Saigon Sandwich

I was thinking that the chain of Banh Mi Ba Le shops in the East Bay was better, but recently I went back to Saigon Sandwich after a few years, and was surprised how good it was. Crispy crunchy bread, big, and cheap. I give them 5 of of 5 ... because it is 'perfect' exactly as it is ... a small hole in the wall that makes amazing food. I know, I could deduct a star but I just can't fault them for anything, really. I'm closing my eyes to the disorganized appearance of the place as part of of my theory that changing anything might ruin the magic which is essential to their creations. Clean, cute, and organized, as we all know, can be very misleading when it comes to food quality and bang for the buck. (Witness the Slanted Door's attempt at Banh Mi for $8 to $10 in the Emporium on Market St.) Saigon Sandwich is crowded, but that's half the fun. And we don't want them going out of business, right? more

I feel bad for saying this, but I do believe that the sandwiches at Saigon Sandwich are better than the ones I had while in Hanoi. They use perfectly toasted baguettes, lots of pickled veggies, cilantro, chili peppers, and your choice of cold cuts. My favorite is the grilled chicken, though I know the siu mai (pork) is great too. Best of all they're only about $2! Quite possibly the best deal in the city. Don't forget to check out the wrapped Vietnamese style desserts they sell at the counter. more

and the pcrice is right! The bread is tasty and yummy and french and soft and the make it warm. The veggies are criso and poicked just right, and the herbs are jsust so herby and you get all this and some barbeque meat for like two little dollars! Take that slated door! more

Wow...2.25 for an Excellent Sandwich. I think part of the wow factor of this place is the price! My first experience trying Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwiches) I have tried the Chicken, Roast Pork, and the meat ball pork(xiu mai). My favorites are the Roast Pork and the Chicken. One sandwich is definitely filling, but if you get two, you will definitely be stuffed. They put lots of meat in there along with some sort of vinegar seasoned carrots, cilantro, which is key, and a couple slices of jalapenos for some heat. Be careful sometimes, there might be too many jalapeno seeds in there, so open it up and check, unless you like it hot! more

No doubt, SS is a great deal. However, this is the type of place that you want to close your eyes while they're making your food. Let's just say, if they use the A-B-C restaurant cleanliness rating in SF, SS would get an F. That said, the sandwiches are tasty! more

The most delicious vietnames sandwiches in the bay area. Hands down. And so very inexpensive. I like the BBQ chicken and the combo sandwiches. 1 sandwich would fill anyone up. The sandwiches do come with jalapenos, so be careful if you don't like it spicy - but I find it make the sandwich perfection. more