A favorite pastime among Seattleites is debating the city’s best food spots. Ask around and you’ll hear passionate opinions on everything from the best pho to the top Italian restaurant—and, of course, where to find the perfect bánh mì in Seattle. Thanks to a recent Axios reader contest, Seattleites who ride for Saigon Deli are backed up by votes the next time they champion this beloved spot as the best place to get a bánh mì.
For anyone unfamiliar, a bánh mì is a Vietnamese sandwich served on a crisp baguette, typically layered with savory meats, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and condiments like mayonnaise or pâté. The sandwich is a well-known fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine, tracing its roots back to Saigon in the 1950s. In Seattle, bánh mì has become especially popular thanks to the city’s large Asian community and the meal’s reputation as one of the best affordable dining options around.
In Axios Seattle’s recent reader bracket contest, locals submitted and voted on their favorite bánh mì destinations across the city. After several rounds, the winner was Saigon Deli in the Chinatown–International District. Located at 1237 S Jackson St., the longtime Vietnamese deli is beloved for its simple, inexpensive, and consistently satisfying sandwiches. Most bánh mì options cost just $6.50 there, while much of the rest of the menu stays under $10. Beyond sandwiches, customers can also order rice plates, Vietnamese coffee drinks, smoothies, and desserts. Saigon Deli is open Thursday through Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on Wednesdays.
In the final round, Saigon Deli beat out fellow favorite Q Bakery. Tammy’s Bakery and Chu Minh Tofu also earned spots in the top four. Other local favorites that readers recommended included Voi Cà Phê, Bánh Mì XO, Bánh Mì Deluxe, and Oh Yeah Bánh Mì, giving plenty of inspiration for anyone planning a Seattle bánh mì crawl. You can see the full bracket over on Axios.
