Saigon Sandwich

"This cash-only Tenderloin institution has been around for decades, and it’s earned legendary status for one simple reason: it’s home to the best bánh mì in San Francisco. Biting into the crackly, fresh-baked roll feels like a shot of serotonin thanks to the well-spiced meat, mayo, and pickled daikon and carrots that come in every sandwich. Plus, at around $5 each, lunch here is a deal that’s hard to beat." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong

"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, patrick wong

"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, patrick wong, ricky rodriguez

"This cash-only Tenderloin institution is serving the best bánh mì in the entire city. The french rolls are ridiculously soft, and the ones filled with xiu mai that falls apart with a poke should be on the shortlist of every self-respecting sandwich enthusiast. Especially since each costs around $5, which is less than two hours of parking on Chestnut St. Maybe we should have led with that?" - julia chen 1, lani conway, patrick wong

"The question is never, “Do you love Saigon Sandwich?” Rather, it’s “What’s your order at Saigon Sandwich?” The tiny Larkin Street shop, lit by fluorescent lights and crammed with bins of Vietnamese snacks and drinks, doesn’t need to bother with frills — the loaded $4 banh mi, featuring crackly-crusted, textbook-perfect baguettes and zingy pickled vegetables, are plenty to draw the crowds. Whether you opt for roast pork, meatball, fancy pork, or chicken, definitely opt for extra pate and maybe consider ordering two. You’ll likely be craving a second by the time you’re halfway through your first." - Paolo Bicchieri