Banh Mi Saigon 168 - Brookhurst — Restaurant in Westminster

I had an incredibly unpleasant experience at Banh Mi Saigon 168 (Brookhurst location). My mom and I have been loyal customers since 2017, but I'm uncertain about returning after this incident. The whole ordeal stemmed from the attitude of an unnamed cashier who served us on 05/31/2023 at around 4 PM. We initially intended to buy two baguettes, but upon noticing that they also offered "Com Chay" displayed in a glass cabinet, we became interested in purchasing it. As the "Com Chay" was inside a plastic bag, it was difficult for us to examine its surface, so we politely asked the cashier if we could take a closer look. She retrieved it from the cabinet but abruptly pulled it away when we attempted to hold it for a clearer view. Without uttering a word, she swiftly returned it to the cabinet, as if suspecting us of planning to steal it. Consequently, we decided against buying the "Com Chay" due to her actions, but we still waited for our Banh Mi. My mom expressed her dissatisfaction with the cashier's behavior, but once again, she remained silent. While we waited, I happened to glance at her and noticed her glaring at us with a frown. When they called our number, she explained her actions by stating that the owner prohibited customers from touching the bag of "Com Chay." We informed her that we were unaware of this rule since she hadn't informed us, and it certainly didn't justify her terrible behavior. In response, she argued that it was our fault for persisting in touching the bag. Her expression was filled with spite and aggression. I had to pull my mom away before the situation escalated further.

Considering how we were treated like potential criminals or nuisances, regardless of the quality of their food, it makes me question whether we should continue supporting a shop that tolerates such behavior...

Opened in May 2018, this is the 2nd location from their original spot in Rosemead, CA. The decor is minimalist chic with inside and outside patio seating. They have good coffee and all the typical offerings of other banh mi shops. Their bread is baked fresh onsite with the rounded style or the baguette. I liked the fact that they use generous amounts of beefier grilled pork slices for their banh mi thit nuong. Also kudos that it is actually char grilled and does not have a heavy fish sauce seasoning like some banh mi shops! I've had this sandwich twice so I can say this next comment is true: it needs more sauce or spread to balance it all out. Next time, I'll put in the request! Plenty of parking in this shopping plaza!

***UPDATE 7/31/2018 I'm very sad to report this but I had to drop this place from 4 stars to 2 stars. In such a short time span of only 2 months from grand opening, from very promising to "what the hell" happened! I came back on a Tuesday at noon, and I found the new counters and the floors dirty. The grilled pork was now tough, thin, and dry like beef jerky! It used to be beefy, thick, and juicy slices. The bread is not the freshest either. I also ordered a pate chaud which was so terrible, I was in disbelief! The tiny piece of meat was the size of a silver dollar and the whole thing was so dry and stale from the heat lamp I had to trash it! I'm suspecting ownership rushing their shiny eatery into a new 24-7 operation has caused issues of neglect and lack of quality control. I hope they read this and change things around quickly before they have to...

Bland and dry sandwich with bad customer service. I ordered a vegetarian bahn mí with no cilantro. The menu clearly states that ALL sandwiches come with mayo. After removing the cilantro that they put on anyway, I took a bite of my sandwich and realized there was no sauce or mayo at all. It was dry and flavorless. The filling for the my sandwich was supposed to be tofu and mushrooms in addition to all the standard toppings. There was very little of either. I told the cashier that my sandwich didn’t get mayo or sauce on it, and could I please just get some mayo or sriracha on the side to add myself. I was told it would be $1 even though the menu states that it’s included! A dollar for mayo on a $6 sandwich??? What kind of place serves a DRY sandwich and then argues and refuses to fix the error. It tasted terrible until I brought it home to add mayo, sriracha and more tofu. Even then, it was pretty underwhelming. Very disappointed since I drove about 30 mins to get a sandwich here after seeing them on IG. Seating is...