by Bảo Ngọc

A bánh mì is a type of Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with pâté, cold meats and vegetables. Although they vary greatly between cities and between individual vendors, pork of some kind is usually used.

One of Việt Nam's most beloved meals, it was first brought to the country by the French in the 19th century and has since undergone a number of adaptations and changes.

They may be found anywhere, from the stalls of street sellers to the menus of the finest restaurants.

For those who have never had them before, the sheer variety of options might be intimidating, especially if you're looking for something better than just a standard sandwich.

Here is a list of some of the top-rated bánh mì eateries from across the country to get you started.

Madam Khanh

Madam Khanh's little shop on Trần Cao Vân Street near Hội An ancient town is often packed with customers. This establishment is well-known on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel website.

Madam Khanh draws consumers not only with her thorough preparation technique and excellent flavour in each loaf of bread, but also with her excitement and warmth. Photos courtesy of the shop

The 80-year-old owner of this bánh mì business not only delights visitors with the care she takes in making each piece of bread and the excellent flavour they deliver, but also with her infectious excitement and warm welcome.

The store offers five different bánh mì on the menu, but each one is packed with flavourful, freshly prepared ingredients. Using a recipe that dates back more than 30 years, they make everything from scratch, from the eggs to the grilled meat to the pâté, rolls and sauces.

The bread is baked fresh for each order, and is known for its crisp outside, buttery scent, and soft inside. You should check out Madam Khanh if you're in Hội An and looking for a tasty treat.

Bánh mì Phượng

Hội An is also home to bánh mì Phượng, which can be found at 2B Phan Chau Trinh Street.

While long lines of customers make it difficult to make an order, once you've got a golden loaf in your hands and a taste of it in your mouth, you'll understand its strong allure.

The sauce at Phượng is prepared from a recipe that has been passed down for generations.

Patrons may pick from a wide variety of fillings, including cheese, pâté, eggs, cold cuts, sausages, grilled meat and chicken. The sauce at this restaurant is prepared from a secret family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Phượng bánh mì's exceptional flavour has made it a favourite among visitors from around the world.

World-renowned chef, the late Anthony Bourdain famously referred to this restaurant's bánh mì as "the best bread in the world". Phượng has also been the setting for a culinary series from a South Korean television station, and its dish was featured on Bourdain's American travel and food show "No Reservations".

Bánh mì phố Huế

Hanoians of varying ages have fond recollections of bánh mì phố Huế (bánh mì in Huế Street), which first appeared in the city in 1974.

The bánh mì here is plain and classic, with a hot, crispy top and a thick, aromatic inside. Savoury pâté, marinated char siu, sausage, butter, cucumber, and a bit of homemade chilli sauce, spicy meat sauce, and black pepper are just some of the ingredients that go into the filling, which boast an aromatic kick.

Bánh mì phố Huế ( bánh mì at Huế Street), is cherished by Hanoians of all ages.

Even though the shop's baguettes don't have as many fillings as more modern options today, it nonetheless has numerous customers who just want a classic bánh mì with no frills.

David Farley, a correspondent for the BBC, called the eatery the "best in the world".

Bánh mì phố Huế can be found at 118 Huế Street in the downtown area of Hà Nội.

Bánh mì Nguyễn Trãi

The bánh mì at 39 Nguyễn Trãi Street in HCM City's District 1 attracts a queue of customers waiting every afternoon, even though it is only a small vendor stall.

What makes this bread unique is what's inside, grilled pork that is prepared fresh right before your eyes. About four or five meatballs will be stuffed inside the baguette. As soon as the bánh mì's fillings are ready, the vendor will clamp them in to keep them hot.

The porky filling of HCM City's bánh mì Nguyễn Trãi is prepared right before your eyes, making it a unique experience.

There are pickled vegetables, sweet and salty sauce, and chilli sauce added to the stuffing, which enhance the flavour of the meat.

Condé Nast Traveller, an American publication, has named bánh mì Nguyễn Trãi as one of the world's top 12 greatest street meals. VNS