Saigon Sandwich serves only one thing, and that’s banh mi sandwiches ($4.75). You may choose the type of bread, meat (e.g. chicken, veggie tofu, etc.) and toppings.
My white bread-BBQ pork-pate-sweet carrots-cilantro-cucumbers-jalapenos banh mi really hit the spot. It had a good ratio of baguette-to-fillings, and everything was fresh tasting.
My only complaint is that the line can get quite long because it’s one person taking orders and making the sandwiches. You can usually find the cart at University Research Park or at the intersection of Johnson St. and Charter St.
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You don’t get to have Afghani cuisine every day, so I took advantage at Zam Zam. You’ll find lots of vegetarian-friendly options at this cart, which also offers catering.
The entrees are higher in price than you would find at other carts. For example, the least expensive item is the gulpi (stewed cauliflower), which costs $9. The quality is worth it, though. I enjoyed the array of seasonings in the beef meatballs of the kofta ($12), which is served in a little pool of its own curry sauce along with basmati rice.
Sandwiches, including a kebab burger and a meatball sub, also are available. The photo of the aziz banjan (eggplant sandwich, $5) on the menu shows the eggplant in slices, but it’s actually more of a mash. Regardless, it’s flavorful and very tender, held together with firm, thick naan and a little yogurt sauce. A delicious sandwich to be sure, even if you prefer to eat meat (as I do).
In the summer, the cart is usually found in University Research Park. The owner told me that once classes resume at UW-Madison, she’ll be back at her Dayton Street location, near the Geology building.
I liked the density of the Smokehouse burrito ($7.99), which is made with brown rice, black beans, red onions, tomatoes, corn, aged cheddar and a surprisingly wonderful BBQ sauce. I ordered my burrito with falafel ($1.49), and I longed for a side of that sauce in which to dip the burrito.
