For this edition of Local Lunches we checked out a Berkeley classic, Saigon Express, located at 2045 Kala Bagai Way. Their menu is huge, with everything from pho and banh mi to rice plates, noodle bowls, and spring rolls. However, for BHS students, there is one very popular menu item, the banh mi sandwiches. Because of the limited time for lunch, you can't order just anything off the whole menu. They have pre-made bahn mi, which are ready in as little as ten seconds. Seriously, you may even get your sandwich before you finish paying. Because everything is made fresh and served fast, it’s one of those places where you can get something comforting, filling, and flavorful without waiting forever or spending a ton.
We decided to order one of their most popular items: the beef banh mi, which cost just $7.50. The white bread roll bun was toasted just enough to give you that crunchy exterior but still soft on the inside, which is exactly what you want in a banh mi. The beef itself was super flavorful and was perfectly tender. Paired with daikon, carrots, cilantro, and jalapeños, everything balanced out really well. Every bite had that signature mix of crisp veggies, juicy meat, and warm bread that makes a banh mi so satisfying. Saigon Express has been in this exact spot in Berkeley for at least 20 years, and you can see why. They have mastered the art of the banh mi, with good fresh ingredients, and the perfect ratio of bun to meat to toppings. One of the best parts about it is the slight fresh heat that the sliced jalapeños bring, not too spicy at all, but enough to feel that they are there. If you're hungry and want something fast but still legit, this sandwich hits the spot.
We also tried their fresh spring rolls, which they also have pre-made for the lunch rush. We got the shrimp spring rolls. The rolls were packed with vermicelli noodles, lettuce, mint, and nice big pieces of shrimp, all wrapped in soft, sticky rice paper. The peanut sauce that came with it was insanely good, being rich, creamy, perfectly nutty, and just slightly sweet without being too heavy, an amazing pair with the fresh rolls. It helped pull all the flavors together perfectly into a delicious lunch. For being such a simple dish, it was super refreshing and a great addition to the banh mi.
Overall, we’d totally recommend Saigon Express if you’re looking for delicious food, fast service, and big portions. The prices are pretty reasonable, especially for how much you get, and the variety on the menu means you’ll never run out of things to try. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm bowl of pho, a quick banh mi at lunch, or a full meal that will actually keep you going after school, Saigon Express has you covered. We give Saigon Express a 9/10 rating for its reliability, flavor-packed dishes, and great value. It’s one of those spots that’s been around forever for a reason, and it definitely earns its place as a go-to lunch stop in Berkeley.