A chau

4644 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115, United States
+1 619-281-4066
$$$ Vietnamese restaurant , Chinese restaurant , Deli , Fast food restaurant
(439 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

A chau serves up a straightforward, no-frills Vietnamese and Chinese fast food experience nestled along El Cajon Blvd, a busy corridor known for its diverse eateries. This spot feels like a local staple, especially for those craving quick, satisfying sandwiches and classic egg rolls.

The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, with a small dining area that’s better suited for grab-and-go or a quick sit-down rather than lingering meals. Expect a friendly vibe where the owner and family members often take orders, adding a personal touch that’s increasingly rare in chain spots.

Dishes here center around Vietnamese sandwiches—banh mi—offering a variety of meats like charbroiled pork, shredded pork, and ham combinations, all reasonable in price and made fresh. Their egg rolls stand out for size and crispness, with a meatier filling than what you might find at typical pho restaurants nearby. Many locals appreciate pairing these with the Vietnamese iced coffee, a strong, sweet counterpoint to the savory flavors.

Practical details include a cash-only policy, which is worth keeping in mind. The place feels busiest around lunchtime on weekdays, attracting office workers, students, and neighborhood residents looking for a quick bite that won’t break the bank.

While the menu doesn’t emphasize typical American-style condiments like sweet & sour sauce, it offers traditional dipping sauces that reflect authentic flavors. This can be a minor adjustment for newcomers but adds to the overall genuine experience.

In short, A chau is best for anyone after a solid, affordable Vietnamese sandwich or crispy egg roll in a casual setting, with the added bonus of welcoming, helpful service and straightforward, authentic flavors.

Highlights
Has fast service
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Somewhat difficult to find a space

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

439 Reviews
Tm Lawson

31 Dec 2025

Very excellent. Manager was welcoming to first time visitor. Cash only! No mayo in charbroiled pork sandwich! Everything looks super fresh, too, and he talked up their Vietnamese coffee.

Robert Solberg

19 Dec 2025

Egg rolls are great! $1.45 each, can’t beat that! Service was outstanding, I’m pretty sure it was the actual owner who took my order. Obviously it’s a great Family business. The only downside is I wish they had actual sweet & sour sauce. All they have is some fishy sauce. There’s another lumpia spot nearby and they give sweet & sour sauce i like lumpia over egg rolls, but my sister introduced me to A’ Chau and every once in a while I crave egg rolls!

Juan Carlos Guerrero

16 Dec 2025

Great sandwich and rolls best place to eat Vietnamese food Cash only

jajaJoey

05 Dec 2025

Best Vietnamese egg rolls!! My mom makes the best lumpia/ egg rolls, and these are the only other egg rolls that I crave besides hers!These are unique and different from egg rolls you'd normally get at a pho restaurant. They are bigger with more meat, like lil fat dog egg rolls haha, and have a very crispy wrapper. I always get the dipping sauce for them. I usually get these to treat my coworkers, and they love them. I also order their meatball skewers as well as the spring rolls with meat and crunchy wrapper inside. The owner(I assume) is very straightforward, not very talkative, but after going in a bunch he's become my dude! Parking can be a pain during mid day. They open early, so that's when I've been going. The store front is small, but has a couple of tables to eat at. Service is quick even if there is a little line ahead.

Zeslore

13 Oct 2025

I didn't know much about vietnamese food until I started asking questions, the owner and the sons working were very helpful. Immaculate food Solid, quick service Plenty of options Helpful when asked questions Egg rolls are the staple, the Bahn Mi's are really good

Peter Lien

02 Oct 2025

The service was exceptional and compel me to write this review. Was my first time here with my wife to get a Vietnamese sandwich. The sandwich was very good but I was more impressed with the service. My wife wanted to buy a rice wine but was uncertain. The cashier (I assume the owner) said try it. She took a sip and it was buttered..my wife offered to buy it as she had already tasted it. The cashier said, no…I can’t sell you something that don’t taste right. Most Asian business would have forced my wife to buy it. His action prove to me the character of this place. I would definitely come back and recommend to all my friends! Please keep up the great service! Again, thank you for the exceptional service.

Brandy V

25 Sep 2025

The food is delicious! I bought a tray of both egg rolls to take to work and everyone loved them. The service was friendly and quick. My son said the shrimp rolls were his favorite thing he has eaten in San Diego.

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