26 Postcards
Saigon Sandwich is a cash-only gem in the Tenderloin, serving irresistibly cheap, loaded bánh mì that have earned them legendary status among locals.
"San Francisco is full of incredible sandwich spots, but if you can only fit one sandwich into the agenda, make it a bánh mì from Saigon Sandwich. The cash-only institution is just outside the Tenderloin’s Little Saigon, and has been around for decades. The secret to their longevity? Every sandwich, from the tender roasted chicken to the fall-apart meatball, is an umami bomb stuffed in a crackly yet soft roll. That, plus the fact that these $5 bánh mì cost less than a single iced latte with oat milk. " - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez
"Saigon Sandwich makes the best bánh mì in town, which is why we have no problem showing up to this spot whenever the desire for well-marinated meats hits. The bread is lightly crispy on the outside, and soft in the center. And the ratio of pickled carrots to mayo to spiciness is true perfection. Our favorite bánh mì spot is located just outside of Little Saigon in the Tenderloin, and is cash-only. We like getting the version with juicy roasted pork, but going for the tofu, chicken, or special combo with ham, pork, and pâté is never a bad idea either." - lani conway, ricky rodriguez, julia chen 1
"Saigon Sandwich makes the best bánh mì in the city. The roast chicken and pork are always perfectly marinated. The soft baguettes are crackly on the outside and airy inside. And no matter what filling route you take, your bánh mì will be loaded with heaps of carrots, pickled daikon, cilantro, and a heavy swath of mayo that oozes out when you bite in. Beeline to the tiny takeout- and cash-only spot in Little Saigon for quick weekday power-ups, lunches with people who have never been to SF, and, really, any time you want to fill up on tender roast chicken and pork. At $5-ish per sandwich, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal in town—so always expect a crowd. " - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong
"Saigon Sandwich has long been one of San Francisco's most excellent and affordable destinations, offering an unbeatable deal — $7 to $9 — on banh mi sandwiches stuffed with roast pork, chicken, and paté. Hours run from 7 a.m. to 5:30 or 6 p.m. depending on the day." - Lauren Saria, Justine Jones, Eater Staff
"Next time your “chill weeknight hang” turns into a Not So Chill Weeknight Rager, call out of work, fall back asleep, and wake up in time for lunch from Saigon Sandwich. The counter-service Tenderloin spot is home to the city’s best bánh mì. The keys to their greatness are the soft, crispy roll, ample amounts of filling, and the price (they’ll only run you about $5 each). Caffeinate with their strong iced Vietnamese coffee, turn off your Slack notifications for the day, and you’re all set." - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez
