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Saigon Deli

4.5 star rating
based on 108 reviews

Category: Vietnamese  [Edit]

Neighborhood: International District
1237 S Jackson St
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 322-3700
Hours:

Mon-Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Good for Groups:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street, Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good for:
Lunch
Alcohol:
None

108 reviews for Saigon Deli

Review Highlights   

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"this place is hands down the best for the special (dac biet) banh mi." (in 41 reviews)
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"The grilled pork sandwiches are the best in Seattle." (in 13 reviews)
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"I always get the BBQ pork sandwich ($2." (in 4 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Sam B.

 

0

18

Sam B.

Olympia, WA

4 star rating
11/22/2009

This place is great for a filling inexpensive meal!  I suggest that you go in before noon because the line during the week is often out the door during the lunch rush.  Also it is better to go in early maybe between 10am & 11am as they open early and prepare much of the food early...so the earlier you are the fresher it will be.  I suggest trying some of the items from the table in the middle when you walk in...the seasame balls & round bread are fantastic.  I like getting some of the trough food and stuffing it inside of the round bread for a great pocket stuffed meal!  Prices are crazy low and portions are hefty.  Be ready to order when it is your turn as they are quick move to the next customer who is ready to order.  

One time I ordered 30 spring rolls to take to work and they had them ready in about 20 mins and gave me a great price break for ordering so many!  This is a must visit establishment in the International Dist of Seattle.

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Photo of Quynh-An P.

Elite '09

11

122

Quynh-An P.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
11/11/2009

This has been the best Banh Mi I've found in Seattle...and the prices aren't too bad either (my dad thinks they're expensive, because in SoCal there are so many places to go that they offer them at buy 2, get one free.)  The boyfriend is a HUGE fan of this place and is always itching to come here to get some banh mi.

We've also had the banh cuon (flat noodles stuffed with cooked pork/mushroom), banh beo (round steamed rice cakes topped with mung bean paste and shrimp), banh khuc (rice balls stuffed with mung beans and some green paste thing...the boyfriend LOVES these), puff pastries, and banh bo (sweet rice/coconut steamed cake).  All have been pretty tasty as well.  My dad really liked the banh bo here.  I feel like the banh cuon is a bit lacking, I could use more (if anyone has a suggestion, PLEASE let me know where I can get some!).

Overall, it's cheap, it's good, and it reminds me of the good Viet food I used to get back in SoCal.

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Photo of ira g.

Elite '09

10

71

ira g.

Renton, WA

4 star rating
11/9/2009

I don't know exactly why I give them 4 stars, but hear hear- the first time I tried this place was because my good friend from Japan introduced me to 'Vietnamese Sandwich'. I immediately drawn towards the price of the sandwich. I thought to myself 'How could it be so cheap?'... so this place becomes my regular stop for cheap eatery around ID.

The next news I heard from this place was that this place was one of the dirtiest prep deli in China town. So I decided to not go there anymore for a good one year and I began to search for other VT Sandwich at different location. Oh boy!  I couldn't find any deli that has better TOFU sandwich like they have. I had to give up searching and come back to Saigon Deli for their TOFU sandwich.

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Photo of Jeff K.

 

8

13

Jeff K.

Lake Forest Park, WA

4 star rating
11/14/2009

"If man made it, don't eat it. If it taste good, spit it out."

My brother has helped me live up to this, especially in the past couple months. Unfortunately I couldn't keep away from two bahn mi sandwiches. They're damn good, but I swear they put something else in the mayo that makes it even tastier. Also, the meat is grilled to near perfection. But man, they put a ton of jalapenos in my sandwiches. It might be super cheap, but if you suck at eating spicy foods or your stomach sucks like mine, watch out. Rarely do I go down to the ID. Would it be stop #1? Maybe, depends on where I'm coming from. Still searching for that one meal that I'd be willing to fry or take a lethal injection for. Haven't found it yet.

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Photo of Eric N.

 

1

8

Eric N.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
10/14/2009

Apparently the hip-hop group Blue Scholars gets their banh mi here*. Yes, it's really that good! I always order a #1 (grilled pork), and if I'm really hungry, a #4 (chicken) too. That's enough for a deliciously full meal, for less than $5! As far as food value goes, that can't be beat.  

I've tried other banh mi places around Seattle, but none of them can quite compare. The sauce is great, and the meat (especially the grilled pork) is excellent, although they do also have vegetarian options. Also, I've found that taking the peppers out of the sandwich before eating give it a nice warm flavor instead of hot-mouth spiciness--perfect for a cold windy day.

Although they're probably best-known for their banh mi, they do sell other food too. The packaged rolls and soy are great as a banh mi accompaniment or quick snack, and they have a fairly good selection of Vietnamese sweet foods. I've never tried the meal combos of rice+meat behind the counter, but it's an option in case you're banh mi'ed out.

It's probably also good to know that the banh mi from here keeps relatively well in the fridge. If you warm them up in a toaster oven they're almost as good as new, but that's not necessary. For Sasquatch I got 12 banh mi to feed a carload of people for the weekend; we kept them in a cooler full of melting ice in 80º weather, and amazingly the final few were still tasty on the 3rd day of the festival!

* see http://seattletimes.nw... Half-way through the interview Sabzi orders a chicken banh mi with fried egg.

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Photo of Rosey J.

 

2

73

Rosey J.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
11/6/2009

Other than my mom's sandwiches, I like the Banh Mi at Saigon Deli. I also really like the fried garlic shrimp! It's cheaper to buy it at Saigon Deli than for me to make it at home.

Just as with many Asian establishments, you really have to speak up and be assertive if you want to order and pay. Otherwise, you may be standing there for a very long time until you are helped.

I would not suggest parking in their lot, there's plenty on the streets and you will avoid getting stuck with someone parking behind you.

Quick cheap eats in the ID.

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Photo of Darcy H.

 

6

55

Darcy H.

King, WA

4 star rating
10/11/2009

Delicious banh-mi!  The tofu (#5) is the best. Tasty!

The space could be cleaner. (To be fair, maybe that's part of what keeps my sandwich $2.)

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Photo of Nina H.

Elite '09

25

137

Nina H.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
10/29/2009

The reviews were all right. This place is one of the best to find banh mi in Seattle. It does get really hectic during lunch hours though so make sure to be aggressive and get your order in before someone else beats you to it.

My favorite sandwich would have to be  #3, three kinds of ham and some other special meat. It's so tasty but the jalapeno peppers make it pretty spicy. I can't handle spice at all! But I've yet to try some of the other foods that they sell.

The parking lot in the back is definitely convenient and the cheapness is awesome! $2-$2.50 sandwiches is very, very nice.

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Photo of kris h.

Elite '09

137

262

kris h.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
9/15/2009

Filthy parking lot.  Cramped space.  People trampling on each other to shout their order.  No decorum.  Ten different lines to pay one cashier.  Good banh mi with lots of meat, and utterly soft fluffy baguette.  Large variety of cheap eats.  

Bring cash or credit, and plenty of patience 'cause it will feel like Saigon, not Seattle.

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Photo of reese h.

 

19

147

reese h.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
Updated - 9/22/2009

Babydoll is GONE!   Boo-hoo.....

.....but you know what, those sandwiches effin rule...and you know this!

Other than that, nothing else has changed...and I am thrilled with that.

See you next time!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    5/17/2009

    I am a loyal Saigon Deli patron (9 years+), until death....
    Best sandwiches, my fav: Grilled Pork and… Read more »

Photo of Bryce S.

Elite '09

19

126

Bryce S.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
9/7/2009 1 photo

A haiku Yelp to an amazing Vietnamese dive:

$5.50? No way!
2 Bahn Mi and 4 spring rolls.
One can't believe it.

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Photo of Robyn P.

Elite '09

7

55

Robyn P.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
9/1/2009

The best banh mi I've had so far. and the price can't be beat ($2.50 for grilled pork). The meat is lean, the veggies are fresh, and the baguette is soft enough so that it doesn't scratch up the roof of your mouth when you bite into it. i have yet to try the tofu sandwich that everyone raves about; that's next on my list.
I also recommend their plantain/tapioca/coconut milk stew, which is comforting and sweet without being cloying. so glad I found out about this place - it's definitely worth the drive from North Seattle.

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Photo of Jon C.

 

6

8

Jon C.

Tacoma, WA

5 star rating
10/7/2009

There's vietnamese sandwich deli's and then there's Saigon Deli. The reason why I differentiate the two is because Saigon Deli can't be compared to other vietnamese deli's or vice-versa. Because it's THAT good.

My friends and I stopped by here to pick up some vietnamese sandwiches (or banh mi) on our way up to Birch Bay for a fishing trip this past summer. My friend Jeremy told me this was the best place he's been to in Seattle that serves the "best" vietnamese sandwiches. I was somewhat skeptical, after all, how much better can a vietnamese sandwich get? I've eaten plenty of them from places like Thanh Vi in the University District (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) or Thanh Vi in Chinatown which I thought was pretty good (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) but mostly eat get them from Seattle Supermarket on Beacon Ave (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). In general, many viet sandwiches taste the same and one doesn't really stick out from the other. But ever since I went to Saigon Deli for the first time, I have been ONLY going there for vietnamese sandwiches - and no other. So far, I've been there 7-8 times now.

I always get the BBQ pork sandwich ($2.75) which they always "make-to-order" with decent chunks of meat, and usually pick up the pack of 2 spring rolls w/ peanut or fish sauce ($2) which are definitely above average. So for a meal less than $5, you can't go wrong with perhaps the BEST vietnamese sandwich in Seattle and delicious spring rolls for lunch or dinner.

A small downer: Although they take credit card, they put a $.75 charge on it unless you buy at least $15 worth of food (highly unlikely), so buying a BBQ pork sandwich that costs $2.75 could cost $3.50 which is about 20% more expensive. I *highly* recommend bringing cash.

Additional notes: Saigon deli only makes a fixed number of spring rolls, and usually they sell out by dinner time. So if you want those, get them by the late afternoon.

The logistics in the deli is weird. You go up to the cramped counter to order, and then stand back and wait for your food while other customers move up to order. When your food is ready, you have to squeeze between people who are ordering to pick up your food. It's kinda hard to move around when it's busy during lunch time, but it doesn't stop me from coming back.

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Photo of Kristi F.

Elite '09

6

60

Kristi F.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
7/27/2009

I've had a bahn mi (pork) at just about every vietnamese deli in the ID because I love them THAT much and I want to make sure I'm getting the best one.  

Saigon Deli is definitely the best for sandwiches.  I will come all the way from Wallingford, ON THE BUS, for this sandwich, this is how much I love it.  I usually get the spring rolls with the spicy peanut sauce too.  I've always wanted to try other stuff, but I can never bring myself to order anything else because I love the sandwich so so much.  We usually eat in the car because there is no seating, but the curb outside is nice too!

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Photo of mailani w.

 

4

57

mailani w.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
8/4/2009

If you're going to make a trip to Chinatown, and put up with disorderly confusion like the way EVERYONE ignores 4 way stop signs there and e-breaks like Seattle Parking Enforcement for bubble tea around Gossip...  You're in good shape, and you'll leave with a bunch of goodies.

A few tips I'm gonna throw out for the non-Vietnamese patrons.  If you're stopping by to pick up lunch for everyone in  your office, let's be real it is NOT a Subway.  If you're buying more than 3 sandwiches, and have additional requests like, no cilantro on #2, no mayo on #1, extra toasted on the tofu.  Especially during the lunch rush, don't push it.  It's simple and cheap for a reason.  

The line?  Well it's kinda around the front, but the Vietnamese customers get served first since they just shout out demands.  You have to understand it's not Trader Joe's. But everything moves fast, so don't worry.  You'll get yours.

Try the hot food and rice options too, they have a ton of variety.  Something different if you're not in the mood for a sandwich.  The pre-packaged sticky rice plates are a nice addition.  Oh and it's 2 for  $1 for the fried Spring Rolls!  Make sure you buy some cream puffs and coffee for the road too.  The cream puffs are so damn good!

They do have a small parking lot next to their shop, but you can always find something nearby on the street if that's full.  Bring cash, so the other customers don't give you stink eye.  We all want to get our food and go, and Saigon Deli prefers cash anyway.

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Photo of John S.

 

7

37

John S.

Mercer Island, WA

4 star rating
8/15/2009

Amazing deal for the meal. It's a deli, but under $2.50 for most of the Bunh Mi sandwiches, which by the way, is the best in Seattle. The vegetarian one is so good with the spicy tofu.
When I had a Vietnamese visitor and she was jonezing for authentic Vietnamese food, I took her here and she was impressed.

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Photo of Shirley Y.

Elite '09

86

142

Shirley Y.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
6/16/2009

I think Subway has met its new competitor for cheap, healthy sandwiches. Saigon Deli incorporates fresh ingredients and charges no more than $2.50 for even the meatiest option.

I had the roasted pork sandwich (#1) and the mixed ham and pork sandwich (#3). The O.G. roasted pork is definitely better. Perfect flaky bread, slices of roasted pork, and crunchy marinated carrots, cucumbers, etc. Their spring rolls can rival any restaurant and are huge for only 2 bucks!

I wonder if Saigon Deli has ever thought about franchising...

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Photo of Jeanny M.

Elite '09

30

233

Jeanny M.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
7/29/2009 1 photo

This place is LOVE.

I've been here once before, but my sister is nice enough to buy me some whenever she goes. The one time I was here though, I drove past it 3 times before I was able to pull into the parking lot. Parking lot was full, so I parked in a non-spot and dashed in.

The place is crowded, loud, kind of grimy..but it's like home to me. There is kind of a line system but the regulars usually shout their orders and get served first (but quickly). I usually bust out some Vietnamese when I order so they know I'm legit and don't mess around with my banh mi. For serious.

Dac Biet style, that's all. But I've tried their pork and tofu as well. Just as tasty. But I always go back to dac biet.

They have really CHEAP lunch options too, an a la carte menu where you can get a couple sides with rice for a few dollars. Other food---banh cam (it's a sesame ball with sweetened mung bean paste inside. My mom used to make these for me when I was little and this place has the closest version to hers), banh cuong (wide rice sheet, with stuff rolled inside with dipping sauce), che (catch-all term for desserts, like corn and tapioca in coconut milk, these ginger-seasoned gooey ball things with mung bean paste inside, green gelatinous ball with coconut and mung bean inside....and droooooool), and cha (Vietnamese ham, the term just doesn't sound right, but I guess it's the closest translation).

So basically. It rocks. Go here. Buy a dac biet sandwich and bring it to me. Thanks.

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Photo of Linda N.

 

0

6

Linda N.

Seattle, WA

1 star rating
7/12/2009

I've just moved to Seattle and was craving some Bahn Mi Sui Mai (Meatball sub). I read most of the reviews on Yelp and got excited. I walked 2 miles there today, in the rain.

So I ordered a meatball sub and bought a steam bun and a  meal to go. The sub was absolutely horrible. It didn't even taste like a meatball sub. I later tried the steam bun ( stale and old) and opened up the meal to-go (expired and slimy).

In all honesty, I rarely give bad reviews, because I always feel bad bad-mouthing people. But this place, it's horrendous . I purchase all 3 items and they were all wasted. Maybe I just visited at a bad time, but I am definitely not going back. I don't recommend it for anyone. Especially if you don't want disappointment and wasted time/money.

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Photo of Jon L.

Elite '09

19

226

Jon L.

Bellevue, WA

3 star rating
7/14/2009

Saigon Deli in the I-District on South Jackson. Yes, I needed to be that descript with which establishment I am reviewing. There is a Saigon Deli in the Uwajimaya food court and in the U-District and Saigon Vietnam Deli a block away. When I first was looking for this Saigon Deli, I had mistaken Saigon Vietnam for it which makes me appreciate the Yelp picture feature very much. It helps me figure if I am at the right restaurant or not.

Having figured out and found the right location for Saigon a while back, I now go to Saigon as my main banh mi supplier. Prices are pretty much in line with neighboring shops in that they are cheap. Particularly like their three ham sandwich (#2) and the shrimp spring rolls with peanut sauce. The service sometimes leaves a little to be desired, but overall Saigon Deli in the I-District on South Jackson is a good cheap and fast place to go and get something tasty to eat.

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Photo of Katie S.

Elite '09

1647

806

Katie S.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
3/30/2009

In search of portable chow for the M's game? There is no cheaper/ tastier game fare than a couple bahn mi from Saigon Deli

Order up a couple of these bad boys and toss 'em in your bag/ back pack and head into Safeco. I'm telling you- your neighbors in the surrounding seats will be envious and wish they were as smart as you.

I prefer the beef, but the tofu is just as tasty. And if you're really feeling indulgent, snag some of their fresh rolls for a little over a dollar for two. Yes, you really can get 3 or 4 delicious sandwiches and a couple of spring rolls here for under $10...

the same price you'll pay for a stale brick o' fries.

Like I said, Saigon Deli is where it's at. Your wallet and your waistline will thank you.

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Photo of ruthy g.

Elite '09

35

78

ruthy g.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
8/10/2009 2 photos

I am in love.  In love with Banh Mi.  More specifically in love with the pork Banh Mi at Saigon Deli for $2.50.  I was a Banh Mi virgin until today...I totally lost it...it was a flavor explosion so filling yet left me wanting more.  How did I not know such a flavor combination existed?  How could I have not had you in my life for so long?  Oh Banh Mi, I adore you, crave you and can't wait to have you again.

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Photo of Molly T.

 

0

18

Molly T.

Seattle, WA

2 star rating
9/21/2009

The pork sandwich was okay.  It's cheap and quick though...at 2.50 u can beat that for lunch food.  The packaged spring rolls were messy and leaked all over my car.  This is in the vietnamese town and it's NOT clean at the deli at all....customer service was lacking which i gave a 2 star....they dont say thank you at all... I dont think i will be back...Average food, but CHEAP and horrible customer service.

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Photo of Olga M.

 

0

9

Olga M.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
11/21/2009

I've been a SD customer since they were located at their old location by the Cingular store many years ago.  I've tried Seattle Deli (north and south), Uwajamaya (they should be arrested for making such gross Banh Mi) and this is my favorite place for sandwiches and bun noodles.  Expect chaos, and a less than spic-n-span kitchen.  Be assertive about placing your order or you'll wait forever.  My standby is the #3 pork with 3 kinds of cold cuts, no mayo, yes to pate.  I also like the grilled pork bun noodles.  One of the more laughable moments was when a co-worker went to retreive our office lunch order and came back a bit confused about the description of one of the sandwiches.  Apparently one of the ladies asked her if she wanted "real pork".  Her thought was, "Yes, what else could it be - fake?".  Only after she told us of this odd request did we realize that the lady was asking her if if she wanted "grilled pork" with a heavy accent.

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Photo of Lana B.

 

0

5

Lana B.

Sugar Land, TX

5 star rating
8/5/2009 2 photos

I bought the grilled pork sandwich ($2.50) and the 3 kinds of ham sandwich ($2). Both are very good. The bread is crusty but soft inside. The meats are sliced thinly. The sweet and sour taste of the turnip and carrot pickles are balanced. They use mayonnaise quite generously. I wish they'd put in more cilantro for more flavor kick.

Bought cream puffs as well, 3 for $2, or 6 for $3. Nice crusty puffs, with sweet cream filling. I keep these in the refrigerator to chill the cream filling.

I tried Vietnamese sandwich sold next to the sushi in the refrigerator display in Uwajimaya before. These are more expensive at $2.79 to $3, but the slices of lunchmeat are thicker. Less creamy and less chili-spicy than those from Saigon Deli.

Update: I bought the bbq pork sandwich at Seattle Deli yesterday. The pickled turnip/carrot is a tad too sour, the meat slices hard and dry, with a thick slice of plain-tasting cucumber. I hope their sandwiches are not like that all the time, and that I was just unlucky that day. With Saigon Deli so nearby, I will choose Saigon Deli all the time, after this 1st experience with Seattle Deli.

The various components flavors of the Saigon Deli's sandwich blend well. The Uwajimaya's one, too. This makes the eating experience enjoyable.

So for me, the sandwich at Saigon Deli is no 1, Uwajimaya no 2, just go to the one you are nearest to, if you are not driving.

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Photo of spookytune e.

 

13

19

spookytune e.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
3/12/2009

AWESOME sandwiches
AWESOME spring rolls
CRAPPY that they close at 7 AND they run out of spleeng lolls.

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Photo of Dave K.

Elite '09

78

110

Dave K.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
2/28/2009

Quick, easy, cheap, & flavorful grilled meat (had the pork sandwich). Actually I lied, I had two.

In and out, bam! bam!... Total cost = $5.00.

Seattle, if I ever see you again, come find me in Saigon Deli

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Photo of Jiyoon B.

 

2

8

Jiyoon B.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
6/12/2009

Too bad for the rest of vietnamese sandwich places around Uwajimaya.. cuz SAIGON DELI tops them all.

My coworker who is vietnamese took me here a few yrs ago. I had never had a vietnamese sandwich before, and after going to this place for a few yrs now, I can't eat vietnamese sandwich from anywhere else. Other places can never get it quite right -pork is not as tender, the bread doesnt taste as good and such..

Try with some shrimp spring rolls. Very delicious. And toooo cheap! $5.25 (tax included) for sandwish and 2spring rolls. Chicken sandwish is just ok... go for the pork, and skip the jalapino unless you are of Asian descent.  jk!

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Photo of teresa w.

 

1

12

teresa w.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
10/19/2009

The food is awesome, the service is friendly and quick!  A little confusion about how to order the food from the bar.

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Elite '09

21

52

Chelsy C.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
3/8/2009

Wonderful, flavorful, inexpensive food here.

I picked up 2 Bahn mi BBQ'd pork sandwiches, bitter melon soup, rice and pork dinner, 2 French coffees and a hombao for $13! How great is that. The sandwich bread is fresh and crunchy and if you pay cash, you get a better price. I love it!

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Photo of R C.

 

8

99

R C.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
4/30/2009

Saigon Deli is a great place if you're looking for cheap eats including banh mi or Vietnamese style sandwiches and snacks such as che or Vietnamese sweet desserts.  The banh mi is VERY cheap, at around $2/each, and it only takes 1 or 2 to really fill you up.  Aesthetically, Saigon Deli is a hole in the wall but it serves its purpose nonetheless.    

Saigon Deli doesn't have a place to seat either inside or outside so you'll have bring your lunch elsewhere in the ID.

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Photo of Mary K.

 

1

46

Mary K.

Redmond, WA

4 star rating
2/9/2009

What?  Grilled pork sandwiches you say Yelpers?  Ok, ok, I'm no banh mi expert, so I trust you guys!  And grilled pork sandwiches it was that I ordered on a sunny Sunday afternoon before my occasional treat-meself trip to Trophy Cupcakes.  

Tucked somewhere in the Vietnamese area of the ID, you'll find this hole in the wall with limited parking space.  Careful that you don't confuse it with New Saigon Deli though, further down.  Upon first entering, it was somewhat of a mass confusion for me.  What?  No line?  Are you in line?  No..oh. Ok, I'll order 2 #1's please..and an iced Vietnamese coffee.  Back to the waiting crowd.  Ordering off the menu was easy as pie, no Vietnamese needed.  5..6...7 minutes later, our sandwiches are done and we head back to eat them.

Mmm!  Yum!  I only wish it were bigger b/c I wasn't full though.  (Could be b/c I am eating for two...)  I must have been too hungry but next time, I think I'll get two for myself.  Bread was fresh and meat was tasty.  While the coffee was good, strong but a bit sweeter than I liked, I won't be ordering that again.  I had like 5 sips and it was gone.  Way too much ice in it I tell ya.  

But thanks to Yelpers for all your insightful foodie reviews.  I've found me another food diversion to sink my teeth into.

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Elite '09

11

135

Tonya N.

Redmond, WA

4 star rating
7/31/2009

Killer Banh Mi Thit!  This is the only place in the city I buy em.    I like the shu mai personally and the classic thit nuong.  Lines are getting long but they are really fast at making them.  Good strong Cafe Sua Da (Vietnamese coffee w/ condensed milk) and also Che (desserts).  Great for people on a budget and wanting a really good filling sandwich.  Nice job guys and can u somehow add some tables please! :)  hahah...

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0

2

Elbert E.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
5/31/2009

I remember my parents coming here to get banh mi when I was a kid and I recently rediscovered this place as an adult.  Probably Seattle's best banh mi period.  I'll easily get 5-10 sandwiches at a time and have lunch for a whole week!  Just heat em' up in a toaster oven.  MMMMM!!!  I think I'll go there again right now!  There's no place to sit so come here and grab some for a picnic or take it back to your place so you can eat it in the privacy of your own home, in your underwear!  Hahahahaha!

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19

Renee S.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
8/11/2009

It's crazy that to get filled when one pays only $2 for a tofu sandwich.    5 people got a big sandwich for $10 total...strange.  We also got some of their mochi desserts.  Three sweet treats and the five sandwiches came to just $14, somehow.

I've had this twice now, and it's good for a CHEAP place to grab something quick and on the go.  The first time around, we all thought they were interesting and fun, as we've never had a Vietnamese sandwich.   We sat on the curb outside and watched elderly Asian guys walk about....it was fun!    We also tried the green tea cake...we all liked it.  It was a spongy, very moist--a custardy type bread with a definite coconut milk flavor.   The second time we all went again, and three of us were less enthused.  The garbage outside had an absolutely ghastly odor and we quickly ran past it in hopes of not having to inhale a second time, only to find......the smell was INSIDE as well.  ewwww.  We still ordered, took our sandwiches elsewhere and ate them.  The love at first site quickly faded to a just okay status.  I would have liked more cilantro, but really all of the veggies were sparse.  Maybe we will try the pork next time.

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Owlburt L.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
1/24/2009

If this is the best Banh Mi (Viet Sandwiches) in Seattle, I miss Bolsa (Little Saigon for those who don't know). I mean it wasn't bad. It's the best I've had in Seattle, but a far cry from Bolsa.

This place would not survive in the OC but I guess it will do for now. You could do much worst. Trust me. I've eaten in those places.

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J S.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
4/14/2009

Let me start off by saying I have never stepped foot into Saigon Deli so I can not comment on the atmoshpere, the service, etc. I do, however, take an occasional art class at Pratt Fine Art center down the street and Saigon Deli is the #1 food pitstop for myriad starving artists.

As result, I have snarfed down their pork bahn mi-s on numerous occasions. There's always someone in my class who makes a Saigon Deli run for sandwiches and spring rolls and just about everyone puts in an order.

What amazes me, after 5+ years of attending Pratt, is in that time period the price has remained low and the quality has remained consistent. I mean, how do they do it? At about two smackeroos per sandwich, the price/quality/ taste ratio is out of this world! Unbelievably so. I feel like I'm getting away with something.

What you get is about a 9 inch long piece of French bread that's not too soft, but not too crusty either. Your lap isn't showered with crust dust when you take a bite. Inside is some mayo that I believe is slightly flavored with lime or lemon, a little bit of a pate spread of some sort, a hearty layer of tender and mouthwatering pork and then layers of carrots, cool crunchy cucumbers, white onions, cilantro, and jalapeno peppers. With each bite there's insane layers of flavor. Seriously, it's like flavor fireworks going off in your mouth. It so fresh and full of mouthwatering flavor that I  can not express how delicious it is. This sandwich is to die for.

I've tried other bahn mi sandwiches at other places but hands down this IS the best place in Seattle to get bahn mi. My only beef is I don't live close enough to Saigon Deli to go on my own. Otherwise, I easlily would be there at least two to three times a week if not more.

If you're ever in this side of town and are looking for cheap, quick, good eats I highly suggest stopping by. I haven't tried any of their other menu items so I can't speak for those but if they're anything like the pork bahn mi then you won't be disappointed.

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Elite '09

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80

Cyndi C.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
1/5/2009

This is place is well worn and is the 'other' walk in joint for my quick fix. It has been my 'saving grace standby' if the Seattle Deli is too busy or out of pork bahn mi's. Whew- talk about an emergency once you have the craving and you are told they are out of pork!
I feel that the meat is a lil more chewy here than I like, but not too bad..at least  the buns are always toasty.

Tip: they have a great deal on whole box meal of meat, veggies and rice for like $4 bucks that my hubby swears by!

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Pete C.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
3/15/2009

Wow...I can't believe I've lived in Seattle 16  years and just found out about this place. The Bahn Mi pork sandwich came highly recommended and did not disappoint. The fact that it costs only $2.50 is a huge bonus. We will add this to our regular rotation!

Oh...they have parking next to the deli as well, which is super convenient.

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Elite '09

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44

Lisa H.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
5/8/2009

I love this place. I get spring rolls, bahn mi, and various jelly desserts or small cakes- for cheap cheap cheap! The flavours are quite tasty and the price is a hit. It is a mandated stop for me while I am near or on Jackson.

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