There is a white bread phenomenon here in Vietnam, that you rarely see in any other Southeast Asian country. This is a direct result from the heavy French influence that had been left behind from the long French rule that lasted from 1859 to 1954. Some Vietnamese strongly believe that Communism and the Vietnam War are trickle down effects from the French Colonial Rule. Many French inspired things still remain in Vietnam including foods, colonial buildings and certain stylistic clothing. One major trend still seen today is the Banh mi or white baguette. They are cheap, easy to make and so terribly bad for you.

White bread is the only thing available any and everywhere you go. White flour is the only type of flour available and to make matters worse, they add an incredible amount of sugar to the bread. So you’re left with white flour and sugar made into a baguette, that you then have to eat with every single meal. Let’s just say, my belly doesn’t like all this processed gluten and excess sugar.

So I tried not eating the bread after a while, only to realize they consider it incredibly rude to not eat what has been given to you. So now I’m forced to eat the white bread. Am I feeling French with my lovely baguettes? Not so much, but I’m feeling carbed out! At least I’ve learned what three months on a white bread diet does to the body.

White bread you will be the end of me. Long live seedy grain bread!