'Bánh mì lover': Vietnamese bakeries go viral on social media
A humble bánh mì appreciation group created by a Sydneysider has played a pivotal role in reinvigorating Australia's love for Vietnamese baguettes.
A humble bánh mì appreciation group created by a Sydneysider has played a pivotal role in reinvigorating Australia's love for Vietnamese baguettes.
In Sydney specifically, the love for bánh mì is apparent by the long queues snaking outside of bakeries across the city in suburbs like Cabramatta, Marrickville and Ryde.
Nine years ago, Rowan from Sydney's inner west started the Facebook group Vietnamese Bánh Mì Appreciation Society on a whim.
"I eat them a lot and always have. Every neighbourhood I've lived in has had a Vietnamese bread shop. They have permeated the culture," he said.
Over 155,000 members are part of the Facebook group which rates bánh mì across Australia. (ABC News: Isabella Ross)
Now, the Facebook group of 155,000 members reviews and recommends the sandwich across Australia — from spots in Sydney's thriving Vietnamese communities to Queensland's Darra and the Parap Markets in Darwin.
They regularly rate the crispiness of the baguettes. The pickled carrots and freshness of the coriander, chillies and cucumber. The umami of the pâté. And the level of flavour punch from the protein of choice.
Lots of Sydneysiders have a trusty bánh mì spot they regularly visit. (ABC News: Marcus Stimson)
"It's so nice to see people rave about their favourite bánh mìs from across Australia, including small country towns in the middle of nowhere," Rowan said.
"If you haven't yet had a bánh mì — get out there and try one."
Bakeries going viral on social media
Sue Nguyen's family started Marrickville Pork Roll in 2008 in a "very, very small shop" with big dreams.
Marrickville Pork Roll has been running for 17 years. (ABC News: Marcus Stimson)
Seventeen years later, they continue to sell bánh mì from their inner west bakery and multiple other locations such as Chatswood and North Sydney.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese even previously shared an Instagram photo of himself having a baguette at the shop which sits in his electorate.