This place is my life. Cheap (but excellent) bahn mi has been my lunch at least twice a week for the last 3 years. The pho is good quality but half the price of K n K. Thai tea is solid. And of course, the service is warm and courteous. Its just one of those spots that your thankful exists in your proximity. read more

Saigon Express - Number 5 bbq chicken Bahn Mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Saigon Express will always have a soft spot in my heart! Nothing can beat a $6 filling lunch special or a $3.50 delicious banh mi - you can't get a better deal in Berkeley. Not only is the food cheap, everything is also decent quality. I'm Vietnamese and have had my share of authentic Vietnamese food, and I can say that everything here is fairly authentic. For the lunch specials, my favorite items are the eggplant tofu and lemongrass chicken. The fried rice and noodles are quite bland, but a couple squirts of Sriracha and Hoisin sauce do the job of spicing them up. My favorite Banh Mi is the BBQ Pork. I also really like the grilled chicken and vegetarian banh mis. I am also a fan of the shrimp spring rolls - they are nice and fresh and taste great with the peanut dipping sauce. On top of the cheap and delicious food, everyone working here is super kind and friendly. They are a family-owned business and the love they put into their food really shows! read more

Saigon Express - BBQ Pork Banh Mi. Delicious! - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

TL;DR authentic & quality Vietnamese food right in DT Berkeley Saigon Express serves up so mean Vietnamese food. They have a large menu of sandwiches, pho, and drinks. There is even a whole section in menu dedicated to vegetarian dishes. I've gotten their sandwiches ($3-4) countless times, and it's perfect every time. There's a nice crunch to the bread, but a little crummy, so prepare for a bit of a mess. The meat is cooked and seasoned perfectly every time, paired with pickled veggies, it's the perfect combo. There are peppers in there, so opt out if you're not a fan. Their prices are super low, especially for a restaurant in downtown Berkeley. The place looks small on the outside, but plenty of seating in the back for you to enjoy your food. I have yet to try their pho, but I'll definitely be back for it. read more

Cheap, filling food, but you get what you pay for. Best deals have got to be the banh mi. $3.45-4.00 (CASH ONLY under $5) will get you a large sandwich with all of the normal goodies in it (paté, mayonnaise, head cheese), and they have a large selection of various fillings for the sandwiches. Very filling and cheap, but the bread can use a little work - often times too dry and crunchy, like a crumb grenade. Don't let that stop you from trying it out though! Pho - for about $9, you can get a large, warm bowl of rice noodle soup with various fixings. Their pho comes out of the kitchen at an incredibly fast rate, probably two minutes from the time the order is placed, and tastes great! Comes with a plate of bean sprouts, sliced lime, cilantro and jalapeño peppers for garnish. Best for cold, windy days where you just want to warm up a little. Service is nice, just order and pay at the counter, find a seat and wait for your food. Lots of seating, but can get a little crowded at lunch hour. TL;DR: cheap eats, but you get what you pay for. Perfect for those on a budget and are looking for quantity over quality. read more

Stopped by a few times for lunch, fried rice with two entries: tofu with curry sauce, chicken with curry sauce, chicken with broccoli. Food is OK, under $8. read more

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So happy Saigon Express is within walking distance of the UC Berkeley campus. It's my go-to place for a quick meal or when I'm craving Vietnamese food. They have an extensive menu of different Banh Mi sandwiches at only $3-4 each, premade so it's quicker (they just reheat it for you)! My favorite is the #5 grilled pork: comes with lots of meat actually, thick French bread, and refreshing veggies like the pickled daikon and carrot. It's so good for a quick meal i can't stress that enough Every time I've had pho here it's been really pretty good too. It won't be the BEST pho you've ever had, but it's very decently priced at around $7-9 a bowl. And it comes quickly, + the workers are very friendly. They don't take cash below $5 or $6 so it's best to bring cash here. read more

Saigon Express - #5 grilled pork - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

I came here twice. Once for dinner and once for lunch. For lunch I realize that they have their preface deal where you can get rice or boodles plus a dish for a little under $6, which is a great deal, but I decided to go for a banh mi. The bread is not as crunchy as I'd like, but it was still good. The filling was also all really flavorful and good. The reason for the three stars is that the food is pretty average and the service is quite chaotic. When you walk in, there is a giant line at the front for everyone waiting to get lunch. When it's your turn to order, you just shout your order and they confirm it with you. I said the number of the banh mi and then they said the type, which was confusing. It wouldn't be that bad if they did that in a calm manner, but it's sort of like they're arguing with you when they say it. Overall, I'd come for the food, not the service. read more

I must've been here at least a dozen times now so it's about time I give my two cents. What Saigon Express lacks in atmosphere, it makes up for in its quality, quantity, and reasonable prices. Service is decent and I like the array of menu options. I've had their pho, vermicelli bowls, and banh mi sandwiches and all have been solid. Today I had their grilled chicken and imperial rolls vermicelli bowl. I think their chicken is delicious and well cooked! I always enjoy their noodles as well. My order came out really quick. I definitely recommend Saigon Express for a quick bite or takeouts read more

Saigon Express - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

The food is cheap. It can be good. It can be mediocre. The employees often argue loudly with one another, which can be uncomfortable. Apparently, pregnant women often crave Saigon Express's pho. I don't really enjoy coming here, but I usually enjoy the food. Purely from a value perspective, it's worth it to get your lunch from here, and even when it's busy, you don't have to wait that long. But is it really worth it to come here? I can't really say it is. read more

The food came really quickly (I guess that's why it's called express) and it was a good, affordable meal. The layout of tables in the back of the room is comfortable and not too crowded. It's one of those places where I wouldn't feel weird coming to eat alone. I got the rare beef pho. The portion was decent and there was a lot of beef, but I would have liked to have more noodles (maybe I was just hungrier than usual...) read more

Saigon Express - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Fast service and solid food. Saigon express never disappoints. I've probably gotten lunch here more than 30 times now. It's a great choice for a quick lunch. read more

Many banh mi I can order by the number. Quick service and they do have a menu for take out or dine in.

Lovely family running a nice Vietnamese restaurant, the folks there remind me of my aunts and uncles. I really enjoy their Vermicelli dishes. I haven't tried the Pho yet but so far I like them. read more

Takeaway: Get the Vermicelli Bowl! Affordable and quick place to grab a meal downtown. Came here for the first time with a friend, and I really enjoyed it! I honestly didn't have too high expectations for the place (doesn't look the best from the outside) but after reading some reviews I decided to get the Grilled Chicken Vermicelli Bowl. It was under $10 so I thought it was pretty worth! They give a lot of noodles and chicken (which was very tender and yummy, not dry) and it came with a side of sauce (I think it might've been fish sauce?) which added good flavor when mixed with everything else. The inside is actually quite spacious, since there is the main counter and then steps leading to another seating area. It wasn't packed when we went, but there were a decent number of people - and it was at an awkward time, around 3pm, so I'm guessing it should be pretty popular around the lunch rush. read more

Saigon Express - Grilled Chicken Vermicelli Bowl - yum! - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

I've been here three times, and I definitely will not be going here again. First time I got their tofu in coconut milk, and second some kind of pho. Each time, the food I got was very bland, cheaply made, and with small portions. It tasted like it could have been microwaved from a package, and even from there, it needed much more flavor. I guess that is what you get for the price. I would not be giving it a 1-star though (you can see my other reviews to show that I am generally not a picky person) if it wasn't for a terrible experience I had. One day, I was rushing to take the BART and go to the airport, so I needed to get something quick. A few of my friends kept raving about their cheap banh mi's, so I figured that I would try one out. I walked in and ordered a pork ham combo banh mi. They were apparently a little bit busy, so they told me to wait a little bit. This gave me some time to look around, and I saw and realized that they only took cash for orders under a certain dollar amount (forgot exactly, maybe $5). Unfortunately, I did not know this, and I only had like $3 in my wallet (so, not enough to cover the meal). They had not even started making my food, so I told them that I did not have enough cash to pay for my meal, and I only have credit/debit cards, which they cannot take. I told them I was gonna cancel my order for now (with the intention of finding an ATM nearby), and before I can finish, the woman behind the corner interrupts and yells at me, "Are you serious? UGHH whatever," and waves her hand dismissively at me and walks away. It was very rude of her to do, especially considering how these were their rules, so I don't see why they should be mad at me if I can't meet them. I'm left standing there for a few seconds, until one of the other workers walks over and starts making my sandwich, even though I did technically cancel my order. I reminded him that I cancelled my order for now, and he points over to the fridge behind me, and tells me to go buy a drink so I can meet the credit/debit card minimum and place my order. I could have just walked out there, but I did not want to cause further conflict so I just grabbed a drink and took the sandwich. The experience really ruined the rest of my day, as well as the taste of my sandwich, which still was not even that filling and only average in taste. I could get a banh mi of that quality or better at an average pho restaurant. read more

I came to Saigon Express at about 5 when it was fairly empty. Around lunchtime it gets absolutely packed with high schoolers though, so beware. I ordered the ham Bahn Mi combo (#1.) and it was $4 pre tax. The restaurant however has a $5 minimum for card purchases though. In all, it was a super good price for a tasty, authentically Vietnamese sandwich. The combination of ingredients complimented each other perfectly and the sandwich melted in my mouth. They also have delicious vegetarian options. I would recommend their tofu spring rolls and vegetable bahn mi as well. Overall, it's a great location for fast, delicious Vietnamese food and friendly service. I would definitely recommend this place to others. read more

Saigon Express - Ham combo banh mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

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So happy I found this place, and will definitely be recommending this left and right to all Cal students. Food is nourishing, diverse, and cheap; service is fast; and facilities are super clean and actually very spacious! I got their Chicken pho with less noodles on a sick day- great flavor, really well cooked noodles (usually not something I say about pho), and lots of chicken. Just wish their were more vegetables (no basil). read more

Saigon Express - Chicken pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

I eat a ton of Pho. Service was good. Broth was not very tasty at all. I actually didn't get through more than a few bites... if you're critical of pho, I'd pass. Try something else. Very busy establishment - so they're doing something right. read more

Saigon Express has the cheapest bahn mi's you'll find in the bay. It came out to less than $5 and they do not take card if your total is less than that. You can either buy a drink or bring cash (Bank of America is a block away fyi). I decided to buy a bottled martinelli so I could avoid plastic. This is not the best tofu bahn mi I've ever had, but it is the best considering the price. The bread was slightly dry and the tofu was shredded and marinated in something resembling a fish sauce, so I'm unsure of whether or not it's vegetarian. I will ask next time. The service was very fast, so you really can't go wrong. They had several tables to sit at inside and it's close to campus. I'll be stopping by again for another cheap lunch! read more

Saigon Express - Tofu bahn mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

A great neighborhood spot! The food is delicious and affordable, the staff are incredibly friendly and always make my day a bit brighter. The shop has a welcoming, homey environment which makes it an all time favorite for spot for a quick lunch. You can tell that the food is made with a lot of attention and care. I've been coming here for years and will continue to! read more

Worst Pho I've ever had. I didn't know you could mess up pho and yet here we are. Broth is bland and has that rice starch taste, which leads me to suspect the noodle was cooked in the broth. Or the noodles are made from dried. Can't say about their other food but stay away from the pho! read more

This place is affordable. If you're a hungry student looking for decent food for affordable pricing I would come here. The sandwiches are around $3-4 and the soups are affordably priced and the quality is not bad. Parking is terrible and there's no wifi. It can get a tad hot in the summer. The service is quick, and friendliness varies on the days. read more

Saigon Express - The bread is usually a bit old and crumbles. - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Saigon Express! This is on my regular rotation and it's likely my all time favorite of the places I go. 1) They're nice: Really, stepping in here is like a trip to any place that isn't Berkeley: they say hello, are polite, and even joke from time to time. 2) The food's good: It's not haute cuisine folks, but given the options and alternatives in the UC area, the food is good. Mind you, I stick to the #4 banh mi or the beef salad, so I can't speak to anything else. Between these two, however, I'm set. 3) Affordable: Drop a ten spot in here for lunch, and you will get fed well with enough left over for a decent tip and a rollie or two at Pub. 4) Fast: During lunch, I think the majority of people order banh mi, and they have a couple of people cranking them out so the lines move quickly but ... 5) Time your visit well: Berkeley High isn't far away, and the kids flock here in large numbers at noon. If the presence of youthful hi-jinx and tom-foolery is your thing, then you may have my spot. Otherwise, go early; 10:30 to 11:30 seems to be optimal. 6) Construction: As of June 2019, the city in its wisdom is performing some sort of project involving impossibly loud jack hammers and tractors at the intersection the restaurant is at, and that may be something to consider. They do charge for to-go packaging ($.50, I think, for a box and bag; the prices are actually posted at the register). read more

Visited on a rainy night while I was in the area. I ordered a Thai tea, Beef Pho, and spring rolls. Everything was delicious and the broth was so tasty. I live near Little Saigon in So Cal, so I've tried many places and this place definitely stood out. Love the service and location also! read more

My favorite place in Berkeley to get Vietnamese food. Most often, I got the vermicelli combo which includes imperial rolls, choice of meat, and veggies. I personally think is the best, and don't forget to add fish sauce to the vermicelli noodles! Another great thing about this place, is that it is pretty affordable and doesn't sacrifice any quality to do so. Good food, large servings, and affordable. read more

Saigon Express - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

This place is a sway scam ticket for the broke at heart. This summer I was definitely feeling the heat and the burned through pockets so this place was automatically it.. we're talking 3.69 banh mis or something to that ridiculous amount. I was swayed. It was one of those things where you get your food, eat 2 bites and immediately run to the restroom. They didn't seem very hygiene oriented because now that I remember, the lady was on a house phone the whole time arguing with someone and touching money while turning back to handle food. You are warned. read more

The location is great, one block off campus. The service is fast, just like their name. The ambiance is clean and well lit, especially with large windows in the upper back room. The price is good value for students, which is their customer base. The food is decent, but not as flavorful as I would like. This way, they can target to a wider crowd. read more

Not a bad place to grab a quick snack, prices are quite affordable as well! I remember the Banh mi was quite tasty and at a good price, so recommend trying that if you come here. But I wasn't the biggest fan of their pho. I got the rare beef pho and my friend got the chicken pho. The soup was alright but the noodles and meat were extremely bland even after adding sauces. They also don't give a lot of meat compared to other pho places. Although the prices are cheaper, I still don't think it's very worth. We both thought it was just very meh. TLDR; cheap Vietnamese food. Recommend banh mi read more

If you're in downtown Berkeley/UC Berkeley area, Saigon Express is the place to go for good, cheap Vietnamese food. Plenty of food choices: noodle soups, sandwiches, rice plates, cabbage salads, stir-fry dishes The sandwiches ($2.99) are served warm and toasted. Veggies, onions, jalapenos, and your choice of meat (ham, pork, tofu, or fishcake) is stuffed in the sandwich. My only complaint? I wish there was a few more slices of meat in the sandwiches. The noodle soups ($6-7) are delicious. The pho broth is a traditional beef based broth which is well flavored. My favorite order is the bun rieu which is a crab and shrimp in a tomato broth with pieces of tofu. Unfortunately it's not real crab or shrimp, it's only a paste. WHAT TO KNOW: *More options when you dine in *Vegetarian options available *Fast, friendly service read more

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Saigon Express has a steam table offering lunch specials. also featured: banh mi, pho, rolls, vermicelli noodles. eats: cha siu banh mi(2.99) -crunchy warm baguette, cha shu within cold, greasy, not so fresh. -also carrots, radish, cilantro, dressing -tad of msg too .... 3 stars crumbs: -friendly service -lots of sitdown room . -cheap banh mi, you get wjat you pay for. read more

Conveniently located just two blocks away from the Downtown Berkeley BART station, this is a good place to go to if you want some Vietnamese food for cheap. (+): -The ladies who work there have been courteous each time I've gone and the service is quick as expected -Banh mi ~$3.25 flat which includes meat/tofu, daikon, carrots, and cilantro. I usually get their grilled chicken banh mi. It's no Saigon Sandwich (SF), but it's decent in terms of price for the amount they give you. Their bread is toasted and still soft on the inside, which I thoroughly enjoy since I dislike breads that can cut my mouth. -Rare beef and tripe pho - the broth is full of flavor which is a plus! Simple, traditional, and perfect for a chilly day. (-): -For the banh mi, I think they make them beforehand and wrap it up prior to the lunch/dinner rush because one time I ordered one and it was handed to me instantly. So I don't think their food is super fresh. -Imperial rolls. I thought these were actually expensive (more than $4 as I recall), for 3 pieces that were halved to make "6". They were just "ok". It must have been served right after taking it out of the fryer since it was still very oily after cooling down. Overall: If you want to go somewhere quick and cheap for decent Vietnamese food, then I'd drop by here. read more

Saigon Express - Grilled chicken banh mi ($3.25) - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Got a craving with limited options nearby? This would be the spot for that. I was seeing a movie down the street, didn't have a lot of time, and saw this was the closest spot with pho. I loved how many options they had, and would love to go back and try different things. I got chicken pho while my friend got the veggie. Both were decent - lots of veggies in the vegetarian version (this sounds obvious but sometimes there actually isn't a whole lot of anything in the vegetarian options!). I had a good amount of chicken in mine, and the broth was good too. My noodles were still stuck together when I got my bowl, but it loosened up in a minute. They're noodles, it happens! Similar to other reviews, the food is pretty good but not necessarily the best I've had. Service was good and our food came out pretty quick. There was lots of seating available, too. Your standard great-option-for-students spot. I probably would have loved it when I was in college, too. read more

Saigon Express - Pho! - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

It really is an express! I got the pho I ordered within a few minutes after sitting down. Although the place was packed full at lunch hour, they were still really fast in cleaning tables and serving food. I was really amazed at the variety on their menu and their ability to still serve food quickly. The banh mi's are inexpensive, but don't meet the card minimum, so you would have to pay in cash or order more.They also have express rice plates, pho, and vermicelli, and other items like spring rolls and drinks. I was so excited that my pho came quickly and also tasted yummy! I would say its a good place to get pho around the Berkeley campus area. It was so good that I didn't even realize I had been using my chopsticks backwards until I finished eating and set them down. :'D The only concern was that the broth may have been a bit too salty. read more

Saigon Express - Rare steak pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

My favorite Vietnamese sandwich spot in Berkeley! I used to come here all the time between classes or for a quick, cheap meal. Their sandwiches are $3.45 each, and they also serve pho, egg rolls, and other Vietnamese foods (which I haven't tried). For $3.45, you get the most authentic Vietnamese sandwich around. It comes on a piece of French bread, with veggies (carrots, cucumbers, onions, jalapeños) and your choice of meat! I usually order the #1 (pork combo), and it's delicious and filling. Sometimes they run out of this one, since it is one of their most popular sandwiches. There's a $5 minimum credit card charge, so I usually order 2 sandwiches (so I have one for later) or add a Thai iced tea to my order! Great value for a great price. read more

I just want to write an update review for Saigon Express. I have since moved away from Berkeley but I still go there to see my therapist. Whenever I'm in Berkeley, I always go to Saigon Express for lunch. I want to say that the bun bo hue is my favorite item to order and I love the spring rolls, both are made to perfection. If it didn't take only one meal for me to get full, I would so totally order all the meals like say vermicelli bowl and pho. If you're adamant about going to Saigon Express for lunch, you no longer have to be based on my updated review. I'm planning on going to Saigon Express for lunch next week, so excited. read more

I passed by here a few times, but never had the opportunity to try it until today. The place is pretty dingy looking. Poorly lit, even though it was midday and the sun was out. This place is definitely family run which is a major plus!! I looked at the menu for a while and decided just to try the combination sandwich. I mean, you have to try the combo and make sure that's good before venturing out into the other sandwiches.What puzzled me at first was the price. Why was the combination a bit more expensive than the others?? It made no sense to me, but whatever. I waited a few minutes for the girl to make my sandwich. I was a bit hesitant when I saw them pull a giant bag full of baguettes that seem to have been sitting in the front, near the window cill. Meh, I got my sandwich and was excited to open it up since the roll was nice and toasty. At first, I was disappointed by the amount of meat and vegetables in the sandwich. So little compared to other places. I took my first bite and the bread crunch and bits and pieces flew all over the place. After a few more bites, I realized it was lacking moisture. Not enough pate or mayonnaise to help lubricate the baguette. Halfway through, I was less impressed. Few bites into the second half, I hit a piece of Jalapeno and my mouth caught on fire. A surge of heat resonated and I finally felt like I was eating a Vietnamese sandwich. My palate cleared, and I could finally taste the richness of the pate and freshness of the cilantro and carrots. The last bite was entirely pate and mayonnaise. The piece de resistance I was looking for! All in all, the sandwich was satisfactory. Only being $3.20 +tax and a short walk from campus, I definitely see myself trying other things on the menu. If you're a pate/mayonnaise lover like me, try asking for extra. I will do that next time I go! read more

Saigon Express - Combination Sandwich - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

Was on the search for a cheap and tasty place to grab food before class and I lucked up and saw they had bahn mi pictures posted in the window so I walked into Saigon Express and was warmly greeted with a smile. I ordered the combination bahn mi asked if I could add a fried egg to it and she said no problem. She repeated my order back to me (no cilantro or jalapeño and egg) for a whooping total of $4.50! I picked an open seat and poured myself free water with lime from the pitchers and received my sandwich minutes later. The woman that made my sandwich even checked to see if I was enjoying my meal, so sweet. I glanced over the menu and saw plenty of other things I will be trying over the next couple months before class over at BCC. Saigon Express you are appreciated, good food at a better price, I'll be back :) read more

Saigon Express - Bahn mi yumm :) - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California

It's hard to turn down a $4.50 banh mi. We ordered the combination and grilled pork sandwich even though we weren't hungry. Absolutely no regrets here. This place knows what they're doing. Give your money to these people. Subway (across the street) will be fine. read more

Delicious $3 Vietnamese sandwiches. SE is an under appreciated restaurant in Berkeley. You have to come to Saigon Express for one thing, and that is their sandwiches. If you are looking for a quick lunch, stop by and order one to go. The sandwiches are tasty, spicy, and served on fresh bread. Their grilled chicken, grilled pork, and combo (pâté, head cheese, ham) are all great. Did I say they are only $3? read more

I have been here three times with my friend and we really like it! I recommend the vermicelli salad bowls, I have had the one that comes with pork and rolls, and today I got grilled chicken. It is so good and it fills you up! The bowls are pretty big. We usually like to eat here because it is close to Downtown Berkeley, it has fast service and it is cheap. read more

Saigon Express - Grilled chicken Vermicelli salad bowl - Vietnamese Near Me - Berkeley, California