Why did you ignore Vietnamese 'banh mi,' Michelin Guide?
Sunday, July 07, 2024, 15:08 GMT+7
Many fans of banh mi in Vietnam were dismayed to find the Vietnamese baguette absent from the two latest editions of Michelin Guide Vietnam.
The renowned culinary guidebook debuted in Vietnam last year and released its second edition in late June this year, with numerous food establishments in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang being recognized.
However, not a single banh mi venue was recommended.
Canadian travel blogger Alyshia Turchyn introduces 'banh mi' during her food tour around Ho Chi Minh City held by Vietnam Life.
“Banh mi is a usually spicy sandwich in Vietnamese cuisine consisting of a split baguette filled typically with meat (such as pork or chicken) and pickled vegetables (such as carrot and daikon) and garnished with cilantro and often cucumbers,” Merriam-Webster defines.
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| Regular 'banh mi thit.' Photo: Chanh Niem / Tuoi Tre |
The absence of banh mi from the Michelin Guide Vietnam guidebook has become a popular topic of discussion on foodie forums in Vietnam, including the Saigon Dining Guide with 138,000 members.
Several hypotheses have been raised, including one believing that banh mi stalls normally buy their fillings from suppliers instead of making them, therefore, banh mi stalls do not have their own recipes like other types of food establishments.
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| Tourists buy 'banh mi' at a stall in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre |
Thach Nguyen, owner of Banh Mi Nguyen Sinh Bistro in Ho Chi Minh City, expressed his disappointment seeing no banh mi venue recognized by Michelin Guide Vietnam.
According to Thach, banh mi is not inferior to pho, so he is unsure on what criteria the Michelin Guide inspectors based their decisions.
He added that many others in the banh mi business in Vietnam also wonder why it was left off the list.
Thach asserted that Michelin Guide recognition is important for a banh mi venue, as it can positively impact its business.
The Michelin Guide is reputable among tourists and searched by many people, he explained.
“For Vietnamese people, banh mi is almost an indispensable dish in daily life,” said Nguyen Thi Khanh, chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, which organized the 2023 and 2024 Vietnam Bánh Mì Festival in Ho Chi Minh City.
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| A group of tourists from New Zealand enjoy ‘banh mi’ at the Vietnam Bánh Mì Festival at Le Van Tam Park in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, May 17, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre |
“It's delicious, convenient, and full of nutrients,” she added.
According to Khanh, banh mi features a harmonious blend of nutrition and flavors, including sour, spicy, salty, and sweet elements.
“It is an affordable dish that everyone from the common people to the upper class loves,” Khanh said.
She also emphasized the diversity of banh mi, which can be found in its meat and vegan options.
A number of famous banh mi brands in Ho Chi Minh City include Hoa Ma, Huynh Hoa, Nguyen Sinh Bistro, Tang, Bay Ho, Nhu Lan, Tuan 7 Keo, and Sau Minh, among others, she added.
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