TasteAtlas: Vietnam’s roasted pork belly “banh mi” among Southeast Asia’s Best
DNO - Vietnam’s beloved roasted pork belly “banh mi” (banh mi heo quay) has been ranked the second-best dish in Southeast Asia in a list compiled by the international food platform TasteAtlas, highlighting once again the growing global appeal of Vietnamese cuisine.
The ranking, based on thousands of reader votes, placed the Vietnamese street food classic just behind sate kambing, a traditional grilled goat satay from Indonesia.
Malaysia’s iconic roti canai secured third place, followed by Indonesia’s flavorful beef soup Soto Betawi.
According to TasteAtlas, the list of the Top 100 Southeast Asian Foods was compiled from 37,849 ratings, with 25,980 verified as legitimate, reflecting strong interest from food lovers around the world.
What makes “banh mi heo quay” so remarkable is its masterful balance of textures and flavors. The dish pairs a freshly baked Vietnamese baguette, known for its crisp crust and light interior—with slices of succulent roasted pork belly, crowned with irresistibly crunchy crackling skin.
The result is a sandwich that is both simple and extraordinary, embodying the creativity and richness of Vietnam’s street food culture.
Inside the golden crust, the sandwich comes alive with a vibrant combination of ingredients.
“The sandwich is then dressed with a combination of mayonnaise, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumbers, cilantro, and chives. If desired, sliced chili peppers can be added to the sandwich as a topping, making it very spicy. One side of "banh mi heo quay" can also be spread with chicken liver pate before the sliced pork belly is added to the sandwich. This type of “banh mi” can be bought at street food stalls and it’s one of the most popular types of “banh mi” in the country”, TasteAtlas explained.
Beyond its delicious taste, the success of "banh mi heo quay" on the regional ranking underscores the global rise of Vietnam’s culinary heritage.
From humble street stalls to international food lists, the iconic “banh mi” continues to captivate diners with its authenticity, bold flavors, and cultural story.
TasteAtlas emphasizes that its rankings are not intended to deliver a final verdict on global cuisine. Instead, they aim to celebrate outstanding local dishes, inspire pride in culinary traditions, and spark curiosity about the diverse flavors of the world.
For Vietnam, the recognition is yet another testament to the enduring charm of its cuisine where simple ingredients, skillful preparation, and vibrant traditions combine to create unforgettable dishes.