Vol. 1- The Bánh mì

For as long as I can remember, food has been my passion, as it serves a way to explore the world through its diverse cuisines. This curiosity led me to fusion food, where flavours and techniques from different cultures blend into something entirely new. And what better way to start such an exploration than the quintessential example of two cultures combining, the Vietnamese Banh Mi (Ban Mee). A short baguette filled with roasted meat, pickled veg, topped off with coriander and a kick of fresh chilli. Think a sandwich from Subway, but a billion times better.

Traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi

So how did such a renown centrepiece of fusion food come to be? I'm sure that the first thought when baguette is mentioned that comes to mind is the French, right? Well you would be correct! The French Conquest of Vietnam took place in the mid 19th century, in which leader Napoleon III aimed to spread the nation's military propaganda across the Asian continent. With their hostile takeover of Vietnam leading to an eventual peace treaty being signed, the Vietnamese locals were introduced to well known French delicacies such a the humble baguette, and pâté- a paste traditionally made from ground meat and animal fat. Not quite an even trade off for the surrender of Vietnamese land, but one in which the locals created culinary excellence with.

French Conquest of Vietnam

It wasn't ,however, until the mid 1950s that such ingredients would be used to create the Banh Mi. When Vietnam split into two separate countries, over one million people fled from the North into the South, bringing aforementioned French influence with them. Among those that fled, and looking to find work and a new life, Mr and Mrs Le had the ingenious idea of combining traditional Vietnamese cooking and convenient, on the go snacking to create what is now the world famous Banh Mi. The application of the baguette and pâté as a means of holding high quality fresh ingredients local to Vietnam made for the perfect portable breakfast and lunch at an affordable price. Despite its roots cemented in European colonialist arrogance, the Banh Mi has now become a staple snack worldwide, and is celebrated as a snapshot into the wonders of Vietnamese culinary excellence.

Modern Day Banh Mi Vendor

But what if these culinary roles were reversed? What might Vietnamese/French fusion food look like in an alternate history? Find out at the end of the Trading Tastes blog series as I make 4 unique dishes centred around a reality in which food fusion history was turned on its head!

Useful Links:

Banh Mi Recipe- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4HA1ejw_hA

History of Banh Mi- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJas1nluV-g

Vietnamese Cuisine Showcase- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6Ul00eTp4o