What is Banh Mi, you might ask? For the uninitiated, this Vietnamese staple is essentially a short baguette with a thin, crisp crust, and an airy texture—this is often split lengthwise and filled with savoury ingredients typically found in a sandwich! If you love Banh Mi but are unsure of where to find great renditions of this culinary delight in Singapore, read on for some suggestions.
For Banh Mi Filled With Various Ham Cuts
The Banh Mi ($6.90) at Banh Mi Sai Gon is a true treat for the taste buds as the joint offers a unique and delicious twist on the traditional Vietnamese sandwich! Their rendition is stacked with a variety of different ham cuts (expect an amalgamation of savoury, smoky, and sweet flavours), all of which combines together to create a flavour explosion that'll leave you wanting more.
Of course, this is complemented by the crispy and crusty baguette which makes for a nice textural contrast to the meaty ham. Other components such as the fresh and crunchy vegetables also seek to add a burst of freshness to the sandwich. If you're a fan of bolder and more distinctive flavours, this Banh Mi is a must-try!
For A Fragrant Chicken Banh Mi
The Chicken Banh Mi at Banh Mi Thit aims only to satisfy! The tender and juicy chicken is cooked to perfection, and comes with a flavourful marinade that's made from a blend of Vietnamese herbs and spices; this strikes the perfect balance between savoury and sweet. We reckon this is an interesting deviation from the traditional pork or beef fillings commonly found in the Vietnamese sandwich. As always the crispy baguette makes for the perfect vessel for the juicy meat, and goes well with the other ingredients including the pickles, carrots, and cilantro.
For A Mouth-Watering Otah Banh Mi
The Mackerel Otah ($6.50) at Joo Chiat Caphe is a true culinary delight! Wedged in between a crusty baguette are two generous pieces of big Otah which are simply just bursting with rich and distinctive flavours, thanks to the delicately spiced mackerel that's laden with fragrant herbs and spices. The mackerel Otah itself might look unassuming but it's cooked to perfection and boasts a moist and tender texture that's packed full of flavour. This is further complemented by the Chicken pate and Vietnamese mayo, both of which go harmoniously together! The best part is the fact that the dish is not overtly greasy or heavy on the palate.
For A Cheesy Beef Banh Mi
The Stir-Fried Beef & Cheese Baguette ($12) is certainly a unique and indulgent take on the traditional Banh Mi. This rendition boasts a pate that's mixed in with butter, egg, and cheese—all of which blends together to create a luscious, creamy, and velvety spread. This is topped with fresh cucumber, pickles, and coriander to balance out the flavour profile of its richer components. The hint of chilli also adds a touch of spice for that much-needed fiery kick. If you're looking for a sandwich that is savoury and flavourful, this should do the trick! After all, this is a gourmet twist on the beloved Vietnamese classic.
For A Savoury Beef Banh Mi
The Banh Mi Mo ($16) at Little Saigon is jam packed with explosive flavours which will transport you straight to the streets of Vietnam. Comprising sautéed beef, onions, chicken pate, chicken ham, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this sandwich boasts a symphony of textures that come together in perfect harmony. The tender sautéed beef is cooked to perfection and sprinkled with just the right amount of seasoning; this melds well with the fragrant onions and the creamy chicken pate.
What sets Little Saigon's beef-laden Banh Mi apart is the abundance of fresh vegetables embedded within—we're talking crisp lettuce, tangy pickled carrots, and even daikon. This adds a burst of freshness and a nice crunch to the sandwich as a whole! Ultimately, the well-thought out combination of contrasting ingredients will keep you coming back for more.