Highlights
At this cozy East Austin spot, savor an explosion of flavors in Vietnamese banh mi crafted by Chef Tebi Nguyen, all served amid picnic tables and a friendly vibe.
"We usually go with the grilled pork bánh mì at Saigon Le Vendeur on East 7th Street, in which the pork is cut fairly thick, so each piece is crispy on the outside with a juicy interior. But you can also keep it classic with the cold-cut and pâté version. The same team also operates a larger sister restaurant, Le Bleu, near 183 and Burnet. The bánh mì at the two are nearly identical—a big plus when there’s not much to improve on. " - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion
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Sep 10, 2024
"Some of the city’s best banh mi can be found at Saigon le Vendeur. Pickup orders can be placed in person or online; there are outdoor dine-in areas." - Nadia Chaudhury, Erin Russell
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Jul 27, 2023
"The Vietnamese banh mi offers everything you’d ever want in a sandwich. It is an explosion of flavors and textures: tangy, crunchy, spicy, and savory. Chef Tebi Nguyen creates this culinary alchemyin an East Austin trailer:He takespork that’s been marinated in fish sauce, garlic, red shallots, and a touch of honey and pan-sears it, then appliesa final char with a blast ofa torch. The meat istucked into a baguette that’s been swiped with mayonnaise, and then showeredwitha crunchy tangle of cucumbers, jalapeños, and daikon."
The Best Restaurants in Austin
·
Mar 16, 2022
"The Vietnamese banh mi offers everything you’d ever want in a sandwich. It is an explosion of flavors and textures: tangy, crunchy, spicy, and savory. Chef Tebi Nguyen creates this culinary alchemyin an East Austin trailer:He takespork that’s been marinated in fish sauce, garlic, red shallots, and a touch of honey and pan-sears it, then appliesa final char with a blast ofa torch. The meat istucked into a baguette that’s been swiped with mayonnaise, and then showeredwitha crunchy tangle of cucumbers, jalapeños, and daikon."
The Perfect Weekend in Austin
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Mar 16, 2022
"Saigon’s East 7th Street food truck, which debuted in July 2013, isn’t going away either. The restaurant will serve as a prep kitchen for the trailer and catering gigs." - Nadia Chaudhury
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Feb 5, 2018
Emma
Google
Oh what a hidden gem! The food was very very delicious. I got the chicken bahn mi and although in the beginning it looked small, it was very filling and I was definitely full after.
It is a casual place and the prices are very reasonable. There is somewhat enough parking for the amount of seats they have right next to it.
Danniville Dan
Google
I would give this place TEN stars if I could. It is rare to see a place where the food is served as beautifully as the pictures online but OMG it really was. And it is only 10 minutes from the airport.
I visited Austin on a 5 day trip and Googled restaurants near my hotel. I’m soooo glad I found this one. I ordered 4 times and I usually don’t do ramen like that. The shrimp ramen was FLAVORFUL, creamy, and they weren’t stingy about anything. The basil leaves and bamboo shoots were perfectly balanced. Also, the eggrolls were crispy and full of goodness. On my last day I picked up and to-go order for a friend to drop off then had more time so I went back to eat one last time. I called while on my way and asked if they could have it ready so I could eat before headed to the airport. Andy was so accommodating and did just what I asked. He was friendly, attentive and quick.
Also, and I’m probably spelling it wrong Phong/Fong was a great host. He helped me decide what I want to eat, provided excellent customer service and was fun. Last, Melvin (Melbin) in the kitchen, prepared my food perfectly. I hope you all never change a thing. This place is perfect!!
Whomever said this was a sketchy part of town was just scared IMO. There were homeless just like all over Austin but I never felt unsafe or scared. If I ever come back to Austin this will be my first stop. They made me feel so welcomed.
Samuel Favata
Google
Genuinely, one of my favorite spots in ATX. No-frills, all-charm. The ingredients are simple, fresh, and prepared with care. Very reasonably priced. The Vietnamese Iced Coffee situation is 👌
Lisa S
Google
Just went to pick up some curry ramen, being that it's vegan. The guy running the spot was so absolutely personable ! He gave me my stash and gave me some tips for home consumption. The ONLY reason....I didn't give it five stars is the curry was a little too sweet for me. I added some fresh lime juice to balance that out some, but otherwise, it was delicious and packaged beautifully.
The lamps they have there are mesmerizing. 🔥 They remind me of sombreros 🤪
Sushmita Kadam
Google
Amazing Vietnamese restaurant close to lady bird lake.we ordered the spicy chicken bun and curry ramen. Spicy chicken bun was delicious…it wasn’t very spicy. Their egg rolls were the best egg rolls I have had so far. The curry ramen was delicious too! We got tofu with the soup ramen which was soft. Mushrooms and the onions very flavourful. The curry ramen would be a must try here…it wasn’t like a fusion of Japanese and Burmese cuisine 😁
Amanda B
Google
This place deserves all the stars! The flavors are unbelievable! Seriously, every item on the menu is better than the last. I try to get a new thing each time and it continues to blow me away. This time there was a short wait since all the tables were full (which was great to see) and the waiter asked if he could put in our order now so that it would be ready once our table was ready which was so kind and worked out perfectly. Definitely check this place out, and check it out again. And again.
Minh Thi
Google
Ngon quá đi!!! :3 I recently came back to Austin after vacationing in Việt Nam and have been craving motherland food. The octopus skewers were so flavorful and I used the leftover nước mắm with the veggies that fell out of the OG bánh mì. The ice they use in their drinks is the chewable kind, like Sonic. Def coming back with my homies.
Aman Goklani
Google
We stopped by Saigon On 7th and loved their food. If you love Vietnamese food or if you want to try something new I totally recommend this spot. The service was amazing, food even better and the vibes were good. If you love Banh Mi’s, I would try the OG one and the curry Ramen is also to die for.
We also got the crispy egg rolls which were amazing! 🔥🔥🔥
Wendi K.
Yelp
Would give 10 stars if I could. An unassuming spot located on 7th with amazing Vietnamese fare.
I had the OG Banh Mi ($12), and it was one of the best traditional-style banh mi I have EVER had--giant pieces of pork belly, cold cuts, and creamy, rich pâté on a crispy baguette, heaped with banh mi vegetables.
My boyfriend had the spicy chicken bun noodle bowl ($15) and said it was "the best Vietnamese food he has ever had."
It's a casual, clean spot with limited indoor seating and an outdoor patio. Cool staff.
Jeremy K.
Yelp
Happy to find Saigon on 7th during a cold period in ATX. I walked in to a friendly staff. I love how simple the menu was as well. I've been here previously when it was a food truck too.
The pho ga was yummy! Great chicken, you
Could tell it was fresh and cooked well. The OH bahn mi was great as well, but surprising how expensive it was. I grew up going to viet restaurants in Houston where you could get a banh mi for $5, so not sure why they need to be priced so expensive here. It's not like there are so many ways to make a banh mi expensive, pretty simple dish.
Overall, experience was nice and glad to have found this place on the east side
Dao T.
Yelp
I've been missing out on this place, but it's a bit out of the way for us. It's a small spot, conveniently located right off busy 7th Street. We started with the octopus skewers, which were incredibly flavorful! The dish includes three skewers marinated in a tangy lime and fish sauce, served with pickled cucumbers. We loved it!
We also tried the fish sauce wings. The sauce was absolutely delicious. Since it settles at the bottom of the bowl, the wings stay perfectly crispy, so make sure to dip them in the sauce for the full experience!
For our main course, we ordered two banh mis. I went with the OG, which features pork, Vietnamese ham, pâté, and fresh veggies. The bread was flaky and soft--I was impressed!
My husband ordered the marinated pork banh mi and added pâté and avocado. He said it was fantastic!
We'll definitely be coming back again!
Colin W.
Yelp
This place is the most underrated restaurant in Austin. Excellent food. Reasonably priced. Great people.
Vanessa B.
Yelp
everything was so good! Cozy little spot & amazing service! Large portions, definitely double servings!
Stephanie W.
Yelp
Decent banh mis and friendly service; the bread was fluffy and the filling was decent but not necessarily abundant for the price of around $13-17 -- easy, no-frills spot, I think it was a great Asian spot adapted for westerners, but it didn't feel 100% authentic
Katlynnbabiee
Yelp
Took a trip on a lime scooter from downtown came across this place at first I was worried about the area but knock it till you try it right ? When we walked in the staff were very friendly and chill , the cafe sua da is gaaaaass and the food was spot on definitely try this spot even though it's a artistic sketchy area this place is pretty tasty !
Rachel S.
Yelp
Loving this brick and mortar version of the food truck! The truck was good but this place is great! The staff is so friendly and personable, literally everything on the menu is delicious, and I love that they have drinks now. It's fast and friendly, good for a quick dinner before you head off somewhere in East Austin. We love having them nearby.
Carrie M.
Yelp
This is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant known for their banh mi. I got the grilled pork banh mi, which was a bit pricey at $12, but I enjoyed it. It was filled with lots of vegetables. The interior was small and unassuming with very friendly staff. It is a dine-in restaurant, but I got my sandwich to go. The AC was very cold inside, and I was chilled to the bone just standing there for a few minutes. There are only a few parking spots next to the shop.
Anna T.
Yelp
The curry ramen was incredible. The broth was so well balanced and flavorful with subtle (not overpowering) hints of lemongrass basil and coconut.
It tasted like someone's mom had been boiling away for an entire day. I say mom because men tend to make ramen broth way too salty imo!
Also, very generous portions of chashu and noodles for a very reasonable price.
The staff were friendly and helpful. This was such a lovely experience!
Felecia I.
Yelp
Love their curry ramen! Two hefty pieces of char siu plus egg topped off a bowl of noodles, bamboo shoots and fresh herbs in a piping hot curry broth. Yummmm. The generous protein component was a very nice surprise, as I'm used to just one paper-thin sliver from other establishments.
Tasty lamb and pork banh mis too, although was a tad salty. But lamb, though!
You usually don't get these options at Viet places. Thumbs up for offering these unique items.
It's great that Saigon Le Vendeur now has a brick and mortar location. All the better to indulge on those cold winter days. I'm really looking forward to my next bowl of curry ramen.
john R.
Yelp
Clean and friendly service. Lamb bun and non friend spring rolls were good but seasoning off and almost a bit bland, although, I think it's an Austin thing. A lot of food places are like this. Seems like a lot of these restaurants try to adjust seasoning and flavor of the local population. Still good. A bit more on the expensive side, but I'd try it again.
Mia B.
Yelp
Great spot! I got some small plates on the happy hour, which was a pretty good deal. Next time I'd like to try bun, since not a lot of Vietnamese places have that. Service was really good, waiter was quick and friendly. Good spot for a quick bite.
Suzy D.
Yelp
Upgrade from truck to sit-in brick and mortar just down 7th from the original spot. I love that they have vegan options and a clearly labeled menu for special diet needs. Currently offering a free beer with entree but they also have a pretty good Cà phê sữa đá and iced teas.
Anthony L.
Yelp
Was my go to restaurant, but had to hit the toilet today. Pork was also extra salty. Unlucky day, could be due to holiday downtime:(
April D.
Yelp
We're always on the hunt for authentic Vietnamese food in Austin and it's been hard to find. We've frequented 888 for a decade but have desperately wanted something different.
Saigon on 7th is fire!! The best banh mi we've found in Austin. The vermicelli bowl was super light and refreshing. Fresh coconut water AMAZING. Also the best coconut in Austin.
It's a super hole in the wall, mom and pop no frills place. Which we love. They even had a special of a free Sapporo beer with your food order. Which is pretty epic, but we aren't drinking.
We will definitely be frequenting!
Karen G.
Yelp
The service and food overall is great. Super chilled and laid back. If you're wondering what to order:
*Small plates:
-Grilled octopus skewers are a must! It's grilled nicely and not overly chewy and that chili oil fish sauce is so good!
-summer rolls are good too (side note: dip the summer roll in that chili oil fish sauce - I think it goes really well with it).
-corn ribs were really good, too (unless you don't like mayo- don't get it).
-wings just needed more sauce (it was all at the bottom). If you get this, ask for extra the passion fruit garlic oil fish or just make sure to get the chili oil from the bottom.
*Banh mi:
-O.G (good overall especially if you like pate)
-Lamb (it's good overall, too; it isn't out of this world or super special, but it gets the job done and a decent banh mi).
I really like this jasmine iced tea (sweetened with mango). It's not too sweet either. If you like super sweet - I don't think it will be sweet enough for ya.
It's a chilled place with good food. I heard the ramen is good but I've haven't had it yet. Free Sapporo beer starting at 4pm through close! Don't know if that will change but hey free beer! :)
Sandi G.
Yelp
I ordered the grilled pork banh mi and curry ramen via ubereats. The price for the food was great and the food was quite delicious. The curry ramen was $13 and banh mi was $10. I especially enjoyed the curry ramen as it tasted like Thai curry but in ramen form so something different. I like that chashu were caramelized on the outside and the Ajitama egg were seasoned perfectly. The grilled pork banh mi was also delicious. I would definitely order from here again as the price and the quality of the food is great.
Joshua L.
Yelp
Saigon on 7th has moved into their new brick-and-mortar just down the street from their food truck/trailer location.
Their new digs are comfy, casual, and very inviting.
I came with friends and we shared across their menu, so everyone could get a taste. Chicken Banh Mi was outstanding...perfectly flaky roll that packed a ton of flavor. Lamb Bun (noodle bowl) was incredible...the earthy/gamey flavors of the lamb blending with the sweet/vinegary flavors of the pickled veggies and the crunch of the lettuce. So good!
And then the was the curry ramen, a seasonal special with chicken, basil, and a perfectly cooked custard egg. Normally I'm a ramen purist, but the bowl was so comforting and the SE Asian flavors were like a dynamic symphony, harmonizing together to create a wonderful experience.
Both the Spring rolls and the Summer rolls were outstanding. The peanut sauce that came with them is made in house. Very delicious and wasn't overly sweet.
Last note, if you want to kick the whole experience up to 11...they make their own fermented sambal (chili garlic sauce), that's so wonderfully vibrant and garlicky, with just the right kick of heat.
All this with kind, friendly service and a great soundtrack to set a lovely mood.
Saigon on 7th was a phenomenal experience! Can't wait to go back for more.
Henry Y.
Yelp
We stumbled on this place and it really hit the spot! On the pricier side for what we were looking for, but high quality and definitely delicious. We shared the Banh mi and the fried rolls.
Took it to go, but then they had some picnic tables outside so we opted to chomp down right then and there. It's in a sort of nondescript part of town from what I could tell.
Eva R.
Yelp
Saigón on 7th never disappoints! The food is so good and the employees are very kind. I love the vibes inside but I usually take my food to go and it still tastes amazing! The Brussels are my favorite
Rizza O.
Yelp
I had the OG banh mi and my fiance had the lamb vermicelli bowl. We both loved our food, we're definitely coming back!
World T.
Yelp
Looks can be deceiving!! While restaurant is small in size and located in a sketchy area, I HIGHLY recommend Saigon on 7th! This place serves AUTHENTIC Vietnamese dishes. Colleagues recommended and as a first timer I was nicely surprised. Everything ordered was DEEPLY flavorful. We decided on the shrimp skewer, pork egg rolls and fried wings as small bites. HIGHLY recommend the shrimp skewer. My goodness soooooo good!!! Fried wings were a little gamey. Main entrees consisted of the Curry [Ramen] Bowl and Bun Mi (vermicelli noodles w/ pork and tons of fresh veggies). The Curry Bowl was AMAZING 100 stars! Will definitely return SOON.
Valerie T.
Yelp
Decent banh mi. I had the OG and it was good but not the best I've had. The bread was my favorite part of it, but the flavor didn't come altogether. The spicy chicken vermicelli was great though.
The guy running the truck wasn't too nice as I saw him scolding a customer that didn't come immediately to pick up his food when he called his order number.
Krystyna L.
Yelp
A friend and ramen aficionado recently shared this was her favorite ramen in all of Austin, so we went for a run and ended here for dinner.
The mango salad was incredibly flavorful topped with a handful of full size shrimp and a shrimp cracker on the side. Don't sleep on that cracker.
I ordered a chicken ramen and my friend had the chasu. There was a quite generous portion of chicken / chasu on our respective bowls. The flavor was on point. I took my leftovers home and thoroughly enjoyed day 2 as well.
The service was very hospitable, served with love and care. The restaurant is in a clean and open space, and has a decent amount of seats.
I will be back for more ramen and to try a bahn mi.
What an assuming gem tucked into east 7th between Pedernales and Calles - blink and you'll miss it! Keep an eye out for Domino's as a landmark. There are a few parking spots in front.
Bill G.
Yelp
Awesome banh mi in east Austin. The staff are incredibly kind, and the prices are great! We had the Grilled pork banh mi and it was a nice portion, with plenty of meat and vegetables. The bread and pate both paired well. The best Vietnamese we've found in Austin
Stephen B.
Yelp
I just had the most amazing Banh Mi and Bun at Saigon on 7th. The Banh Mi was highlighted by the perfect French roll, honey glazed grilled pork, and topped off with fresh veggies. I only ate half to save room for the Bun, but it was tempting to gorge myself by eating that second half. The bun was impressive. I tried the grilled lamb which was delicious. The bowl was not too loaded with noodles, giving the all the fresh veggies, herbs and spices a chance to shine. I did finish to the last drop. The service was genuine, and ambience is fine for a quick hit Vietnamese experience. Please do yourself a favor and make a stop. You wont regret it.
Anastayza E.
Yelp
OG Banh Mi was an absolute classic with a good amount of vegetables and meet, I highly recommend. The service was great as well
Yadi Puente L.
Yelp
Delicious food that satisfied the pickiest family members! Octopus was tangy and a great kick of spiciness. Pork sandwich was the best with the bread melting in your mouth! Our picky son ate fried egg rolls and loved them. You have to try the tiramisu!
Harris P.
Yelp
Amazing food! One of Austin's hidden gems. Also, Jessie the waiter is the nicest guy ever.
Alissa L.
Yelp
This place serves the best bahn mi! I've only tried the OG (original) so far, but it's what I'm basing my review on. They offer a small front patio where you can bring your dog, which I love. It's perfect for a post-walk treat. Oh, and you must try their homemade chili sauce - it's better than Sriracha! Looking forward to exploring more of their menu soon!
ChaCha Z.
Yelp
Food is amazing. My dad showed me this place a couple years ago and go every time I'm in the area as I travel for work. If your looking for Fresh,Clean, and a Blast Of Flavor this is the place for you!
Service is always awesome. Friendly staff
Keep up the good work. You guys are amazing!!!
John L.
Yelp
Bruhhhh... the food here is beyond good. We had the wings, octopus skewers, mango salad, summer rolls, spicy pork vermicelli noodles, and buttery pawn banh mi. The house chili sauce is delicious on everything. You won't be disappointed coming here. Andy, the server who attended us, gave us great recommendations! Coming back on my next trip!!!!
Kitty P.
Yelp
The food is absolutely disgusting. The service is even worse. This used to be a food trailer and they used to have a terrible rat problem. so they caged 3 cats in the middle of the summer when it's 100°. Hoping the cats will fix their rat problem but the cats just died. I guess you can't fix the rat problem just move to a different location. Absolutely disgusting.
Lee R.
Yelp
Ordered takeout from Saigon today, lamb banh mi, chicken curry ramen and corn ribs.
The lamb was super bitter for some reason and not very enjoyable, the bread was great.
The ramen was way too sweet, the chicken was charred nicely and the thickness of the noodles was perfect.
The corn ribs - again - way too sweet, it almost tasted like a funnel cake? It was odd, basically just deep fried flavor which left much to desire.
All in all not terrible but not great, I wouldn't recommend.
rich s.
Yelp
Very cute spot. Small indoors, good natural light, interesting light fixtures, bright paint job.
Very friendly and diverse staff.
Delicious and generous portion; bright and spicy chili garlic sauce.
Joe M.
Yelp
There is other great Bahn Mi in this city, but none rival the Bahn Mi here. Grilled pork w/ extra pork is incredible. The bread is perfectly crisped. Light and flaky on the outside and soft but not soggy on the inside. The lamb is also delicious. Glad they have a brick and mortar storefront now so I don't have to play roulette with the old trailer hours.
Russell H.
Yelp
The food is amazing! I haven't been able to make it here in a while and the food never disappoints! The lamb w grilled onions with mango, basil and vermicelli and all the other ingredients finished off with fried onions all go so well together.
So glad I had time to come here today and can't wait to try Saigon on 7th when it opens!
Laura V.
Yelp
Really fresh food. We had the Mango papaya salad with shrimp, spring rolls, curry ramen, a pork bahn mi, shrimp bahn mi.
Camille J.
Yelp
Their brick and mortar is very cute with limited seating inside for a quiet, cozy feel. Service was excellent and everything we ordered was DELICIOUS. Mango salad was amazing and refreshing with so much flavor, Brussels and pork spring rolls were great. I had a grilled pork bahn me and the flavors, toppings, and bread were perfect. My friend got the seasonal curry ramen which I wasn't expecting to see on the menu but it was coconut-y, savory, and delicious! Highly recommend.
Alan H.
Yelp
I know the name is Saigon and they're know for the Banh Mi but try the curry ramen. I only say that because it is delicious and curry ramen is pretty rare to come across!
The broth was rich and creamy and the chashu pork was on point with a nice smokey char. A nice meal and perfect for a chilly day!
Veronica T.
Yelp
Food pics look much better than actual taste representation. Had spicy chicken bahn mi. Everything about it was underwhelming. Nothing was particularly fresh... not the bread, not the meat, not even the veggies.
There was no chewiness or crustiness to the bread. It was kinda spongy. The meat was questionably old, and the veggies were soggy.
I wanted to like it, but it just didn't cut the mustard!
C P.
Yelp
Still the best bánh mì in Austin. It's great to have a downtown companion to Le Bleu. Everything is delicious.
Mina P.
Yelp
This place is my go-to spot if I ever forget to order our office lunch. It's close by and the banh mi is filling and delicious.
Parking may seem limited, but there's a huge, empty lot next to it as well. I'd recommend ordering beforehand if you're in a time crunch since it does take some time to get your order.
In terms of food, you can never go wrong with the grilled pork Bahn mi or the spicy chicken.. I haven't tried the other banh mi options so I can speak for those.
I tried the egg rolls once, but they came out burnt so that was sad, but will try the spring rolls next time I go back. Their Vietnamese iced coffee is good (I personally like the flavor but also find it a tad bit sweet because of the condensed milk.. but then again I also find a latte sweet).
Kendra C.
Yelp
Good food! I've been to sister operation, Le Bleu several times, and love it, so now that I know about Saigon I won't have to travel so far to enjoy it.
Anna S.
Yelp
Got the grilled pork banh mi and egg rolls and it was delicious. I can't get over how crunchy the bread was... in a good way. Probably the best banh mi bread I've had. The grilled pork and the sauce they use is average. Delicious but nothing special - it could use a bit more sauce. The egg rolls are good but nothing special either. Price is about $8/banh mi which is on the higher end.
The cashier was kind of a strange guy... wasn't sure if he was on something? But he was nice... They also have 2 cats that live under the food truck. Rumor on Yelp says they kept them there to keep away the rats. The cats look very clean and the white/gray one is super friendly :) Just don't go near the black cat, apparently he's the fiesty one.
Sabrina E.
Yelp
We've been going to Saigon since they were a trailer down the road from the current location. We've tried nearly everything on the menu at this point, and nothing disappoints. I love that the curry ramen has stayed on the menu despite it being considered "seasonal" and my husband has become obsessed with the prawn bánh mì as of late. Also, the owner and employees have always been welcoming and kind! This place rocks!
Vivian F.
Yelp
BANH MI IS WHERE IT'S ALL. Likely the best banh mi in all of Austin. Skip on the vermicelli bowl - subpar. Get the banh mi!!!
Anna W.
Yelp
Delicious appetizers and entrees (I got the curry ramen - yum), great service, and very nice ambiance indoors. I can't wait to go back to try other things on the menu, especially the iced coffee. You can't beat Saigon on 7th for excellent Vietnamese food in downtown Austin.