Wednesday, June 24, 2009

The Best Sandwich in the Country?


Long line at Saigon Sandwich in Little Saigon in San Francisco.

I was in San Francisco for work, checking out some meeting venues. After checking out the Asian Art Museum, I found myself hungry and in Little Saigon. While I was deliberating where I might eat, I saw this long line forming outside of a little sandwich shop. This small shop is located in a rather shady part of the Tenderloin District. But, after reading the Gastronomer's recent post on banh mi, I knew I had to stop and eat one. After all, a line this long must mean good things.

I saw people waiting in mini vans outside, while their kids waited in line for sandwiches. I thought to myself "Damn, this sandwich has got to be good!" When I finally got to the counter, I ordered the roast pork, or banh mi thit, and waited a couple more minutes while the ladies behind the counter methodically baked bread, and stuffed them with meat, pate, and veggies.


Roast pork Banh mi.

I bit into my sandwich and knew I was in heaven. The fresh baked bread had a nice crispy exterior with a soft chewy interior. The sweet roast pork and creamy pate was well balanced by the extremely fresh cilantro, jalapeno pepper, pickled cucumbers, and carrots. The heat from the peppers provides the perfect contrast to the sweet meat and tangy veggies.

The long lines are a good indication that I am not the only who digs these sandwiches. Interestingly enough, Playboy magazine just named Little Saigon one of the ten best sandwiches in the country. And for $3, that is one heck of a deal.


Saigon Sandwich
560 Larkin St
San Francisco, CA

1 comment:

Gastronomer said...

Wow! Now, that's a line. Makes me feel all warm inside seeing people line up for banh mi :-)

I'm glad you had a pleasant Viet sandwich outing. And that you enjoyed that pate!