Bánh mì or bánh mỳ (pronounced /ˈbʌn mi/ ("bun me") in English and IPA: [ʔɓɐ̌ːɲ mì]] in Vietnamese) is a Vietnamese baguette made with wheat and rice flour, as well as a type of sandwich traditionally made with this type of baguette. The sandwich is made up of thinly sliced pickled carrots and daikon, onions, cucumbers, cilantro, jalapeño peppers and meat or tofu. Popular bánh mì fillings include roasted or grilled pork, Vietnamese ham, paté, mayonnaise, chicken, and head cheese.
Most Banh Mi sandwiches contain a Vietnamese mayonnaise-like spread that is a mixture of egg yolk, cooking oil/butter, and sometimes spices. Bánh mì is generally served in small shops and at some phở noodle eateries. Bánh mì shops can be found in many countries, especially in areas with a Vietnamese immigrant community.
The contrasting flavors and textures of the sandwich — as well as its relatively low cost — make it a popular dish. Bánh mì is referred to as a "Saigon Sub" or "Vietnamese Hoagie" in parts of the United States. The genesis of the bánh mì sandwich stems from the French countryside "salad sandwich" which consists of lettuces, tomatoes and sometimes vegetables as well as dressing served on a baguette.
The sandwich is a product of French colonialism in Indochina, combining ingredients from the French (baguettes, pate and mayonnaise) with native Vietnamese ingredients like cilantro, hot peppers, fish sauce and pickled carrots.