Have you ever wondered what to serve with Banh Mi? This classic Vietnamese sandwich can be served as a main course for any meal, but there are also a variety of side dishes that will complement the flavors and bring out the unique flavors of each ingredient.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular accompaniments to a banh mi, so you can create an incredible, delicious spread every time you serve it.
From traditional Vietnamese-style sides to creative twists on familiar favorites, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to amplify your next banh mi experience!
What Is Banh Mi?
Banh mi is a classic Vietnamese sandwich, traditionally made with a combination of pork, pickled vegetables, and spicy sauces. Banh mi can be found at most traditional Vietnamese restaurants or street food stalls.
The popular sandwich has become increasingly popular in Western countries due to its delicious flavors and unique ingredients. Banh mi sandwiches are usually served on a baguette.
They can be filled with grilled pork, pate, meatballs, pickled carrots and daikon radish, cucumbers, jalapenos, fresh cilantro, mayonnaise or chili sauces.
The combination of flavors in the sandwich is truly delicious! Banh mi is an excellent choice for a delicious and filling meal.
What To Serve With Banh Mi?
Banh mi, the classic Vietnamese sandwich, is served with various accompaniments. Here are some options for you on what to serve with banh mi.
Vietnamese Pizza
Vietnamese Pizza, or Banh Trang Nuong, is a unique dish that combines the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine and Italian-style pizza.
It is made with thin rice crackers that are topped with various types of meat (usually pork, shrimp, or beef), vegetables (such as onion, bean sprouts, cucumber, and carrots), and herbs (such as cilantro and basil).
The toppings are drizzled with fish sauce, chili oil, sugar, and lime juice. Combining these flavors helps bring out the unique taste of Vietnamese Pizza, making it a great dish to pair with banh mi sandwiches.
Banh mi and Vietnamese pizza also pair well together because both dishes have similar textures. The crunchy rice crackers in the pizza contrast perfectly with the soft and chewy baguette in the banh mi.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a popular dish in many Asian cultures, consisting of cooked rice that has been stir-fried with vegetables and other ingredients such as eggs or meat.
It’s usually seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, onion, and other spices. Fried rice can be served as a side dish or as the main course of a meal.
The dish is often served with banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich because it compliments the flavors in the sandwich perfectly.
The savory and versatile nature of fried rice makes it the perfect accompaniment to many dishes, including sandwiches like banh mi. This combination makes for a satisfying and delicious meal that everyone can enjoy.
Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are a traditional Vietnamese snack made from thin rice wrappers with various ingredients such as pork, shrimp, vegetables, and glass noodles. They are typically served with banh mi.
The combination of the savory spring rolls and the sweet and tangy banh mi makes a perfect match that is delicious and satisfying.
They are tasty together and provide a balanced meal with proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables, and other essential nutrients. Spring rolls can be served as an appetizer or a main course, and they can be served hot or cold.
Banh Khot
Banh Khot is a popular Vietnamese savory fried cake. It’s made with rice flour and tapioca starch, giving it a unique texture that’s crispy on the outside but soft inside.
It is typically cooked with turmeric to give it a yellowish hue and topped with various ingredients like minced pork, shrimp, cheese, scallions and onions. It’s often served as an appetizer or snack with banh mi sandwiches.
Combining the crispy Banh Khot with fresh vegetables and savory meats in a banh mi makes for a delicious meal. Banh Khot also makes a great accompaniment to any meal, providing a crunchy and flavorful contrast.
Banh Bot Loc
Banh Bot Loc is a type of Vietnamese dumpling made from tapioca flour, filled with pork and mushrooms. It is usually served as an accompaniment to banh mi sandwiches in Vietnam.
The two dishes’ combination works well due to their different textures and flavor combinations; the dumplings provide a crunchy and savory contrast to the soft, flavorful bread of a banh mi sandwich.
The dumplings are also known for their slight sweetness, which helps to offset the spiciness of traditional banh mi fillings. Banh Bot Loc is a delicious way to add a unique flavor and texture to a classic dish.
Potato Fries
Potato Fries are a popular side dish often served with banh mi sandwiches. Potato Fries are strips of potatoes that have been deep-fried in oil until golden brown and crispy.
The combination of the potato’s comforting starchy flavor and its crunchy texture makes it a great accompaniment for banh mi, which usually has an array of textures and flavors.
Banh mi is often served with a variety of condiments, such as pickles, mayonnaise, and chili sauces; the crunchy texture of the Potato Fries helps to balance out these other ingredients.
Potato Fries can also be seasoned with salt or spices for added flavor. As an alternative to deep-fried Potato Fries, oven-baked Potato Fries are also popular.
Papaya And Green Mango Salad
Papaya and green mango salad is a refreshing Vietnamese side dish traditionally served with banh mi sandwiches. The dish consists of shredded papaya, unripe mango, and herbs such as mint, cilantro, Thai basil, and perilla leaves.
Adding fish sauce, chili peppers, garlic, sugar, and lime juice gives this salad a unique flavor profile. The tartness of the green mango pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the papaya for a balanced taste that is irresistible when served alongside banh mi.
This salad helps to add a crunchy texture and bright flavors to the otherwise savory sandwich. For those looking for a kick of spice, chili peppers can be added to the salad for extra zing.
Papaya and green mango salad perfectly balance sweet, savory, tart, and spicy flavors that bring an exciting twist to banh mi sandwiches.
FAQs
What Drinks To Serve With Banh Mi?
Traditional Vietnamese beers like 333 Beer or Huda Beer are always a great choice as they pair well with the sweet and savory flavors of the banh mi.
Light-bodied white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are also great options as they won’t overpower the flavors of the sandwich.
If you’d prefer to serve something nonalcoholic, Vietnamese iced coffee is always a great choice to enjoy with your banh mi!
What Sauces To Serve With Banh Mi?
Many sauces and condiments can be served with banh mi to enhance flavor. Popular options include mayonnaise, sriracha chili sauce, hoisin sauce, peanut butter and Vietnamese fish sauce.
You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil or sesame oil over the sandwich for added flavor.
Should You Serve Banh Mi As Breakfast Or A Snack?
Banh mi can be served as breakfast and a snack, depending on your preferences.
You may opt for plainer banh mi for breakfast, such as the traditional pork belly or grilled chicken versions. More creative varieties, such as those with vegetables and pickled daikon radishes, are great options as a snack.
Do You Serve Pho With Banh Mi?
No, pho is a noodle soup dish usually served on its own.
When eating banh mi, pair it with a crisp glass of soda or light beer. Alternatively, you can also serve fruit or fresh vegetables as sides.
Conclusion
Now you should know what to serve with banh mi. Banh mi sandwiches are a classic Vietnamese dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world.
While there is no right or wrong way to serve banh mi, many delicious side dishes can be served with it. Banh Khot, Banh Bot Loc, Potato Fries, and Papaya & Green Mango Salad are all popular accompaniments to banh mi.
These sides provide a delightful contrast in texture and flavor that helps to bring out the deliciousness of the sandwich. Whether you’re looking for something crunchy or sweet, these sides can help you create an amazing meal.
So the next time you’re craving banh mi, don’t forget to add these delicious sides!
