Cheap Eats: Vietnamese

If the pun in the subtitle didn’t repel you entirely, you’re going to like what you see here. But really, is there anything better than a spring roll with peanut sauce, a huge bowl of pho on a chilly day, or a banh mi stuffed with pork and veggies? Maybe, but it’s a close call, especially when it doesn’t break the bank. Lest you think “cheap” means lower quality in this context, these restaurants are serving the best Vietnamese comfort food I’ve ever had. Dig in:

🥖 Saigon Sandwich

Saigon Sandwich is a hands-down finalist for best sandwiches in the city and one of the restaurants that convinced me that moving to SF might not be such a bad idea. At $5 a pop (cash only) and loaded with meat, picked veggies, jalapeños, and spicy mayo, this is the best lunch deal in the city.

Order This ⬇️

• Roasted pork banh mi

• Vietnamese coffee

NOTE: Saigon’s proximity to Civic Center makes it a great pit stop before or after a trip to the Asian Art Museum.

Eat Here 🔗 Reservations: N/A | Delivery & Takeout: N/A | Map

🍲 My Father’s Kitchen / myfatherskitchensf.com

I was lucky enough to live walking distance from My Father’s Kitchen for a year and it quickly became my after work go-to for any night I was feeling too lazy to cook. Even today I still remember exactly what the broth tastes like because it set the bar for every bowl of pho I’ve eaten since.

Order This ⬇️

• Green papaya salad

• Spring roll

• Chicken satay

• Beef Pho

NOTE: you really can’t go wrong here.

Eat Here 🔗 Reservations: N/A | Delivery & Takeout | Map

🍛 Sai’s Vietnamese Restaurant / saisvietnameserestaurant.com

For any poor soul who has to work downtown, Sai’s is a welcome respite from the never ending slog of Sweetgreen, Chipotle, Mixt, and Split. The food is fresh and tastes homemade, and the menu is expansive. Plus the place has been around since 1982 so they’re clearly doing something right.

Order This ⬇️

• Five spice chicken

• Lemongrass beef vermicelli bowl

• Shrimp spring rolls

• Chicken curry

Eat Here 🔗 Reservations | Delivery & Takeout | Map

ps: if you haven’t seen the episode of Parts Unknown from today’s gif, I highly recommend