Vietnamese cuisine has once again been spotlighted on the global stage, as the iconic banh mi secures second place in Taste Atlas’s list of the "Top 100 Sandwiches in the World." Scoring an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars, this culinary staple was praised for its unique fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors.

A legacy of innovation

Taste Atlas lauded banh mi as a "heritage" of Vietnamese cuisine, emphasizing its versatility across different regions of Vietnam. While the fillings vary - from savory grilled meats to vegetarian options - the sandwich’s signature lies in the crispy, golden baguette, a legacy of French colonial influence in the 20th century.

What sets Vietnamese banh mi apart is the creativity of its makers, who transformed the traditional baguette into a globally beloved street food.

The most popular version typically features pork liver pâté, Vietnamese cold cuts (cha lua), pickled carrots, fresh cilantro, and a touch of special sauce. For those seeking variety, options like grilled pork (thit nuong) are widely available.

Taste Atlas noted that the harmonious combination of the crunchy baguette and fresh, flavorful fillings delivers an unforgettable culinary experience.

Multiple Vietnamese entries in the top 10

Vietnam’s culinary creativity shines further, with two additional banh mi variants making the top 10 of the list:

Banh mi thit (Vietnamese pork sandwich) ranked 4th with a score of 4.5/5 stars.

Banh mi lon quay (roast pork sandwich) placed 5th, also earning 4.5/5 stars.

According to Taste Atlas, banh mi thit is the version most familiar to tourists, often sold at street stalls and enjoyed at any time of the day. Similarly, banh mi lon quay was highlighted for its irresistible combination of crispy roast pork and fresh accompaniments.

The platform advises against overloading banh mi with too many fillings, as this can detract from the authentic taste.

This is not the first time banh mi has been celebrated by Taste Atlas. In February 2023, it ranked 6th among the "50 Best Street Foods in the World," further solidifying its reputation as a culinary treasure.

Taste Atlas, established in 2015 and headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia, is renowned for cataloging traditional dishes from around the globe. Founder Matija Babić emphasized that their rankings are based on expert opinions and food critics’ reviews, ensuring the credibility of their awards.

Do An