Sejong Oh, a content creator from South Korea with over 111,000 YouTube subscribers, recently embarked on a lengthy trip to HCMC to explore the local culinary scene.

The young traveler prioritized street food, drawn to its affordability and authentic local vibe. Among the dishes he tried, Sejong was particularly impressed by banh mi bo kho (Vietnamese baguette with beef stew) at a small eatery in Tan Binh District.

Sejong visited the restaurant in the evening but arrived too late, as the shop was about to close. Determined, he returned the following morning to savor the dish.

At the restaurant, Sejong ordered one serving of banh mi bo kho, priced at 35,000 VND.

While waiting, he recalled tasting a similar dish, pho bo sot vang (Vietnamese beef stew noodle soup), during a trip to Vietnam four years ago. "It was one of the best dishes I’ve had in Vietnam," he remarked.

Since then, he has developed a fondness for Vietnamese dishes like hu tieu (rice noodle soup) and bo kho.

When the banh mi bo kho arrived, Sejong praised its visually appealing presentation. The stew was served in a separate bowl, its golden hue from the potatoes and orange tint from the carrots complemented by a side of baguette and fresh herbs.

"The beef is simmered with potatoes and carrots in a thick sauce, garnished with chopped green onions and sliced white onions," Sejong described.

Upon tasting the first spoonful of sauce, Sejong was pleasantly surprised by the bold and flavorful taste. "This is exactly the flavor I was expecting from this dish," he exclaimed.

Sejong expertly tore the baguette into small pieces to dip into the rich sauce, commenting that the dish, though initially appearing salty due to its color, had a well-balanced, aromatic flavor.

Humorously, he likened the dish’s flavor to an art form, highlighting the perfect harmony of its ingredients.

"The beef is incredibly tender, and it’s even more delicious when eaten hot, though it made me sweat a lot," he said.

He recommended enjoying banh mi bo kho for breakfast or dinner, when the cooler weather enhances its full flavor.

Sejong noted that one of the dish’s major appeals was its affordability. He found the price reasonable for tourists from South Korea.

"I honestly don’t know how to describe the flavor of this dish. The broth is dark but not spicy, with a hint of sweetness," he said.

After finishing the meal, Sejong admitted he felt genuinely happy to have enjoyed the dish. He acknowledged that banh mi bo kho is difficult to replicate at home, as improper preparation could result in tough meat and bland sauce.

"It’s so delicious. I really love this dish," he expressed, urging visitors to try it when visiting HCMC.

Thao Trinh