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SPN Partners with South China Morning Post to Bring Vietnamese Banh Mi to the World
On March 24th, Vietnam proudly celebrates its National Banh Mi Day. To mark the occasion, SPN was honored to collaborate with the prestigious Hong Kong-based newspaper, South China Morning Post (SCMP), on a special feature about Huynh Hoa Banh Mi.
This was more than just a simple media project; it was part of our commitment to introduce the culinary spirit of Saigon’s street food, and Vietnamese culture in general, to a global audience.
The Journey from a Simple Snack to a Global Icon
Few people know that the familiar Vietnamese banh mi originated from France, introduced to our country in 1859 as the Baguette. Over time, Vietnamese people skillfully adapted this bread, transforming it into something uniquely our own.
A significant turning point came in 1958 with the first appearance of the banh mi sandwich, which quickly became an essential part of daily life. The continuous innovation in its form and a wide variety of fillings helped banh mi cater to the diverse palates of Saigon’s residents.
Vietnamese banh mi truly made a global impact in 2009 when legendary chef Anthony Bourdain praised it as “the best sandwich in the world.” This compliment created a powerful wave of international interest.
Following that, on March 24, 2011, the word “bánh mì” was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary, standing alongside other famous dishes from around the globe. In 2018, CNN hailed Hoi An banh mi as the “King of all sandwiches in the world.” The ultimate recognition came on March 24, 2020, when Google dedicated a special Doodle on its homepage in over 10 countries to honor this beloved dish.
Through our collaboration with SCMP, SPN is proud to have played a small part in spreading Vietnam’s cultural and culinary values. Banh mi is more than just food; it’s a story of Vietnamese creativity and identity.
Let’s continue to share the beautiful stories of Vietnamese culture and cuisine with the world.
