Brian Jeffrey
Sejong Oh, a South Korean content creator with a YouTube following of over 111,000, recently took an extended trip to Ho Chi Minh City to delve into its diverse food culture.
His exploration focused on street food, intrigued by its low prices and genuine local essence. He specifically enjoyed banh mi bo kho (Vietnamese baguette with beef stew), which he sampled at a quaint eatery in the Tan Binh District.
Though he attempted to dine there in the evening, he arrived just before closing time. However, he made a point to return the following morning to experience the dish.
At the establishment, Sejong ordered a serving of banh mi bo kho for 35,000 VND.
He reminisced about trying a similar dish, pho bo sot vang (beef stew noodle soup), on a previous trip to Vietnam four years prior, calling it one of his best experiences in the country. Since then, he has developed a taste for Vietnamese cuisine such as hu tieu (rice noodle soup) and bo kho.
When the banh mi bo kho was served, Sejong admired its appealing look. The beef stew was presented in a separate bowl, its golden color from the potatoes and a warm orange from the carrots, accompanied by baguette and fresh herbs.
“The beef is tender and simmered with potatoes and carrots in a rich sauce, garnished with chopped green onions and sliced white onions,” he explained.
After tasting the first spoonful of the sauce, Sejong was delighted by its rich flavors. “This is just what I expected from the dish,” he stated enthusiastically.
He skillfully tore the baguette into smaller pieces to dip into the sauce, noting that while the dish might seem salty at first glance, it boasted a delightful, well-rounded flavor.
He humorously compared the flavor to an art piece, appreciating the perfect blend of its ingredients.
“The beef is so tender, and it tastes even better when hot, though it did make me sweat a bit,” he commented.
Sejong suggested trying banh mi bo kho for breakfast or dinner, as the cooler temperatures enhance its taste.
Another appealing aspect of the dish for Sejong was its affordability. He felt the price was quite reasonable for tourists from South Korea.
“I can’t quite put into words what this dish tastes like. The broth is dark but not spicy, with a slight sweetness,” he remarked.
After finishing his meal, Sejong felt genuinely satisfied, acknowledging that banh mi bo kho would be tough to recreate at home without risking tough meat and a bland sauce.
“It’s incredibly tasty. I really love this dish,” he stated, encouraging others to try it when visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
