Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » Thanh Son Tofu – Seattle
Thanh Son Tofu - Seattle
Photo from Thanh Son Tofu
Thanh Son Tofu at a glance
Seattle Little Saigon
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 59 of the guests
#759 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#17 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 19 in Seattle
Average
5.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
427
Reviews
49.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Tofu & Banh Mi
- Clean Interior
- Good Baguettes
Frequently criticized
- Rude Service
- Unclear Pricing
- Difficult Parking
The restaurant Thanh Son Tofu and Bakery in Seattle’s vibrant Little Saigon neighborhood offers an authentic Vietnamese experience. You’ll find a casual spot perfect for a quick bite, whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
This welcoming eatery is known for its diverse menu, including excellent vegan options, healthy options, and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a convenient and tasty meal in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Thanh Son Tofu
Thanh Son Tofu offers a distinct experience, with many patrons appreciating the quality of its main offerings. You’ll often find the food to be a highlight, with particular praise for the tofu and banh mi.
However, some aspects of the visit, particularly the service, have drawn mixed feedback. While the culinary focus generally hits the mark, the overall atmosphere and pricing can be a bit of a mixed bag.
Customers have noted the interior is often clean, but issues like parking and clarity around costs sometimes arise, suggesting areas for improvement.
Average
5.8
out of 10
427
Reviews
49.9%
Satisfaction
156
negative
58
neutral
213
positive
Looking at the numbers, Thanh Son Tofu holds an overall Restaurant Score of 5.8 out of 10, placing it in the average category. Customer Satisfaction sits at 49.9%, which also indicates a mixed reception.
This suggests that while there are definite positives, there’s also room for improvement in certain areas, reflecting a balanced but not overwhelmingly positive sentiment from diners. The individual topic scores paint a clearer picture, based on 427 customer observations.
The Food (6.7) stands out as a strong point, receiving the most attention. Ambience (5.9) and Value (4.5) are more in the average range, with opinions split.
However, Service (3.6) appears to be a consistent challenge, with 213 positive remarks balanced against 156 negative ones overall.
What people like
- Delicious Tofu & Banh Mi
- Clean, Modern Interior
- Good Baguettes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, Rude Service
- Unclear Pricing
- Challenging Parking
If you’re primarily seeking well-prepared Vietnamese staples, Thanh Son Tofu could be a worthwhile stop, especially given its strong performance in the food department. Just be prepared for a potentially inconsistent service experience and some possible confusion regarding pricing.
With a Recommendation Score of 6.3, it suggests that while not universally acclaimed, many find enough value to recommend it. It’s a place to consider if the food quality is your top priority and you’re willing to overlook some operational quirks.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Thanh Son Tofu
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Alright, let's talk food! This spot scores a solid 6.7, which is pretty good, and with 154 positive comments out of 249 total, many folks are enjoying the grub. Especially the fresh tofu and delicious banh mi get rave reviews, with many praising the bread and freshly made items.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 61.8%, and 54 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Some found the overall food quality inconsistent, with issues like bland flavor and concerns about the bread or even spoiled items.
Food
249
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
54
negative
41
neutral
154
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh tofu praised
- Delicious banh mi
- Great bread
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland flavor reported
- Spoiled items mentioned
Often praised
- banh miMy experience at this Vietnamese tofu deli and banh mi shop was fantastic. I had heard their banh mi was the best, and after trying it, I can confirm it lives up to the hype. While they aren't the most filled banh mi, I actually prefer this as it makes them easy to eat.
- foodThe food is decent and you can usually find what you a looking for.
- tofuTheir tofu is very firm. It's my favorite in the northwest!
- breadbread was soft and not too hard
- fried tofuThe store's name truly speaks for itself, as it specializes in tofu food and other Vietnamese cuisine. I am particularly fond of their hot and tasteful soybean milk, available in both sweetened and unsweetened options, as well as their ordinary fried tofu. While I've heard some complaints about their services, my personal experience was positive, with no issues encountered.
- soy milkAlso love their soy milk! So fresh.
- FoodFood us good though
- banh mi sandwichesMy go to place for banh mi sandwiches.
- Banh MiI recommend the Pandan. The best Banh Mi is the Lemongrass Chicken and the Xa You + Fried Egg. The price is reasonable and the staff is friendly.
- baguettesI had heard a lot of good things about the tofu, but I didn't find it particularly remarkable. However, their baguettes have the Vietnamese quality you'd expect from a bah mi shop and are better than average.
Frequently criticized
- food qualityfood quality has gone down
- grill pork banh miDon’t get the grill pork banh mi here, it’s cold and bland.
- porkHowever, the quality of their Banh mi has gone down recently. Specifically, the pork was too sweet and wasn't heated up properly. I hope to return to try this again and will update my review if necessary.
- tofuwhat kind of tofu that they have
- Bahn miBahn mi gets smaller and more expensive
- Banh Cuonplastic and shredded bits mixed into the Banh Cuon
- Banh MiAs for other items… Banh Mi - not good.
- Banh miquality of their Banh mi has gone down
- HumbaoHumbao - Mehh…plus they use regular chicken eggs versus quail eggs. Lacks flavor.
- bahn mibahn mi is $6.50, but they charged $14
If youre keen on trying some highly-praised tofu and banh mi, its definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some experiences suggest the food quality can be a bit of a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
Service (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
When it comes to service, some customers have had pleasant experiences, noting the presence of friendly staff and friendly folks who contribute to a good atmosphere. A few even highlighted fast service and minimal wait time, making for a quick and efficient visit. These positive remarks come from 20 instances among the 82 total customer observations.
However, the overall picture for service is quite challenging, with a poor score of 3.6 and customer satisfaction sitting at a very low 24.4%. A significant 57 comments pointed to issues like rude service, unfriendly staff, and a generally unpleasant attitude of employees. Many felt the customer service was unacceptable, leading to disappointment.
Service
82
Reviews
24%
Satisfaction
57
negative
5
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Rude employees
- Poor customer service
- Unpleasant attitudes
Often praised
- serviceMy co-worker recommended this place because it's within walking distance from work and the service was pretty fast. He bought me a sandwich, and I had to get another one a few days later because it was sooo good.
- ServiceService:4
- staffThe best Banh Mi is the Lemongrass Chicken and the Xa You + Fried Egg. The price is reasonable and the staff is friendly. Yes, prices have gone up some, but like all restaurants during Covid-19 they have to survive too!
- communityThey help the community and more
- friendly folksfriendly wonderful folks running it
- friendly stafffriendly staff add to the authentic experience
- wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- servicecold service, very impolite and mean servers
- customer serviceBad customer service from owner down to staff
- staffThey are not friendly most of them dont soeak english very well
- workers'. I understand there might be a language barrier; they handed the phone to 3 other workers before I decided that I was not going to receive the help I wanted. I’m just very disappointed in them and now I can’t trust them.
- lineHowever, the service was not to my liking. I was put in an awkward position where I was unsure of the prices and where to start the line. Although a sign was eventually put up, it didn't make much sense.
- rudehe was extremely rude to me also
- GoogleIt said on google it’s open… but it’s closed
- OMG!rolled eyes and said “OMG!”
- ThanksIt is a big deal if there is no Thanks
- attitude of employeesgeneral attitude of employees here
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially mixed bag when it comes to service. While some find it quick, the overwhelming feedback points to significant issues with staff demeanor and customer interaction. You might want to manage your expectations or consider other options if service is a top priority for you.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a 5.9 score suggesting an average experience, and customer satisfaction sitting at a 51.1% mixed rating. Many of the 23 positive remarks praise the clean place and cozy atmosphere. Guests also appreciate the plenty of parking and the fenced-in parking lot for convenience and security.
However, there are 15 negative comments that raise concerns. Some customers have doubts about their sanitary conditions, specifically mentioning a stinky bathroom. Others found parking space to be a challenge, describing tight spots, and a few noted the bad neighborhood as a drawback, impacting the overall feel.
Ambience
45
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
15
negative
7
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, modern place
- Ample, fenced parking
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Sanitary concerns
- Tight parking spaces
- Sketchy neighborhood
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere were also excellent
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- clean and modernthe inside of the store is clean and modern
- clean placehad a very clean place
- cleanlinessClean and orderly.
- cozy atmospherecozy atmosphere and friendly staff
- decorThe decor is nice
- environmentEnvironment is clean
- family businessFamily business that is fresh
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is a stuffy
- parkingMy only complaint is the price of the banh mi, as I'm still used to it being $2-3, but that's just inflation. They usually don't have enough parking in their parking lot, and the spaces are tight and hard to get out of, so I just park on the street. This is a take out service.
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- Vietnamese districtVietnamese district is disgustingly filthy
- bathroomN batthroom stinks
- fancy buildingto a very fancy building that treated customers with disrespect
- labelinghardly anything in the place is labeled
- neighborhoodbad neighborhood where homeless and drug users are roaming the street
- sanitaryso much doubts about their sanitary
- signthere is no sign
If a clean, cozy spot with good parking is high on your list, you might find something to like here. However, be prepared for potential sanitary issues and a challenging neighborhood, which could detract from your visit.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers initially found the prices quite appealing, often highlighting affordable price and good price for the size for their meals. With 16 positive remarks, some even felt the prices were unbeatable. However, the overall score for value is an average 4.5, and customer satisfaction sits at a poor 31.4%, indicating a significant gap between expectations and reality.
On the flip side, a substantial 30 negative comments reveal widespread frustration with rising prices, particularly for items like the banh mi, which many now find overpriced. Issues like unclear pricing, being charged me way more, and confusing receipts that bundle items together frequently lead to customers feeling it's a rip off and not worth the money.
Value
51
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
30
negative
5
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced items
- Good portion value
- Unbeatable price points
What people don't like
- Unclear item pricing
- Prices often increase
- Overcharged for items
Often praised
- priceThe best Banh Mi is the Lemongrass Chicken and the Xa You + Fried Egg. The price is reasonable and the staff is friendly. Yes, prices have gone up some, but like all restaurants during Covid-19 they have to survive too!
- pricesI enjoyed a delicious bahn mi, and the service was fast. The prices were good, offering great value. Additionally, there's an enormous ficus if you appreciate plants, adding a unique touch to the atmosphere.
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- affordable priceI used to love this place for its tasty food and affordable price. However, my recent experience was a super disappointment.
- bahn mibread is fresh $6.25.
- fried tofuIt’s only $4 a lb!
- good price for the sizeThey offer a good price for the size you get
- reasonably pricedvery good and reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant has been that every single time I visit, the Bahn mi gets smaller and more expensive. At $6, it doesn't seem like a deal anymore.
- priceshardly any prices, descriptions, or hints about anything but the sandwiches
- pricingstore is not transparent about pricing
- DIY sandwichOver $6 for a DIY sandwich
- PricesPrices often seem to be made up on the fly
- bag weightWith the bag weighting at least 1 ounce
- bagspay for my food and weight of the bags
- charged me way morecharged me way more than they should
- deli item price tagnone of the deli item have price tag
- foodFood is overprice
If youre considering this spot for value, be prepared for a mixed bag. While some find decent deals, many others feel the value has declined significantly due to unclear pricing and rising costs. Its worth trying if you're okay with potentially asking about prices upfront, but it might disappoint if you expect consistent, transparent affordability.
How are the prices at Thanh Son Tofu?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 59 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 15, a good chunk of diners are spending less, with many finding great value in the $1–$10 range, showing a nice spread of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 59 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Vietnamese restaurant. It offers good value, especially with those budget-friendly options available.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Thanh Son Tofu
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Best Banh Mi, Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the Banh mi dac biet, which was the best I've ever tasted. The environment was very clean, and the service was good.
Plus, the price was excellent. Overall, a great dining experience.
- Banh mi dac biet10
- environment9
- service8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Good Banh Mi and More
My experience at this banh mi sandwich place was really good. While not the absolute best, it's definitely a solid choice. Beyond their banh mi, they offer a variety of other options including different hot dishes, pre-made desserts, dessert drinks, other food dishes like banh xeo, and snacks.
This visit, I tried their dac biet banh mi (house special, with everything) and steamed custard buns. The sandwich itself was good, with a soft bread that wasn't too hard. I appreciated that they were light on the pate, which I personally love.
I've had their grilled pork before and found it to be good as well. The steamed buns were a pleasant surprise; they were soft with a good, not-too-sweet custard filling, offering great flavor.
- banh mi sandwich7
- bread7
- pate9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Amazing Fried Tofu Selection
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, particularly for their fried tofu with a variety of seasonings. I highly recommend trying the large tofu dish with black ears mushroom. The restaurant offers a large vegetarian selection, making it a great choice for vegetarians.
The service and food were both rated a perfect 5, and the atmosphere also received a 5. Parking was convenient with a free parking lot and plenty of parking. The wait time was non-existent, and the price per person is very affordable, ranging from $1–$10.
The noise level was moderate.
- fried tofu10
- black ears mushroom9
- vegetarian selection9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
5
Tofu Good, Bahn Mi Price Shocking
I liked the tofu here. However, the menu stated the bahn mi was $6. 50, but they charged $14 and refused to change the price.
A $14 Bahn mi is unreasonable for a to-go spot like this.
- tofu8
- bahn mi2
- to-go spot3
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Bahn Mi and Value
I really enjoyed my experience here, especially the Bahn Mi Sandwiches. They offer a good price for the size you get, which is fantastic value. Beyond the sandwiches, they also have a nice selection of other hot food items.
The fenced-in parking lot was a great feature, as it helped to keep sketchy people out.
- Bahn Mi Sandwiches9
- good price for the size8
- hot food items7
What Thanh Son Tofu offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining options and dietary choices can you expect at Thanh Son Tofu and Bakery?
At Thanh Son Tofu and Bakery, you can enjoy a quick bite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They cater to various dietary needs, offering excellent vegan options, healthy options, and vegetarian options. You can also grab a coffee to complete your meal.
Is Thanh Son Tofu and Bakery accessible, and what are the parking options like?
Yes, Thanh Son Tofu and Bakery is wheelchair accessible, including its entrance and parking lot. While finding a space can sometimes be difficult, you’ll find both free street parking and a free parking lot available for your convenience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Thanh Son Tofu?
Thanh Son Tofu has an overall Restaurant Score of 5.8 out of 10 and a Customer Satisfaction of 49.9%. This indicates a mixed reception, with some positive aspects balanced by areas needing improvement.
What are the strongest aspects of Thanh Son Tofu according to customers?
Customers frequently praise the Food (6.7), particularly the banh mi and tofu, noting its quality. The Ambience (5.9) also receives positive comments for being clean and modern.
What are the main areas where Thanh Son Tofu could improve?
The Service (3.6) is a significant area for improvement, with many customers reporting inconsistent or impolite interactions. Additionally, some find the Value (4.5) to be inconsistent due to unclear pricing and perceived shrinking portion sizes, and parking can be challenging.