Vietnamese Banh My Shines on Global Culinary Map

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For the second time this year, CNN has honored Banh My as one of the finest sandwiches on the planet.

Most recently, on November 15, CNN Travel once again included Vietnamese Banh My in its prestigious list of the "World’s 25 Best Sandwiches," emphasizing that this humble street food continues to captivate international food lovers.

For the second time this year, CNN has honored Banh My as one of the finest sandwiches on the planet (Photo: vietnamplus.vn).

In its newly released rankings, CNN Travel placed Banh My in the runner-up position. Banh My was called "a culinary remnant of French colonialism", explaining that the baguette has been reinterpreted by the Vietnamese in their own unique way.

This marks the second time Banh My was honored by CNN within a single year, following the dish's inclusion in the "Top 10 World’s Best Sandwiches" in June 2025.

Every corner of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and many provinces across the nation, the Vietnamese Banh My has conquered not only local but also global diners. The dish represents a unique culinary harmony, blending savory fillings with a signature crispy baguette that is irresistible.

Most recently, on November 15, CNN Travel once again included Vietnamese Banh My in its prestigious list of the "World’s 25 Best Sandwiches" (Photo: vietnamplus.vn).

Banh My typically features pork, chả lụa (Vietnamese pork roll), pickled vegetables (usually daikon and carrots), fresh herbs (cilantro), and a signature sauce. This combination delivers a salty, sweet, and tangy profile that is described as "highly addictive." Also, there are numerous variations, such as chicken Banh Mi and vegetarian options, contributing to the dish's incredible diversity.

Other sandwiches in CNN’s November list are world-renowned dishes, such as Japan’s Katsu Sando, Mexico’s Torta Ahogada, Italy’s Tramezzino, the Middle East’s Shawarma, and America’s Muffaletta.

Banh My had been spotlighted on the global culinary map. In early 2024, the traditional food review site TasteAtlasranked Vietnamese Banh My at the very top of its "100 Best Sandwiches" list. The site also included it in the "Top 50 Best Street Foods in Asia," showcasing the dish's popularity.

International recognition was formally marked on March 24, 2011, when the term "banh my" was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford defines it as "A Vietnamese snack consisting of a baguette (traditionally baked with both rice and wheat flour) filled with a variety of ingredients, typically including meat, pickled vegetables, and chili."

This marks the second time Banh My was honored by CNN within a single year, following the dish's inclusion in the "Top 10 World’s Best Sandwiches" in June (Photo: vietnamplus.vn).

Meanwhile, the Cambridge Dictionary offers a more concise definition: "A type of long sandwich popular in Vietnam."These definitions reinforce the global perspective of Banh My as an authentic and distinctive Vietnamese identity.

Vietnamese Banh My—a familiar street food found in every region of the country—continues to amaze foreign diners with its perfect blend of Western culinary techniques and Vietnamese flavors.

While the French may have introduced the baguette to Vietnam, the famous Banh My is a unique creation by the Vietnamese people.

The composition of a Banh My is incredibly diverse, varying by region and locality, each with its own ingredients and preparation methods. Initially, the sandwich was simple, just with bread, meat, and some seasoning, and no vegetables. However, today, with infinite creativity, Banh My are sandwiches that can be filled with cold cuts, French butter, fresh mayonnaise, liver pâté, cucumber, cilantro, pickles, oyster sauce, and garlic.

To make a delicious Banh My, you need a thin and crackly-crisp crust, while the inside crumb remains soft, chewy, and airy, with a hint of sweetness.

The fillings range from the essential standards—pâté, eggs, pork rolls, sausage, char siu (BBQ pork)—to ingredients that might seem unconventional but are surprisingly delicious, such as nem khoai (fermented pork and fries), beef, or even... ice cream.

It not only has an appealing visual. The flavor is the true attraction when eating Banh My. It is the sensory experience of biting through the hot, crispy crust into the savory richness of the meat, balanced immediately by the unique acidity of fresh or pickled vegetables. Simple yet detailed, harmonious without being redundant—this balance is the key of Vietnamese cuisine that leaves foreigners amazed.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Banh My is often served with sweet and savory Xiu Mai (meatballs) and a distinct crunch. Meanwhile, in Da Nang, the highlight is often fragrant, fried fish cake slabs. And as for Hanoi's Banh My, its signature is often the richness of the pâté that melts into the warm bread.

In the chill of winter, there is nothing quite like sipping a hot cup of tea while enjoying a Banh My filled with fragrant grilled pork skewers.

Banh My is the ultimate street food. It is affordable, accessible, and convenient. It can be found in narrow alleyways, on mobile carts, or in large establishments in Vietnam's major destinations. It is a fast food that is easy to find, easy to eat, and easy to love—a national treasure that locals and tourists all enjoy.

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