The more time (and lunches) I spend in Renton, the more I realize the depth and variety of Vietnamese cuisine and influence on the community.
Recently, I tried Renton Deli, a great Vietnamese lunch spot in the Sunset Neighborhood.
Located at 2801 Sunset Blvd. NE, Renton Deli specializes in banh mi sandwiches, fresh rolls and egg rolls, and Vietnamese coffee. However, their menu includes a variety of Vietnamese treats that may be unfamiliar to some, along with go-to favorites for others.
Some of the foods they offer that I had never tried — or even heard of — include banana cakes known as banh chuoi, mini shrimp pancakes, rice rolls, crab paste noodle soup and sesame balls, among other options.
They also offered different varieties of milk tea, and fluffy looking hum bao buns with fillings such as salted egg.
I decided to try a grilled pork banh mi sandwich, one of my favorites, and the steamed rice rolls.
The first thing I noticed about the banh mi was the bread – a nearly flawless French roll with a crispy and light crust that flaked in a satisfying way during each bite. As is customary, the banh mi came loaded with fragrant and fresh cilantro, crispy and tender pickled carrots and daikon, a cucumber spear, and sliced jalapenos for a kick. The meat was tender and the sauces added a complementary tanginess.
The steamed rice rolls were a very textural experience, with each bite being a dense roll of smooth but thick rice paper, which had an almost gelatinous texture, filled with crispy fried onions and meat. It was paired with bean sprouts and fresh herbs like Thai basil as well as a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. It was also paired with a soft sausage-like meat cut into a silver dollar shape.
All in all, everything I tried from Renton Deli was delicious, and I look forward to trying some of their other lunch offerings.
Renton Deli is a Vietnamese lunch spot in the Sunset Neighborhood. (Cameron Sheppard/Sound Publishing)
Located at 2801 Sunset Blvd. NE, Renton Deli specializes in banh mi sandwiches, fresh rolls and egg rolls, and Vietnamese coffee. (Cameron Sheppard/Sound Publishing)
