Something delicious this way comes: Here’s what to serve with banh mi!
If the Vietnamese food love bug hasn’t bitten you, then your heart will sing with joy once you taste the popular sandwich, Banh Mi.
By tradition, Banh Mi is a short baguette that gives you a crispy and thin crust with a super chewy and airy texture.
The bread is baked to perfection and paired with savory meats and vegetables.
It is considered a staple food in Vietnam, which includes all the basic Vietnamese ingredients such as chả lụa, which means pork sausage, pickled carrots, pickled daikon, cucumber, and cilantro.
Did you know that this sandwich was introduced to Vietnam by the French in the mid-19th century, which then became a staple food in the country in the 20th century?
Since then, it has also become a popular street food in Vietnam, and other countries have also adopted the Banh Mi fever.
When you travel to other countries, you won’t be surprised to see this sandwich on the menu of most Asian restaurants.
Why?
Because it is simply delicious, it has a similar taste to a rich ham sandwich, with a hint of Asian essence.
The different flavors and textures you’ll enjoy from Banh Mi have received worldwide fame.
And while eating Banh Mi is already a meal, you can pair it with something creamy, salty, savory, or sweet!
So if you’re wondering what to serve with Banh Mi, here are 21 side dishes to try.
#18 is my favorite!

1. Som Tum
Som Tum or green papaya salad will remind you of summer because of its fresh and crunchy texture.
This is made with a base of tart unripened papaya, sprinkled with mostly Asian seasonings with vibrant flavors!
Add some long beans, garlic, chopped peanuts, and chilis for that incredible coleslaw-like consistency.
This napa cabbage recipe is a versatile side dish, which allows you the freedom to put whatever ingredients your heart desires.
Napa cabbage or cabbage is a perfect veggie to choose from because it soaks up all the flavors.
But for this recipe, we’ll keep it simple with soy sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and ginger for an explosion of flavors.
Nothing is more satisfying than pairing this traditional sandwich with Fresh Summer Spring Rolls.
These spring rolls are fresh and light and bring many flavors depending on the type of dipping sauce you make.
These spring rolls are made with shrimp, vegetables, rice noodles, and herbs to add a bit of earthiness.
Try this with a fish sauce or peanut butter sauce, and the excellent combination of nutty and savory flavors from the sandwich is to die for!
Like Popeye’s Cajun-inspired French Fries, you can transform ordinary dishes and spice them up for that extra kick.
Popeye’s cajun french fries can get too spicy for some.
However, with the banh mi’s peanut sauce, this recipe is an excellent tandem that goes well with the earthy and nutty flavor.
If you want something sweeter than your average salty or spicy french fries, try this Sweet Potato Fries recipe made in an air fryer.
Cooking Sweet Potato Fries in the air fryer than in the oven turns out crispier and crunchier.
Plus, you no longer have to use oil, which is perfect if you want something better for you than your ordinary oil-drenched potatoes.
Why not pair your sandwich with another rich, flavorful pho soup?
Imagine slurping on pho soup with a beef broth made from scratch and boiled for several hours to get that explosion of flavors along with the other ingredients.
To perfectly cook this soup, never forget the five essential spices: star anise, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, coriander seeds, and cardamom pods.
If you’re craving something sweet and tangy at the same time, this hearty Vegetable Soup is worth a try!
It’s light, filling, and packed with many vegetables that offer myriad flavors!
Cook this vegetable soup with tomatoes and Italian seasoning, and it’s the perfect meal together with your sandwich!
Hot pot is a popular dish in Asia that involves gathering together at a table while cooking your favorite veggies in a hot pot.
We’ll try this Vegan Hot Pot with some mung bean sprouts for the freshness for this recipe.
Other vegetables are also yu choy and snow pea tips, but you may choose or add other greens if you like.
9. Tôm Rim
Otherwise known as Vietnamese caramelized shrimp, this uberly fragrant and creamy recipe is a go-to for everyone who loves this cuisine.
You get the sweetness, rich, and savory glaze that gives you a burst of flavors in every bite.
Marinated in traditional sauces, the shrimps are then simmered to perfection until you get that perfect balance between various flavors.
Let’s bring another familiar side dish to the dining table by cooking this Air Fryer Potato Chips recipe.
Cooking potatoes in the air fryer has been proven to be extremely easy, with no need for drenching potatoes in oil.
However, to ensure you get that crispy goodness from each chip, make sure to drench it in water and completely dry it out before air frying.
11. Do Chua
While Do Chua is also infused in banh mi sandwiches, this can also be good as a side dish if you want more of that pickled and tangy goodness.
The term “Do Chua” means “pickled stuff.”
The sour Do Chua complements fatty and salty main courses.
You’ll only need two primary ingredients: daikon radish and carrots.
12. Dubu Jorim
Transform bland tofu into a flavorful side dish by braising it with a soy sauce-based sauce.
It’s recommended to use firm tofu for this pan-fried recipe as it holds in the pan pretty well.
Add gochugaru or Korean red pepper flakes for that spicy kick.
Serve this tofu recipe warm or cold, and it’ll still taste fantastic!
There is so much flavor that you’ll enjoy in this Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans recipe.
It’s rich, creamy, and sweet, with a bit of kick from the chipotle, smoked paprika, and dijon mustard.
Adjust the ketchup or amount of sweetness if you prefer, but these baked beans are a must-try no matter the sweetness level!
How about pairing your banh mi with something sweet and savory like this Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables in honey and garlic sauce?
You can grab any vegetable available in your kitchen for this recipe.
However, the go-to veggies for this recipe are broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, and mushrooms.
You may even add some water chestnuts and baby corn for variety!
Nothing can remind you of a summer vibe than this Watermelon Feta Salad recipe that’s oozing with a summertime feel.
It’s light, and the sweetness from the watermelon is a good pair with the salty feta and pungent feta cheese.
You may also replace the feta cheese with blue cheese or goat cheese.
If you’re a fan of bacon, then you’ll love this stir-fried cabbage salad with bacon recipe.
This makes for a flavorful side dish with only minimal ingredients.
This is something you can whip up fast if you need a side dish on the table in minutes!
If you prefer a crunchier spring roll than a freshly made one with rice paper, this Vegetable Spring Roll is for you.
These spring rolls can either be baked, air fried, or deep fried.
Plus, you may also add additional veggies like bean sprouts if you wish.
18. Tomato Soup
If you want a dipping tomato soup to go with your delicious sandwich, nothing can get more velvety than this three-ingredient Tomato Soup recipe.
It’s a no-fuss tomato soup that only needs butter, tomatoes, and any flavorful stock.
You would think coleslaw without mayo isn’t coleslaw at all, but this No-Mayo Carolina coleslaw recipe will make you think twice.
It’s another fresh take on coleslaw with Dijon mustard and apple cider that contribute to its creaminess.
20. Macaroni Salad
This tasty Macaroni Salad recipe is all you need if you want something creamy and satisfying.
The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream makes this macaroni salad a go-to for sandwiches and even for your grilled meat.
You may even top it with some shredded chicken or tuna if you wish.
This Noodle Salad isn’t only good as a side dish but can also be your go-to quick meal when you’re short on time.
It doesn’t require any cooking save for the boiling of the noodles.
This is a perfect dish to eat with your sandwich as the ingredients like peanut butter, honey, and ginger will compliment your sandwich.
Plus, you can add a dash of sriracha to spice it up a bit!
The bottom line
No need to think about what to serve with banh mi because these 21 side dishes are enough to make a fantastic lunch or dinner experience!
So what are you waiting for?
Get cooking!

What To Serve With Banh Mi 😋
What's Good With A Banh Mi Sandwich? Here's Your List Of Sides!
Ingredients
- Som Tum
- Sautéed Napa Cabbage
- Fresh Spring Rolls
- Popeye’s Cajun French Fries
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Vietnamese Pho
- Vegetable Soup
- Vietnamese Vegan Hot Pot
- Tôm Rim
- Air Fryer Potato Chips
- Do Chua
- Dubu Jorim
- Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans
- Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables
- Watermelon Feta Salad
- Bacon Cabbage Stir Fry
- Vegetable Spring Rolls
- Tomato Soup
- No-Mayo Carolina Coleslaw
- Macaroni Salad
- Asian Noodle Salad
Instructions
- Have a look at our list of What To Serve With Banh Mi.
- Choose the dish you want to recreate.
- Start cooking your newly found recipe!
- Share your insights on our Facebook page!