The Food Chain
Banh mi: A sandwich with a story
Aug 16, 2023
Discover the global sensation of the banh mi sandwich, from its origins during French occupation of Vietnam to its popularity after the Vietnam war. Explore the sandwich's ingredients, French history, and the restaurant that makes it. Learn about the ingenuity, adaptation, and family love behind this beloved street food.
27:10
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Quick takeaways
- The banh mi sandwich originated in Vietnam during the French occupation in the 1950s and has since become a global sensation, representing a fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary elements.
- The banh mi has traveled beyond Vietnam through waves of migration and refugee crises, becoming a comfort food and symbol of home for Vietnamese communities abroad.
Deep dives
The Evolution of the Banh Mi
The podcast explores the history and evolution of the banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich that combines French and Vietnamese culinary elements. The banh mi originated in the 1950s when the owner's great-grandmother got the idea while working in a kitchen that supplied cold cuts to a French restaurant. Over time, the banh mi became popular in Vietnam and eventually spread worldwide. It is known for its combination of flavors, including crispy baguette, savory fillings such as pate and cold meats, pickles, and fresh herbs. The banh mi has become a symbol of cultural cross-fertilization.
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