Bánh Mì Chay (Vegetarian Banh Mi)

Chay Chay Real Smooth.

Note: I didn’t mean to do two chay pieces week after week, but I couldn’t find some of my bún thịt nướng pics I need. Look forward to vermicelli salad next week!

I eat two major meals a day and I try to always have one be vegetarian/vegan. While I love bánh mì of all kinds (except sardines or mackerel, yuck), bánh mì chay (vegetarian) are my favorite. The textures are magnificent in these three fine examples. The crisp crunchiness of the pickles and cucumber, creamy mushroom pate and homemade mayo (not vegan), and the various other vegetarian fillings (usually various preparations of tofu/mushrooms) combine wonderfully. Paired with fresh baguettes and this, my friend, is a winning combination! Strictly chay bánh mì vendors are few and far between, but here are three that will fill that meat-free, baguette-shaped hole in your soul.

Bánh Mì Chay Vĩnh Viễn

Hours: 6:30am-7:30pm everyday

Address: 203 Đ. Vĩnh Viễn, Phường 4, Quận 10

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8JddHGps9dqD27Ye8?g_st=ic

This shop serves a killer sammy, and they feature their homemade mushroom pate (which you can also buy to take home and use). Everything is crisp and delivers that unforgettable combination of flavors and textures that all the best bánh mì share. They also have a few other options, including salty sticky rice, and bánh ướt (steamed rice flour crepes with chay toppings). At less than 1 USD per sandwich, it’s a must-try. Unfortunately they’re still using plastic bags. I expect better from veg places for some reason.

Bánh Mì Chay Tùy Duyên

Hours: 6am-10:30am everyday

Address: Q22 Nguyễn Hữu Hào, Phường 6, Quận 4

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wyd2LWNzkgZNupLq7?g_st=ic

Another low-cost, high-satisfaction banh mi chay is over on my (current) home turf of District 4, also only 20k vnd. This is an early morning pit stop for countless people looking for a meat-free way to start the day. In fact, this area has several great veg places because of its proximity to a couple huge pagodas, if you’re interested in poking around. This shop also sell several other vegan products. Takeaway only and sadly they use plastic bags. (If anyone tries the chay hamburger please let me know, I’m curious but not THAT curious.)

Fingerprint Chay

Hours: 7am-6pm, closed Sundays

Address: 303 Đ. Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Ward 7, Quận 3

https://maps.app.goo.gl/a4nrAdDmyPB2sfWk6?g_st=ic

Fingerprint is the king of varied veggie fillings. From various preparations of tofu and mushrooms and loaded with veggies, to the very fresh baguette, these are great sandwiches. They also have a fairly extensive vegan menu, including fantastic brown rice bowls. And YES there’s not a bit of plastic in evidence here! Bravo!

And that’s my three small gifts for you today! HCMC is a fantastic place to introduce more meat-free options to your diet, and I really encourage everyone to get out there and experience more of what the city has to offer in terms of vegetarian cuisine. It’s truly a very exciting food city for so many reasons!

Ok no promises (I’m still on vacation) but I *think* I’ll be doing ancient house cafes next Tuesday. I’ll also be back on my normal Tuesday/Friday schedule.

Thank you for reading, and if these pics make you drool, please share with your sandwich loving veg friends!

-Ben