A Lot of a Good Thing, For Next to Nothing: Go Deli

Call it a ‘Saigon Sub,’ ‘Vietnamese Hoagie,’ or its proper name, Banh Mi, and a sandwich translates as deliciousness. The term “fusion cuisine” can produce a sneer in the foodie community (Szechuan chicken alfredo anyone?), but historically there are some pretty fabulous world collaborations. So go order a Banh Mi or croissant sandwich next to the downtown Renton post office at Go Deli and reap the benefits of the American dream. 

Criteria for great Banh Mi inspires fierce debate. Score one point for Go Deli as they are a bakery in their own right and produce their baguettes (croissants and gorgeous cakes) in-house. Crackly golden outside, while airily light inside, I was told a baker was flown in to teach the method for creating these crusty loaves ($1.25). 

Banh (biscuit) and mi (cake) sandwiches were the product of French Colonialism in Indochina. When the French occupied Vietnam on behalf of China, they brought baguettes, pate, and mayonnaise to the table while the Vietnamese added their own touch of cilantro, spicy chiles, and pickled carrots. The resulting French influence on the kitchens of Vietnam birthed a bastion of new flavor.

Every Vietnamese-style sandwich on Go's menu includes in-house pickled daikon and carrot, cilantro sprigs, fresh jalapeno slices, and house-made mayonnaise (known as “whip” or “butter” for its golden color, due to fresh egg yolks). AND every Banh Mi from Go Deli, except the Special Combo costs a mere $2.99 per 10 inch sandwich. With seventeen options under three bucks, it's hard to go wrong with fresh ingredients and extremely friendly service.

With any luck, gregarious part-owner Thai will take your order as she did on Superbowl Sunday. I feared impatience with questions, but the opposite was true. Thai was welcoming to newbies, and thankfully did not just steer us toward safe American favorites. 

Their top seller? The Special Combo ($3.19), for good reason: a mix of thinly sliced deli meats with a smear of pate along with five savory traditional toppings. Don’t be scared off by unfamiliar ingredients such as jambon (French for ham), headcheese, or pork roll—Go uses specially ordered cold cuts and pork pate they season with soy sauce. Look at the pictures to know you’re going to be okay. Pork roll is the equivalent of East-Asian mortadella resplendent with star anise.

Thai’s favorite? The Saigon Bacon ($2.99) “Because it’s so fatty!” the slight owner laughed. 

Should you order the Meatball Sandwich (forget the heavy Italian version slathered in tomato sauce) expect Nin Hoa, flattened blonde meatballs accented with veggie condiments. The Asian Veggie was packed with pickled carrots and cilantro (perhaps light on fried tofu), the Grilled Chicken and Grilled Pork  (sliced Chinese BBQ Pork is also an option). Sandwiches were scattered with tender, bite-sized chunks of marinated meat.

You can also add a fried egg to any of the seventeen Banh Mi options for $1 to make it the ultimate breakfast sandwich, or add a 24 ounce soda and chips to any sandwich for an additional $2. But go for a Fresh Sugar Cane Juice, tall stalks of natural sweetness pressed right before your eyes, with a little kumquat juice added for a citrusy accent. Absolutely refreshing, any time of year. 

The croissants were divinely buttery and flaky, making us glad we threw in a “Traditional Sandwich” of Turkey, Avocado and Cheese ($4.39 with choice of cheddar or provolone) with dill pickle, tomatoes, lettuce and condiments served on the side. There are twenty traditional options served on your choice of baguette or croissant. Unless you’re on a serious diet, go for the exceptional croissants, also available for sale for $2.50 a piece.

Now that we’ve discovered Go Deli, an eight-year vision in the making, we hope we’ll have plenty of time to make our way through their list of sandwiches, soups and salads, while plenty happy to know we have a great bakery in town. 

Go Deli 

306 Williams Ave S, Renton, WA 98057 | 425-255-0620