Why Vietnamese Banh Mi Isn’t on CNN’s Best Bread List

A surprising omission

When CNN published its list of the “50 Best Breads in the World” on October 18, many people were surprised to see that Vietnamese banh mi didn’t make the cut. After all, this crispy baguette filled with flavorful meats, pickles, and herbs is one of Vietnam’s most famous foods, loved by locals and travelers alike.

But according to CNN, it wasn’t about taste. The reason is simple: banh mi is considered a sandwich, not a type of plain bread.

Bread vs. sandwich – it’s all in the definition

CNN’s list focuses only on breads — the baked or fried doughs themselves — such as roti canai from Malaysia, injera from Ethiopia, baguette from France, and naan from India. These are all pure bread products, without fillings or toppings.

In contrast, banh mi is classified as a sandwich, made by slicing a loaf of bread and stuffing it with meat, vegetables, and sauces. That’s why it didn’t appear in the “best breads” ranking.

Food writer and pastry chef Jen Rose Smith, who compiled CNN’s list, explained that the ranking celebrated breads for their flavor, texture, and cultural symbolism, not full meals or sandwiches.

From French baguette to Vietnamese favorite

The story of banh mi began more than a century ago, when the French introduced their baguette to Vietnam during the colonial period. Over time, Vietnamese bakers adjusted the recipe, creating a lighter, thinner, and crispier version that suited local tastes.

According to Kao Sieu Luc, founder of ABC Bakery and often called the “King of Banh Mi,” the true magic of Vietnamese banh mi lies in its fillings. Depending on the region, you might find cold cuts, pâté, grilled pork, fish cakes, or even fried eggs, all balanced by fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce.

This creativity turned the French baguette into something uniquely Vietnamese — a street food legend with endless variations.

Global recognition for a humble sandwich

Even if banh mi didn’t make CNN’s bread list, it still shines on the global stage. In June 2025, CNN named it one of the Top 25 Best Sandwiches in the World, and TasteAtlas listed it among the Top 50 Best Street Foods Worldwide.

The Oxford English Dictionary officially added the word banh mi in 2011, defining it as “a Vietnamese snack consisting of a baguette filled with meat, pickled vegetables, and chili.” The Cambridge Dictionary also describes it simply as “a type of long sandwich eaten in Vietnam.”

Clearly, the world sees banh mi not just as bread — but as a Vietnamese sandwich with global appeal.

Not excluded — just classified differently

So, why wasn’t Vietnamese banh mi on CNN’s list of the world’s best breads?
Because it’s more than just bread. It’s a complete dish, a cultural symbol, and a fusion of East and West.

CNN’s list honored bread as a standalone creation — the foundation of many cuisines. But banh mi represents the next step: how that bread can evolve into something greater, something that tells the story of a nation’s creativity and adaptability.

images: collected

📍Source: VNExpress

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