banh mi

noun

ˈbän-ˈmē 

plural banh mi also banh mis

: 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

Here we have the original banh mi—a reliable favourite on a classic crusty baguette. Cold cut-style pork belly, chicken liver pâté (you can sub in avocado if that's more your thing), and soy-based Vietnamese sausage are finished with pickled carrots and daikon … , cucumbers, cilantro, aïoli and special sauce.

—Liza Agrba

In Queen Anne, the Vietnamese coffee shop Queen Càphê serves banh mis and spring rolls.

—Tan Vinh

Examples of banh mi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Vietnamese scene along Stockton Boulevard is vibrant and authentic, with numerous eateries dishing out beloved favorites like pho and banh mi. —Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Then, have dinner on-site at the Hearth & Candle, or just around the corner at Lot Six, featuring killer local beers and Korean-style karaage chicken clubs, banh mi, and a tater tot poutine. —Corey Seymour, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2024

South Natomas banh mi shop Saigon Corner, La Riviera outpost Pho Momma and East Sacramento build-your-own-meal concept Origami Asian Grill all tied for fourth with 9.3% of the vote. —Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 19 July 2024

What to order: The vegan banh mi ($14) — a sub sandwich stuffed with tofu coated in a sweet chili sauce, pickled veggies, fresh herbs and jalapeños and topped with a vegan aioli. —Arika Herron, Axios, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Vietnamese bánh mì, literally, "bread, baguette," from bánh "cake, pastry" + mì "wheat"

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above