Brodard Express

You could easily miss this little gem because it's tucked away in a little corner near Gate 13. But every time I am flying out of Santa Ana, I just HAVE TO eat at Brodard Express. It doesn't matter if I'm not hungry LOL I always have the Berkshire Pork & Rice bowl, but I've had other items like their soups and banh mi. It is always tasty. The service is friendly and the smell of the BBQ when I open my bowl is amazing. If you have enough time before boarding I highly recommend getting a taste of Brodard Express.

Located between Terminals B & C at John Wayne Airport, is this express spot from the Little Saigon famous Brodard family of restaurants. While you won't find their extensive, multi-page menu that is offered at their Fountain Valley or Garden Grove locations, you will find a limited menu of some of their most popular grab-and-go offerings. In addition to a fresh pastry case with various toasts such as Flan Tart, Almond Croissants, and Butter Croissants - there were also various types of their famous rolls including Spring Rolls and the "Brodard" Nem Nuong Rolls (Nem Nuong is Vietnamese for pork patty). There's also various vermicelli dishes and banh mi sandwiches, but I wanted something relatively light since I was boarding soon. My picks were: * One order of Nem Nuong "The Brodard Roll" - comes in a two-pack of their famous rolls - generous proportion of filling and rice paper wrapper. Also comes with their famous dipping sauce.* One order of Baguette & Butter - this is probably my favorite pre-boarding snack - since it's relatively light (a freshly toasted baguette), and two pieces of salted butter. * One order of Jasmine Iced Tea - super refreshing and you can taste/smell the fragrant undertones of jasmine. They also serve Vietnamese Iced Coffee here too, but I wanted something light for my flight. Service is great - prompt and attentive. I only had to wait a few minutes after ordering. Clerk was friendly and offered suggestions when I was trying to decide. Prices were higher than their sit-down restaurant locations, but that's understandable considering its the airport. Still, the prices are competitive for food that's somewhat more healthier and flavorful than the other spots in the terminal. This is a great spot for a quick bite to eat in between flights. Brodard Express is really a nice addition to this airport that used to have limited food options such as McDonald's or Carl's Jr - both of which are still here - but Brodard definitely helps balance the mix a bit. Overall, a favorite! And if you're in the area and craving Brodard, but can't make it to Little Saigon, or Corona del Mar (where another sister Brodard restaurant is at) - you can pick up OC Airpass - which is free, and allows you access to the secured areas of the airport (like where this Brodard Express is). Airpasses are limited, so check ahead. https://www.ocair.com/travelers/services/oc-airpass/

I love their Banh Mi. The bread is always soft and the fillings are flavorful. I schedule extra time in the airport just to get one for lunch. I usually get the macarons, but they are not nearly as good (often a bit hard). Don't miss the sandwich!

This is the first time I tried the Express location in the airport. It was quick and efficient to order food. They have a lot of their popular items like spring rolls already made to go in plastic containers which is nice. I got the pork spring rolls and they were delicious especially when dipped in the home made sauce. It made for a delicious and light lunch before catching my flight. The staff were friendly and I would highly recommend this restaurant.

This restaurant is a stop and go tucked away to the very end of the airport. It was a bit of a trek to get there from my gate but once there the food was easy to grab and go! Perfectly sized for eating on the plane.

Since Spirit airlines decided to leave us hanging a whole Friday afternoon we were forced to have lunch at SNA. I have been in the Brodard of Little Saigon, so I was happy to find this alternative at Terminal C. Prices are higher than the original one and variety/quality is not nearly as good, but is ok. Service wasn't good either, the woman taking the orders looked pretty annoyed by everyone (sorry you hate your job!)

I was nervous about buying premade, prepackaged food because it's not made fresh to order, but the nem nuong rolls were still warm and tasted freshly made! I also ordered a Vietnamese coffee and it was made right away! This is the perfect quick stop at the airport.

After hearing about Brodard opening in the Terminal at SNA, I was on the lookout for their shop since I arrived super early and had time to kill. I wanted something quick and refreshing/healthy since I knew that I was not going to be eating very well on my trip and wanted some of their famous spring rolls. Of course because you are at the airport they have increased the prices, I got two grilled shrimp spring rolls for ~$9 which if you go to the actual Brodard you would be able to get almost twice as much for the same price. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast spring rolls before hopping on the plane, devouring them in 5 minutes!

No other airport food can compare to this!!!!! They're about $9 for two rolls. Nem nuong (grilled pork) and chao tom (grilled shrimp) are my faves. Food is either already ready for immediate grab-n-go or they'll really quickly prep the food. The ladies there are also really kind!My only complaint is that their hours are 7am to 7pm. I wish they opened later so I could get it for my later flights.

Favorite place to eat at SNA. My girl loves the simple baguette and butter. The spring rolls are fantastic. Beef, tofu, or eggplant. All so good. Bahn mis are all good too.