An American tourist tries both a high-end $10 bánh mì and a $0.80 street version in Ho Chi Minh City. Despite the gourmet experience, he says street food offers the best taste and authenticity.
David, a tourist from the United States, recently visited Ho Chi Minh City, where he explored local attractions and indulged in the city’s renowned street food.
Among his culinary adventures, he decided to compare two drastically different versions of bánh mì, Vietnam’s iconic sandwich - one from a local street vendor and another from a high-end restaurant.
David tries street-style banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City.
At his first stop, David visited a street-side bánh mì stall in District 3, where he ordered a crispy roasted pork bánh mì for just 20,000 VND ($0.80 USD).
He described the experience as "incredible," noting that the sandwich featured a crispy baguette, tender roasted pork, and a perfect blend of salty, spicy, and creamy sauces.
“This bánh mì is amazing. The roasted pork has a crunchy skin and juicy, flavorful meat that elevates the entire dish,” he said. He was so impressed that he called it "the best bánh mì I’ve ever had."
After his street food experience, David visited a high-end restaurant in District 1, where he sampled a luxury "miniature bánh mì" priced at 240,000 VND ($10 USD).
This upscale version featured a small, bite-sized baguette served with wagyu beef, pâté, and gourmet ingredients.
The tourist is amazed by the roast pork banh mi, priced at just 20,000 VND.
The tourist found the restaurant’s bánh mì to be creative and unique, praising its crispy texture and rich flavors. However, he noted that the price was significantly higher due to the premium ingredients and fine-dining setting.
After comparing both versions, David ultimately favored the street-side bánh mì.
While he acknowledged the luxury bánh mì was tasty and innovative, he preferred the authentic experience of eating on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
David enjoys a traditional street bánh mì in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Find Out Why
“Bánh mì is a street food at its core, and it’s hard for restaurants to recreate the atmosphere and charm of eating it on a bustling sidewalk,” he explained.
“I love the energy of street food vendors, where people connect over food instead of just focusing on what’s on their plate.”
Reflecting on his time in Vietnam, David shared that bánh mì was one of his favorite dishes. He also explored Hanoi, which he considers one of the best cities in the world due to its stunning scenery and diverse cuisine.
Among the many Vietnamese dishes he tried, he also developed a deep appreciation for bánh cuốn (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls), calling it one of his all-time favorites.
Vietnamnet.vn
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