or the sandwiches made from it. French and local ingredients were used as fillings to make sandwiches.

Banh mi sandwiches typically have a combination of meat and vegetables, such as pork sausage or grilled pork with pickled radish and carrots(đồ chua) alongside cucumber, chilies, and cilantro. They are sometimes served with sauce such as chili sauce, mayonnaise, or barbecue sauce

Banh Mi (Baguette) Recipe

Ingredients

• 1-1½ cup water, warm
• 1 tbsp yeast, active dry
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• 2-2½ cup flour
• 1 tsp salt

Directions

• combine water, yeast, sugar
• let sit 5-10 minutes
• combine flour, salt, yeast water
• knead into dough
• rest dough, covered, about 30 minutes
• knead dough
• rest dough, covered, about 1 hour
• divide into 4 pieces
• flatten each piece (with rolling pin optional)
• tightly roll up each piece into a tapered log shape, pinching seams closed
• rest dough, covered, about 1 hour in humid conditions (unheated oven with pan of hot water works well)
• score dough surface with knife
• moisten dough surface with water (spray bottle works well)
• place dough in oven and metal pan of hot water (at least ½ cup) below dough
• bake about 15 minutes at 475°F
• remove water pan and bake about 5 more minutes
• remove from oven and let cool
• serve or store

Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

• banh mi (baguette)
• pickled radish and/or carrot (đồ chua)
• meat (grilled pork, pork sausage, or other) [substitute grilled tofu]
• cucumber, sliced lengthwise (optional)
• jalapeño or other pepper, sliced (optional)
• coriander

Directions

• cut bread in half horizontally lengthwise
• add toppings to taste
• serve