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The pho (noodle soup) is pretty good at the Saigon Express.

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Don't let the white paint advertisement or the hole-in-the-wall infrastructure fool you, Saigon Express is a favorite for San Antonians who have a hankering for Vietnamese and Chinese food.

WHAT: Saigon Express

WHERE: 1626 McCullough Ave; (210) 277-1899

HOURS: 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday

TASTE SENSATION: Though it seems that Vietnamese and Thai places are popping up left and right in the Alamo City, classics can't be messed with. At Saigon Express, the pho (noodle soup) is not bad. The eatery has a variety of sizeably portioned vermicelli bowls, which are served with vegetables and your choice of pork, chicken or beef. Don't forget Saigon Express also serves Chinese food. A favorite is the combination fried rice and the chicken broccoli. If you're on a protein-and-salad diet, you have to try to the Vietnamese chicken salad, which is shredded chicken tossed with vegetables in a sweet vinaigrette dressing served on a bed of lettuce.

TUMS-WORTHY: During a recent visit, the summer rolls (white noodle, shrimp and lettuce wrapped in rice paper) were a little stale. Might be better to go for the fried spring rolls.

THE 210 TAKE: Saigon Express is a place where you can get food on the fly. Sandwiches only cost $3.50, but the downside is the restaurant does not toast the French bread or grill the protein. The sandwich spread — a combination of mustard and mayonnaise — is a hit. If you want a Vietnamese spot that has better sandwiches, try Big Kahunas on 741 W. Ashby Place.

The service is exceptional at Saigon Express. The summer rolls weren't up to par, so they swapped them for spring rolls at no extra charge.

If you're strapped for time, try calling in your order and zipping through the drive-through.

Bryan Chu | 210SA contributor