Saigon Viet Nam Deli — Restaurant in Seattle

This place lives up to the hype that it gets! BUT half the people walk in here clueless about how to properly order (and they don't really tell people how to either), so here is how you are supposed to order here.

INSIDER TIPS: The line at the register is for paying NOT ordering If you are ordering a banh-mi, ORDER AS SOON AS YOU WALK IN. Make eye contact with the nice ladies in the back making the sandwiches and tell them what sandwiches you want (e.g. "I want a 1 & a 5 please"), then move out of the way. If you want a hot item, tell them when you pay and they'll get it for you. If you want an item from the fridge, shelves or tables in front, just pick it up and bring it with you to the register. Cash makes the line at the register go faster, but it's not necessary.

EXAMPLE ORDER (a banh-mi and a drink from the fridge): Walk in the door, stand at the end of counter and make eye contact with the ladies in the back making sandwhiches. When they ask you what you want, tell them you want a #1. Move out of the way, and grab a drink from the fridge. If there is a line for the register, wait in line. Once it is your turn, tell the person at the register you ordered a #1 and you want this drink. You pay them and move out the way. They'll flag you down when your sandwich is ready and you can now leave.

FAQ: Q: How will they remember who ordered what? A: They are very good about the orders, but there is an honor system here, so don't take advantage of them.

Q: Does it cost more to pay with a credit card? A: 75 cents more if your total order is under $15

Q: I don't know what half of the stuff on the table or in the buffet is. How can I figure out? A: They don't have labels for really anything. You can ask them, but if there is a big crowd, be mindful of others and try not to bog down the employees with too many questions. Don't be afraid to try new things or take risks here. Everything is good.

This sounds ridiculous, but the number of soccer moms who wait in line before ordering sandwiches for their 20 kids, then get mad because people are ordering at the counter is too damn high. This place is built for efficiency and they want people in and out as soon...

Great budget food and a very satisfying bbq pork bahn mi, -I only like some of the other things there like a few of the ala carte items like the chicken curry and stewed beef or the spring rolls and love the idea of the fried banana batter thingies but think they leave a lot to be desired. Still the best of the stuff here is amazing for the price even if I'm not really in the mood for it since I eat it so often and have been looking for a more deluxe or just better bahn mi but haven't found it. (I quite like the nearby Lan hue's bread and addition of having some cool ingredients on the menu but I like the meat less and want more jalapeno and maybe pickled veggies too. I dislike seattle deli because their bbq pork is tough and is made with a sauce I don't like the flavor of. I really dislike the Vietnamese place inside Uwajimaya because they seem to always premake all of their sandwiches and the two times I felt compelled to give them a chance I ended up feeling foolish for thinking premade food court bahn mi would be good. I have also had a fancy one from "Stateside" but it had way too much cilantro which was fine since I could take it off and even impressive since they de-stemmed it but there were too few of the peppers which I also found tasted bad and were too mild and then a mashed up fish or shrimp or something mix I found grossly salty coupled with boring pork and overly crunchy bread making it just crunch on salt on crunch with vinegar and an almost obnoxious amount of cilantro. I have also had some a couple fancier bahn mis in San Francisco and they were mostly superior to all the ones I've had here but still their bread and meat quality and overall proportion of each ingredient left a bit to be desired and like stateside it was about 9 dollars before tax- which yeah I'd pay for occasionally but wish they could perfect more and maybe though definitely not necessarily do it for a little cheaper too since so many bahn mis are. So yeah while I am not particularly well versed in Vietnamese I do think this place has some very good cheap food and that their bahn mi is better than most, including places with much loftier ambitions at least on a per...

Saigon Vietnam Deli is one of those unassuming Seattle spots that’s stood the test of time. Located in the heart of Little Saigon, it’s small, fast-paced, and always buzzing with people who know exactly what they’re coming for. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by the aroma of freshly baked baguettes, roasted meats, and the unmistakable hum of a place that’s earned its loyal following.

The Food Everything here tastes like it’s made with care and repetition — recipes perfected over years, not trends. The sandwiches are crisp, the fillings generous, and the flavors bright with herbs, pickled vegetables, and sauces that hit just right. Rice boxes and noodle dishes are equally satisfying, built for comfort and consistency. It’s honest, everyday Vietnamese food done exceptionally well.

Service & Atmosphere Service is fast, efficient, and no-nonsense — exactly what you want from a counter spot where flavor takes priority over flair. Despite the rush, the staff are friendly and attentive. The space is simple, built for quick meals or grab-and-go lunches, yet there’s a rhythm that makes it distinctly Seattle: part old-school deli, part Little Saigon landmark.

More Details • Vegetarian options: Several vegetarian choices including tofu bánh mì and meat-free rice plates. • Dietary restrictions: Staff are accommodating with spice and sauce adjustments; many dishes can be made light or without fish sauce. • Parking: Limited street parking in Little Saigon; meters nearby or short walk from larger lots. • Kid-friendliness: Family-friendly with casual seating and quick service. • Wheelchair accessibility: Ground-level entry and accessible counter area.

Final Take Saigon Vietnam Deli is a Seattle staple — quick, consistent, and always satisfying. Five stars for flavor, authenticity, and the kind of local charm that never fades no matter how many new restaurants...