Bánh Mì (반미): what it is and how to order it in Korea
A crusty baguette split and filled with grilled pork or pâté, pickled carrot and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and chili. Found at Vietnamese cafés and sandwich shops in Seoul, it is a light, fresh, and savory lunch.
Say it to order
반미 주세요
Banmi juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Hold it with both hands and take bites from one end, since the filling can slip out. Add a little chili sauce if you like heat.
Do
- Hold the sandwich with both hands and eat it over a napkin.
- Take small bites to keep the fillings inside.
Don’t
- Don't cut it with a knife unless the staff offers one.
- Don't expect a big sauce bowl; ask for more sauce if you need it.
Local tips
- Ask for extra chili or chili sauce if you want more heat, as it is often served mild.
- Eat it soon after ordering, since the bread softens as the filling sits.
Goes with
- Pickled vegetables
- Chili sauce
- Vietnamese iced coffee
- Light lager or Vietnamese beer
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Bánh Mì in Korean?
- Say “반미 주세요” (Banmi juseyo).
- Is Bánh Mì spicy?
- Yes — about 1 out of 5 on the spice scale.
- How much does Bánh Mì cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩7,500–9,000.
- How do you eat Bánh Mì?
- Hold it with both hands and take bites from one end, since the filling can slip out. Add a little chili sauce if you like heat.
Find Bánh Mì near you
Jinjja shows real local places, what to order and how to say it — in your language.