In 2008, I came to America to study.
When my family arrived in the Seattle-Tacoma International airport, a family friend picked us up and went to Vietnamese Restaurant. It was my first authentic Pho experience. It was also my first time putting cilantro and thai basil in Pho.
Food was absolutely delicious. The soup had lots of meat and even tendon. Since then, my family frequently went out to get the delicious Pho.
After I graduated high school in Washington State, I started my college in New York City.
I missed delicious Vietnamese food but I could hardly find a decent Vietnamese food in the city. There are many good Vietnamese restaurants in Washington State because many Vietnamese immigrated in West coast area.
It has been almost 7 years now and I finally have found good Vietnamese restaurants.
I would like to share 3 Vietnamese restaurants in NYC.
Saigon Shack
Address: 114 Macdougal St, New York, NY 10012
Hours: Mon-Sun 11AM-11PM
Website: saigonshack.com
5 years ago, in cold winter, I first came to Saigon Shack.
Saigon Shack is at Macdougal street that many yummy restaurants are located. The famous Artichoke Pizza is right across the Saigon Shack.
I first like the exterior design of the restaurant. It is trendy and like its name, it looks like a shack.
Although there are many customers, the space is quite small. You may eat in the bar.
Grilled Pork Chops Vermicelli Noodles:
I strongly recommend Vermicelli Bowl in Saigon Shack.
It is very delightful. The grilled pork chop is soft, tender and savory. There are a large amount of meat and fresh lettuce. Pickled daikon and carrot are also delicious. It is a healthy meal.
I strongly recommend it for tourists and New Yorkers who still did not try this famous Grilled Pork Chops Vermicelli Bowl.
S.S Classic Vietnamese Sandwich (Bánh Mì):
It is a fantastic combination of crunchy rice baguette, savory Vietnamese ham and pate, and carrot and daikon pickles.
The portion is great and most of all, it is only 5 dollars!
Must eat classic Vietnamese sandwich. It’s delicious.
Atmosphere & Location : 4.6
It is a small place but overall exterior and Interior is nice. I like it’s close to park.
Food taste: 4.5
The grilled pork chop vermicelli bowl and 5 dollars Vietnamese sandwich are great. Pho is “okay”.
Service: 4.0
I remember that there was one server who was rude. But when I went back recently, I do not see the server.
The overall service is decent. There are so many people so servers are very busy.
Price: 4.8
A reasonable price.
Total: 4.5
Tip: This place is always crowded. Many students and tourists come. Be prepared for the long wait.
You may pick up a delicious 5 dollar sandwich and eat in Washington Square park.
This restaurant is Cash Only! Always remember to have cash before.
Madame Vo
Address: 212 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003
Hours: Tues-Sun 12-3:30pm, 5:30-9:30pm
Website: madamevonyc.com
I found Madame Vo because of their Instagram photo. When I saw a photo of a huge short rib inside the Pho, I decided to visit the restaurant.
In Madame Vo, a mural of a beautiful lady with a traditional Vietnamese hat was on the wall. It has a pretty bar on the other side of the mural. I really like the overall look of Madame Vo’s interior design.
Because it is a popular place, I recommend doing a reservation before you visit. If you want to try Vietnamese style BBQ, there is a sister restaurant, ‘Madame Vo BBQ’ close to ‘Madame Vo’.
The Madame Pho (with Short rib):
I was shocked by the visual of this pho. I ordered the Madame Pho with a short rib.
In the pho, there was a huge rib with soft and tender rib meat. I strongly recommend adding a short rib to the pho. It will be extra 6 dollars. It is pricey but worth it.
The beef broth in the Madame Pho is absolutely different level from other restaurants. It has a very strong flavor. I felt like I was in heaven when I eat rice noodles, tender rib, and warm broth at the same time in my mouth. The brisket, meatballs and eye round were also in high quality.
Simply Delicious.
Braised Pork Spare Ribs (Suon Kho):
This dish is very similar to Korean style braised pork ribs.
Suon Kho is caramelized spare pork ribs braised in coconut juice and pineapple. It also served with a bowl of rice. It is very addictive flavor.
A perfect balance with a juicy braised pork and a sweet cooked pineapple will make your mouth happy.
I strongly recommend this dish to those who love braised meat!
Atmosphere & Location : 4.8
Modern interior design, beautiful mural, and a huge painting near the kitchen. There are also small photos of landscapes and people in Vietnam. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant.
Food taste: 4.9
High-end Vietnamese restaurant. They focused on the basic but yet did twist a little bit on the taste. Delicious food overall.
Service: 4.7
Servers are kind and organized.
Price: 4.2
It is pricey compare to other Vietnamese restaurants. However, the taste of food is guaranteed.
Total: 4.7
Hello Saigon
Address: 180 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30am-10:30pm
I found Hello Saigon because my husband strongly recommended me.
Hello Saigon is close to Saigon Shack. Unlike Saigon Shack, crowded with many tourists, Hello Saigon is more quiet and filled with locals and NYU students. They also do student discount.
Exterior design is plain.
However, among all three restaurants, it serves the most generous portion of food with a reasonable price. Also, there are many and various dishes to order. It does taste like having Vietnamese food in West coast.
Saigon Pho:
Wow! Hello Saigon serves such a generous amount of food!
Saigon Pho is definitely a winner of quantity. Quality is also great!
It has rare flank steak, brisket, meatballs, and even two chunks of beef rib! You will have a good amount of rice noodles, above average broth and fresh bean sprouts and thai basil.
The price is only around $13 for this. I have tried other dishes here but Saigon Pho is the best of the best.
Atmosphere & Location : 4.2
It is clean and spacious restaurant. However, compared to the other two restaurants, it is plain. I think there will be more customers coming if they change the exterior and interior.
Food taste: 4.7
Most of the dishes are above average. Their Vermicelli bowl is amazing. If I want Vermicelli bowl, I would come here if Saigon Shack is too crowded. Of course, Hello Saigon Pho is GREAT!
Service: 4.2
Servers are kind and helpful.
Price: 4.8
It is hard to find a place where you pay a reasonable price for filling food in NYC (besides pizza).
Total: 4.5
The fall is coming and the wind is getting cool. It is the time of the year when we crave for a bowl of warm soup. Vietnamese food will make your mouth and stomach happy.
I strongly recommend 3 of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants in NYC!
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See you soon, friends!
