Saigon Deli Survival Guide

There is a great little deli in Little Saigon just off 12th and Jackson called the Saigon Deli. It's a Vietnamese deli that has sandwiches, hot food, and baked goods. The best part is it's cheap! A grilled pork sandwich is only $2.50. The bad part is that it's complete chaos when they get busy. Here are a few tips that I've discovered in the last five years:

#1. BE PATIENT. You're going to get pushed around and run into by people, that's how it is. It might take a few minutes to place your order, getting frustrated that it's taking a while isn't going to make it happen sooner. As was the case I saw today. A couple of guys, who'd obviously never been there when it's busy, start screaming in the middle of the place, "There's a line here!" When in fact there is no line and there never will be. Everyone just stared blankly at them for a few fleeting moments and went back to the hustle and bustle.

#2. When you know what you want MAKE EYE CONTACT. If you're looking off into space they're never going to take your order. The ladies making the sandwiches are very busy and if you're trying to order one you need to make sure that you're ready when their head pops up to take the next order. This can be at any moment! Stay ready because it might be a while before you get another chance...

#3. DON'T HESTITATE. If you've made eye contact with one of the workers, don't try to be chivalrous and offer the person in front of you the chance to order, because both of you will end up waiting longer. And I guarantee you that no one else is going to offer you their chance to order. It's survival of the fittest, don't let others bring you down.

#4. LOOK OUT BENEATH YOU. If you're a taller person like I am you really need to watch what's under you. There might be a child or elderly person who is trying to get ahead and you don't want to crush them. I can't emphasis this enough. I've nearly trampled many a people because I didn't realize them sneak in.

#5. Finally when it comes time to pay GET THE SPRING ROLLS. It's two bucks for two of them, they're right by the register and they're great. If you're looking for something deep fried go with the egg rolls, they're two for a buck. Not as satisfying but still good. There is also a bunch of sweet things that are good too. I'm not much of a sweets person, but I have tried the cream puffs and they were pretty good.

In all seriousness if you've never been before I don't recommend making your first trip during the rush (usually 11-2 on weekdays). It'd be best to go in the morning or later in the afternoon that way you can take your time to see what all they have without being pushed about in all directions. However I do encourage all of you to check it out sometime. It's a great little place, as long as you know what you're getting into.