When you were contemplating your dinner last night, did you consider the balance of Yin and Yang?
Probably not, at least we didn't. We were more concerned with finding something cheap, relatively nutritious, and fast.
However, Vietnamese cuisine pays special attention to how food balances our bodies and our spirits. Not only should good food nourish, but it should be consumed in a space and with company that puts us at ease.
Additionally, Vietnamese cuisine focuses on balance (remember that Yin and Yang?). There should always be some elements of opposites. For example, if something is spicy, there should also be sweetness to balance out the dish.
Here are some of our favorite Vietnamese restaurants in NYC (in no particular order) serving up some incredible, authentic Vietnamese cuisine:
1. Omai (158 9th Avenue)
lering Bún bò Huế i ett fantastiskt soligt men ISKALLT New York 🍜❄️🍜
The experience of Omai really sets the bar high for Vietnamese cuisine in New York City. Their decor is interesting, yet still relaxing and inviting. It's the perfect place for a romantic evening or dinner with friends.
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While at Omai, you must try the lemongrass beef roll in fresh rice paper and sesame seeds and served with a lime dipping sauce as an appetizer. For your entree, try the steamed sea bass. It comes with bean threads, mushrooms, Napa cabbage, and noodles.
2. Nam Son Vietnamese Restaurant (245 Grand Street #1)
sweetmoogle My eyes were waaaay too big for my stomach. 🙈 #pho
When in Chinatown, head to Nam Son for some incredible pho. Nam Son is pretty much a Vietnamese icon in Chinatown serving up fast, nutritious, and flavorful food at a seriously low price.
We love their "Bun Thit Nuong" or grilled pork with lettuce on rice vermicelli. Whether you that or the Tai Nam Gau Gan Sach, or combination bowl with rice noodles, beef soup, fresh eye round, brisket, tendon, and omosa (tripe).
3. Thanh Da (6008 7th Avenue- Brooklyn)
nemonyc Best Banh Mi in BK
Sometimes, hole in the wall places are dishing out absolutely incredible food. This is one of those stars. It's a bit of a mix between traditional Vietnamese and the americanization of the cuisine, but that doesn't mean it's any less incredible.
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This spot is a must for cheap and delicious food. If you're looking for an incredible banh mi sandwich, you have to try Thanh Da's banh mi, especially if you're in Brooklyn.
4. Nha Trang One (87 Baxter Street)
eats.on.the.streets A meeting of the minds after the filming of our new Indiegogo campaign! Our favorite bowl of phó in the city. Check us out at: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/eats-on-the-streets/ #eatsonthestreetsdocumentary #nhatrangonerestaurant #phó #nyc #vietnamesefood #travel #documentary #documentaryfilm #yum #delicious #sofresh #food #foodporn #doinitright #minimalist #wecantwait follow us! @eats.on.the.streets
Ok so we've already told you about a Vietnamese restaurant in Chinatown (Nam Son), but this one is a top contender. Like every other delicious restaurant in Chinatown, Nha Trang One is incredibly unassuming. You'd probably pass it by if you didn't know it was amazing.
If you want pho for cheap ($7), try Nha Trang One. Nothing beats a hot bowl of pho on a cold day. Try the "Pho Tai," or rice noodle soup with medium cooked beef. We also love their "Ga Xao Sa Ot," or chicken with chili and lemon grass sauce.
,5. OBAO (various locations)
madrastamil #dumpling #noodle #soup at #obao #vietnamese #downtown #Manhattan #NewYork #NYC #goodeats
Yes, we know that OBAO has three locations in NYC, but that doesn't make it any less worthy of being on this list. Rather, the fact that all three locations are pretty impeccable ensures a spot on our list of best Vietnamese restaurants in NYC.
Not only is the food incredible, but the decor and drinks are spot on. It's dark enough to be romantic, but still hip enough to be a great spot for dinner or drinks with friends.
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Make sure to order the spare ribs on a sugar cane skewer served with spicy honey mustard, crushed peanuts, and a hoisin peanut dipping sauce.
For an entree, their "Pho Bo" is out of this world. It consists of a ginger-anise beef broth, simmered for 8 hours, combined with thin sliced beef, braised brisket, and rice noodles.
6. New Xe Lua (86 Mulberry Street)
leitihsu Inhaled. How I've missed you! Still my favorite #pho in the city. #XeLua #latergram #eeeeeats #Vietnamese
This cute little spot is perfect for dinner with friends. It's bright, cheery, and authentic, not to mention delicious. The wooden decor and chairs makes Xe Lua feel like a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Be sure to try the "Ca Cuon," or fish rolls served with a homemade spicy apricot dipping sauce. If fish isn't your thing, any of their spring roll options are sure to be crispy and delicious. Finish with "Ech um curry sa," or a frog leg stew in a clay pot with spicy curry sauce.
7. Banh Mi Saigon (198 Grand Street)
houseofstang You dropped a banh on mi. #EEEEEATS
When you walk into Banh Mi Saigon, don't be discouraged by the jewelry counter to the left. If you turn around and walk out the door, you'll probably miss the experience of trying one of the best banh mi sandwiches in NYC... especially for one that only costs $4.50.
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With just the right amount of crunch to the bread to add texture to the pickled vegetables and perfectly seasoned meat, you'll wonder why you ever passed this place up. However, this spot is cash only, so come prepared with some paper money (the real kind, not the monopoly kind).
Check out 7 Delicious Thai Restaurants in NYC.