David, a traveler from the US, recently paid a visit to Vietnam. During his stop in HCM City, he took time to explore several attractions and savor the city's enticing cuisine.

He remarked that Vietnamese cuisine, particularly in HCM City, is remarkably diverse. Among the dishes he sampled were the affordable street banh mi and a high-end version at a restaurant.

His first stop was a banh mi stall on a street in District 3 where he ordered a roasted pork banh mi priced at VND20,000.

He said the banh mi had a crispy crust, a soft interior, and an abundance of fresh ingredients complemented by a sauce blending savory, spicy, and rich flavors.

"This banh mi is absolutely fantastic; you must try it at least once. The roasted pork has a crunchy skin and juicy, tender meat, enhancing both the texture and flavor of the dish," David elaborated.

"This is the best banh mi I’ve ever eaten."

His second stop was a restaurant in District 1, where David sampled several creatively elevated Vietnamese dishes, including a "tiny" banh mi priced at VND240,000.

This miniature banh mi, roughly the size of two fingers, was served with pate, Wagyu beef, and other accompaniments. When tasting it, the Western tourist noted that it had a crispy crust and a delicious, unique flavor.

He acknowledged that this upscale version of banh mi was tasty, creatively adapted, and distinctive, though its price was somewhat high, factoring in service and ambiance costs.

But after experiencing two banh mi varieties with a price gap of 12 times, David concluded that the street version suited his taste better.

Beyond its affordable price, David explained that the banh mi sold on the streets offered a unique sensation that restaurants can’t bring. 

“I enjoy the ambiance and the feeling of eating on the street, where people have more opportunities to connect with one another and feel each other’s energy, rather than just focusing on the food," David said.

In an interview with VietNamNet, David shared that, considering both flavor and atmosphere, he preferred street banh mi.

The Western tourist said banh mi is a street food, and experiencing it at roadside stalls or vendors provides a more authentic sensation.

"Banh mi is one of my favorite Vietnamese dishes. You can try various types with different fillings everywhere, at reasonable prices—VND15,000-20,000 per serving —enough to fill you up while still being delicious," David added.

Thao Trinh