Banh Mi Dac Biet
Watch Video Reel- How to assemble a Banh Mi.
If you go to a banh mi sandwich shop and get super confused with all the Banh Mi options, you might be asking yourself, “what kind of Banh Mi Sandwich should I get”?
My answer? Get a classic Banh Mi like "Banh Mi Dac Biet" or “Banh Mi cha lua”. The “Banh Mi Dac Biet” simply translates to “special combination”.
What is in a Banh Mi Sandwich?
A classic Banh Mi Dac Biet (aka a special combination banh mi) is typically filled with all the traditional Banh Mi fixings: cold cut ham, pork, chicken liver pate, mayonnaise, pickled daikon and carrots, fresh cucumber, black pepper, green chili and cilantro. The Banh Mi cha lua uses just traditional Vietnamese cold cut ham.
History about the Banh Mi Sandwich:
The French introduced the french baguette, baked goods, and pâté chaud, in the 1860 at the start of their imperialism in Vietnam and the bánh mì sandwich is said to be born in Saigon in the late 1950's.
When Saigon fell in 1975 millions of Vietnamese fled Vietnam and ended up in cities like San Diego, Seattle, and Houston where they would establish Vietnamese restaurants and introduce Americans to the ever so popular, banh mi sandwich.
Check out my other post about Banh Mi Sandwiches below:
INGREDIENTS
Bread:
French baguette or Bolillo roll
(You want something light, and airy, not too dense or hard)
Fixings:
A few thin cut cucumber slices or strips
A few loosely chopped or hand-torn cilantro sprigs
A few slices of jalapeño or green seranno peppers
Protein:
Cold cut Vietnamese ham (aka cha lua)
Vietnamese head cheese (cold ham head)
1-2 tbs chicken liver pate
1 tbs real mayonnaise
Pickled Daikon and carrots- See my recipe -here- (Alternately you can just use slices of thinly julienned carrots)
Seasoning:
Maggi
Fresh ground black pepper
PREPARATION / ASSEMBLY
1. Warm bread in oven at 350 degrees for a few minutes until the outside is slightly crisped and the center is lightly warmed through.
2. Using a serrated long knife cut the bread lengthwise through the center of the bread but be sure not to sever the break completely in half.
3. Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise or butter on both insides of your bread. Crumble one side with pate, or lather it onto one of the bread sides.
4. Season with a little black pepper and Maggi on either side.
5. Add your sliced meat, pickled daikon & carrots, cucumber slices, chili slices, cucumber. Close sandwich and enjoy warm!