Tailored for Dubai’s predominantly Muslim audience, banh mi undergoes a transformation—substituting lamb and shawarma for pork, merging Middle Eastern flavors and appealing to local residents.
Listed as one of the best 100 sandwiches globally by an international food publication
TasteAtlas
Banh Mi keeps enchanting food enthusiasts in places such as South Korea, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. In the Middle East, adhering to religious restrictions against pork consumption, Banh Mi has been modified to align with regional preferences and cultural norms.
|
|
In Dubai, the Vietnamese baguette is reinvented with lamb as the stuffing to cater to Middle Eastern tastes. Picture courtesy of Banh Mi Zon |
Chef Nguyen Thanh Cuong, who won MasterChef Vietnam in 2015, points out that although people from the Middle East appreciate the idea behind banh mi, they cannot consume the traditional recipe because it includes pork, which doesn’t meet halal standards.
When he launched Banh Mi Zon in Dubai this April, he substituted pork with approved halal options like fish, chicken, beef, and notably lamb and shawarma, a blend of chicken and beef.
Cuong mentioned that the lamb and shawarma banh mi are special variations.
The meat is soaked in a mixture of cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, garlic, and black pepper—common spices in Middle Eastern cuisine. Afterward, it is cooked on a rotisserie, slowly roasted from the exterior towards the center, before being cut into thin slices for serving.
Cuong emphasizes that the crucial elements of a perfect baguette include its crunchy exterior and tender interior. He modernizes classic ingredients such as pickled veggies by substituting chicken liver pâté for traditional pork pâté. Additionally, he incorporates arugula and pomegranate seeds to add a contemporary touch and a nod to regional flavors.
Another standout feature is the sauce, which merges aspects from both culinary traditions. It combines garlic butter with either yogurt- or tahini-based sauces along with a touch ofVietnamese-style mayonnaise, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the sandwich’s taste.
|
|
Mina Tran, the founder of Banh Mi Zon, is pictured alongside the servings. The image is provided courtesy of Banh Mi Zon. |
The shop offers dishes such as lamb, shawarma, sardines, tofu, beef stew, and vegetarian curry banh mi, with prices ranging from 35 to 39 dirham ($9.50 to $10.60).
Mina Tran, who started Banh Mi Zon, observes that customers in Dubai prefer spicy dishes loaded with meat and sauces, as well as fast yet healthy meals that align with their busy routines.
“The perfect street food, banh mi is both convenient and budget-friendly. It brings together a crispy baguette, flavorful meats, various sauces, and fresh veggies,” she explained.
Ever since it opened in early April, the store has been selling between 150 to 200 sandwiches each day. Many locals have expressed surprise at the taste profiles offered.
“The lamb was both tender and full of flavor, complementing the bread and vegetables beautifully,” according to Mayed Aljassim, a 35-year-old resident of Dubai.
Ebrahim S. Al Haddar, aged 61 and residing in Abu Dhabi, appreciates how the fresh quality and components of this sandwich make it enjoyable at any time, particularly during breakfast or lunch. According to him, Dubai’s classic shawarma usually has a subtle spiciness enhanced by garlic and cinnamon, making it perfect for fans of rich meats. Ebrahim recommends adding elements such as eggs, mayonnaise, cheese, or perhaps honey to diversify one’s experience with banh mi.
Alongside the sandwiches, Banh Mi Zon provides an extensive selection of drinks such as salty coffee, iced Vietnamese coffee, coconut jelly, and fruit juices, which are available for 25 to 38 dirham ($6.80 to $10.35).
Cuong also wishes to present other Vietnamese favorites like egg coffee.
bun bo Hue
(spicy beef noodles), along with
che
– Vietnamese sweet soups.
I would like to incorporate the taste of my mother’s
bun bo Hue
“Once sold from a street cart in Dubai,” he says.
His aim is to blend tastes from both cultures, making sure that Vietnamese dishes can appeal to Middle Eastern eaters in a manner that seems cozy and welcoming.
