Saigon Deli

If all the food in Vietnam is like what they serve at Saigon Deli, then I'm in heaven. Actually, the only other place that i have encounted with fresher ingredients was in Vietnam itself - if you don't mind drinking the water. Meals at SD are freshly and expertly prepared. They are authentic and oh so nice. Please don't try to order the chinese dishes, I think they are there for the population who are adverse to trying new things. The bun is something out of a food lovers companion. I have had one about 1X a week from Saigon Deli for the past 6 years, and I cannot remember one time it was not perfect. Put a place like this on the top on Queen Anne, spruce up the decor, and they'll be charging 2X as much as they do now. And laughing all the way to the bank... Pros: cheap eats, beautiful fresh, AUTHENTIC Cons: small, in the Udistrict, need I say more? more

This place has, hands down, THE best banh mi in Seattle. I've tried almost every vietnamese deli, but I keep coming back here. Being vegetarian I've only tried the tofu sandwich, but it delivers in a big way. The veggie are crisp and fresh, the sauce is sweet and savory, and the tofu is a perfectly subtle vehicle for the complex flavors all encompassed in a fresh roll. And if that wasn't good enough, the steam trays are also great, especially the wide array of somewhat mysterious, but delicious puddings. A word from the wise though - stay away from most of the baked goods on the metal table, they sit out all day and lose their freshness. Pros: CHEAP, fresh, flavorful Cons: closes early more

I've been patronizing the Saigon Deli from the time they were in their original location a couple of blocks away. The food and service has only improved. IMHO this is the BEST Vietnamese deli in town, and I've been to a few. What stands out is the freshness and quality of the ingredients used. The grilled pork in their Banh Mi Thit Nuong is top notch. Their Goi Cuon (spring rolls) are fresh, unlike other Vietnamese delis (to remain unamed). The steam tray is a budget gourmands delight, with selections changing daily. The cook is masterful in his use of tofu. And the CaPhe Sua Da (iced coffee) is cheap, $1.25 and tasty. Pros: CHEAP, Great Service, High Quality Ingredie more

Saigon Deli probably rates highest in Seattle for quality and quantity of food per dollar. Their tasty Vietnamese sandwiches, called Bahn Mi, are 1.25-1.50 a piece and make for a tasty lunch (those with big appetites might need 2). They consist of fresh baguette stuffed with tofu or your choice of meat, a tasty/spicy sauce, fresh vegetables, cilantro and jalepeno peppers (you can ask them to hold the peppers). If you're a fan of Vietnamese desserts they have several tasty ones for low prices. In addition, some of their hot dishes are quite tasty. The place is so busy you're sure to get hot, fresh food anytime of day. This is one of my favorite hole-in-the-wall joints around. There's no seating area so plan to get your food to-go. Pros: cheap, tasty, fresh Cons: no seating area more