It’s my birthday weekend! I kicked things off with a banh mi from Saigon Deli, and completed my mission to go on 19 banh mi dates! Let’s listen to “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers.

My nickname should be the Fairy Food Godmother, because whenever I visit Forest Lawn, I bring treats for everyone. It takes us 22 minutes to get to Saigon Deli, so I made it worth it by picking up a cold cut banh mi ($9) for my mother, who now lives in Calgary, and my neighbours. I chose veggie subs ($5) for Bex Oxo and Valentina, thinking it would be the safest option for them. I considered tofu but was unsure, as Bex Oxo was too polite to mention any preferences when I texted her. I found out after she likes tofu, so I’ll get her that next.

This is my third time at Saigon Deli, and the best visit because I ordered like a pro. FoodKarma recommends either a cold cut and extra pâté and butter. I also asked for extra carrots.

It’s a busy spot, but man, those ladies can whip up subs in record time. This isn’t their first rodeo. The staff crafts each sub with an odd mix of generosity, love, and no-nonsense boss lady swiftness. I was hooked. Perhaps even in love.

The bread was soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. I liked that the baguette wasn’t too crumbly, like cheaper, commercially made bread.
No other banh mi spot beats the freshness of the veggies—crunchy carrots, snappy cucumbers, and jalapeños that tasted like it straight from the garden.

Every bite was refreshing and satisfying, an abundance of cold cuts, homemade mayo, pâté, and spanking fresh crudités. The pâté was so intense, so I might stick with the standard amount and ask for extra mayo next time. I loved the pops of saltiness from the Maggi sauce.

Bex Oxo enjoyed her sub, highlighting the sweetness of the buttery mayo and the freshness of the veggies. We both enjoyed the occasional kick from the jalapeños. Even my mother approved, texting me of the deliciousness of her banhi mi.

When I first visited Saigon Deli, the subs were $6 or $7. Now they’re $9, and I’m glad they raised the prices—it’s well worth it. I hope they keep doing what they’ve been doing for decades. Hitting the Sauce gives Saigon Deli two phat thumbs up.