The allure of the banh mi lies not only in its flavorful fusion of meats and vegetables but also in its versatility when it comes to pairing it with other dishes. This popular Vietnamese sandwich has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century, when it was introduced by the French. Over time, it became an integral part of Vietnamese cuisine, featuring a crispy baguette filled with savory meats and fresh vegetables like chả lụa, pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber, and cilantro.
The banh mi has since gained international recognition, becoming a staple on menus in Asian restaurants around the world. So what makes it so special? For starters, its unique blend of flavors is reminiscent of a rich ham sandwich with an added layer of Asian essence. But beyond its inherent deliciousness, the real magic happens when you pair it with other dishes that complement its bold flavors.
Whether you’re looking for something creamy, salty, savory, or sweet, there are countless options to choose from. In fact, we’ve curated a list of 21 side dishes that will take your banh mi game to the next level – and number 18 is definitely worth trying!
Som Tum
The essence of summer is captured in the refreshing texture of Som Tum, a green papaya salad that will transport you to sun-kissed days. Its foundation lies in tart, unripe papayas, infused with the bold flavors of Asian seasonings. A symphony of textures and tastes unfolds as long beans, garlic, chopped peanuts, and chilies combine, evoking the satisfying crunch of a coleslaw.
Sautéed Napa Cabbage
This Napa cabbage recipe offers incredible versatility, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences by incorporating your favorite ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to absorb the bold flavors it’s paired with, making Napa cabbage a prime choice for any meal. While we’re keeping things straightforward with a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and ginger, the possibilities are truly endless.
Fresh Spring Rolls
Experience the perfect harmony when you pair the classic sandwich with Fresh Summer Spring Rolls. These bite-sized morsels are a symphony of flavors, depending on the dipping sauce you choose to accompany them. Made with succulent shrimp, an assortment of vegetables, rice noodles, and fragrant herbs, these spring rolls offer a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
When paired with the sandwich, try using fish sauce or peanut butter sauce to bring out the nutty and savory notes that will leave your taste buds singing.
Popeye’s Cajun French Fries
Transforming everyday dishes into flavorful masterpieces is a culinary art form that Popeye’s Cajun-inspired French Fries embody perfectly. By infusing ordinary recipes with bold flavors, you can create a unique twist that will tantalize your taste buds. Take the case of Popeye’s cajun fries – while they may be too spicy for some, the combination with banh mi’s peanut sauce creates a harmonious union of earthy and nutty notes that elevates the dish to new heights.
Sweet Potato Fries
Indulge in a sweet treat with our Sweet Potato Fries recipe cooked to perfection in an air fryer. This innovative cooking method yields a crunchier and crisper result compared to traditional oven-baked methods, making it a healthier alternative that eliminates the need for oil altogether.
Vietnamese Pho
Indulge in a harmonious fusion by pairing your sandwich with a rich and flavorful pho soup. Envision yourself savoring every slurp of the aromatic broth, meticulously crafted from scratch over several hours to unleash a symphony of flavors. To achieve this culinary masterpiece, don’t forget the quintessential five spices that make it truly special: star anise, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, coriander seeds, and cardamom pods.
Each one adds a unique dimension to the dish, elevating the overall experience.
Vegetable Soup
For those seeking a sweet and tangy flavor combination in their meals, this hearty Vegetable Soup is an excellent choice. Its light yet filling nature makes it a satisfying option to pair with your favorite sandwich or enjoy on its own. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, as it’s packed with a variety of vegetables that each bring their unique flavors to the table. Simply combine tomatoes and Italian seasoning for a delightful culinary experience.
Vietnamese Vegan Hot Pot
In many Asian cultures, hot pot has become a beloved tradition where friends and family gather together to cook an assortment of vegetables in a simmering broth. The experience is just as much about the social aspect as it is about the flavors and textures that emerge from the pot. For this vegan variation, we’re highlighting the benefits of mung bean sprouts for their added freshness and nutritional value.
Feel free to supplement with other options like yu choy and snow pea tips, or explore your own favorite greens to create a unique hot pot experience.
Tôm Rim
Indulge in the aromatic essence of Vietnamese caramelized shrimp, also known as ‘tomalley’ in local parlance. This mouthwatering recipe is a staple for those who savor the rich and complex flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine. The dish boasts an irresistible sweetness, depth, and savory glaze that explodes with each bite.
To achieve this harmonious balance, succulent shrimp are marinated in traditional sauces before being simmered to perfection, resulting in a culinary experience that will leave you craving for more.
Air Fryer Potato Chips
As we continue to elevate our snack game, let’s revisit the classic comfort of potato chips. This Air Fryer Potato Chips recipe is a game-changer, as it requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. One key aspect to keep in mind is the pre-treatment process. To achieve that perfect crispiness, simply soak the potatoes in water and then thoroughly dry them before air frying. This step may seem trivial, but trust us, it makes all the difference in the final product.
Do Chua
While the flavors of Do Chua can certainly elevate a banh mi sandwich, it’s equally delightful as a standalone side dish for those seeking a tangy and crunchy accompaniment to their meal. In essence, Do Chua is simply ‘pickled stuff’ – a phrase that accurately captures the essence of this sour and savory condiment. Its ability to cut through rich and salty flavors makes it an excellent pairing for many main courses.
To create Do Chua at home, you’ll need only two key ingredients: daikon radish and carrots. These humble roots come together in perfect harmony, resulting in a deliciously balanced flavor profile that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Dubu Jorim
Elevate plain tofu into a savory side dish by slow-cooking it in a rich soy sauce-based braising liquid. For the best results, opt for firm tofu as its dense texture allows it to brown nicely in the pan. To add an extra layer of depth, incorporate gochugaru or Korean red pepper flakes for a bold, spicy flavor profile. This versatile recipe can be served warm or at room temperature, and its robust flavors will remain impressive regardless of the serving temperature.
Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans
Indulge in the complex flavors of this Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans recipe, where rich, creamy notes meld with sweet and smoky undertones. The addition of chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, and dijon mustard injects a bold, tangy character that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Feel free to tweak the ketchup or sweetness level to suit your personal preference, but rest assured these baked beans are a culinary must-try in any incarnation.
Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables
Consider elevating your banh mi experience by pairing it with a sweet and savory contrast. One delightful option is to stir-fry a medley of mixed vegetables in a honey and garlic sauce. The great thing about this recipe is its flexibility – you can use any vegetables you have on hand, but for the best results, try combining broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, and mushrooms.
For added variety, feel free to throw in some water chestnuts or baby corn to create a colorful and flavorful combination.
Watermelon Feta Salad
This Watermelon Feta Salad embodies the essence of summer, its very existence transporting you to a sunny day. The refreshing combination of juicy watermelon and tangy feta cheese – or for that matter, blue cheese or goat cheese – creates a delightful harmony of flavors. The sweetness from the watermelon perfectly complements the salty and pungent notes of the feta, making for an unbeatable summer treat.
Bacon Cabbage Stir Fry
For those who crave the savory delight of bacon, this stir-fried cabbage salad with bacon recipe will surely become a favorite. The simplicity of its ingredient list belies the depth of flavor it delivers, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying side dish that can be prepared in no time at all.
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Indulge in the satisfying crunch of a vegetable spring roll, minus the hassle of making rice paper from scratch. This recipe offers a versatile and customizable option that can be prepared three ways: baked, air-fried or deep-fried. Feel free to take it up a notch by adding your favorite additional veggies, such as bean sprouts, for an extra burst of flavor.
Tomato Soup
Indulge in the creamy comfort of a rich tomato soup without compromising on ease of preparation. This three-ingredient recipe is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite sandwich, requiring nothing more than melted butter, an abundance of fresh tomatoes, and a dash of savory stock to create a velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.
No-Mayo Carolina Coleslaw
While it may seem counterintuitive to consider coleslaw without mayo as the real deal, this No-Mayo Carolina coleslaw recipe will challenge your perceptions. The unique combination of Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar brings a delightful creaminess to the dish, making it an innovative twist on the classic.
Macaroni Salad
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Macaroni Salad recipe, perfectly balanced by the harmonious blend of creamy mayonnaise and tangy sour cream. This satisfying side dish is a staple for sandwiches and pairs impressively with grilled meats. Feel free to elevate it further by adding shredded chicken or tuna for an added layer of protein and flavor.
Asian Noodle Salad
While this Noodle Salad excels as a side dish, its versatility also makes it an excellent option for a quick meal on-the-go. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only the boiling of noodles – no cooking skills necessary. In fact, this salad is perfectly suited for pairing with your favorite sandwich. The harmonious combination of peanut butter, honey, and ginger creates a delightful flavor profile that complements any sandwich nicely.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of sriracha can add just the right amount of spice to elevate the dish even further!
The bottom line
When it comes to pairing with banh mi, the possibilities are endless! Without having to think twice, these 21 mouth-watering side dishes offer a wealth of options to elevate your lunch or dinner game. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or bold and adventurous, this list has got you covered. So why wait? Fire up those cooking skills and get ready to indulge in a culinary experience that’s truly unforgettable!
