We’re Paige and Mason. The Bend Banner is our way of keeping tabs on this wild, beautiful place we call home. To the mornings that start with coffee and mountain air, the trails that somehow always lead to a brewery, and the kind of small-town stories that remind you why you chose to live here in the first place.

The Vietnamese Food Cart You Should Be Eating

There’s something special about this Vietnamese food cart at Deschutes Brewing. Da Nang sits right outside the main Deschutes Brewery, and it’s a must-visit food cart in Bend.

The food is Vietnamese without the fuss. Bright flavors. Small Menu. Big returns. Nothing extra that doesn’t belong.

Start with the lemongrass chicken bánh mì. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you stop mid-bite and recalibrate your expectations for lunch. The chicken is deeply savory with that citrusy lemongrass punch. Pickled veggies bring the tang. Fresh herbs cut through everything. The bread does its job and gets out of the way. It’s messy in a good way. Non-negotiably good.

Then there’s the steak and rice bowl. Simple on paper. Dangerous in execution. Tender steak, perfectly cooked rice, fresh veggies, and sauces that lean salty, spicy, and just a little sweet. Every bite hits. You keep thinking you’re full and then somehow you’re not.

That’s kind of Da Nang’s whole thing. Tangy. Spicy. Comforting. Food that wakes you up without knocking you over. It pairs suspiciously well with a cold beer, which feels intentional given the location.

It’s easy to miss if you’re locked in on brewery plans or distracted by tourists photographing their flights. Don’t make that mistake. Next time you’re at Deschutes, skip the internal debate. Walk outside. Order the bánh mì. Add the bowl if you’re smart. Eat standing up. Get sauce on your hands. Feel very good about your choices.

That’s the move.

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The Bend Banner is as local as it gets — written here, for the people who actually call this place home.

No big media machine, no out-of-town editor guessing what Bend cares about. Just a weekly letter built from real conversations, real places, and real curiosity.

If you choose to support it, every bit helps me bring you more of the good stuff — the stories, the characters, the weird corners of this town that deserve a spotlight.

Appreciate you, friends. Thanks for being part of this.

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