New York is witnessing a vibrant rise of Vietnamese cuisine, with more restaurants and eateries opening across the city, bringing the diversity and richness of Vietnam’s culinary heritage to the Big Apple.
Previously, Vietnamese food in New York was relatively understated compared to places like Orange County, California or Houston, Texas. But between 2015 and 2020, the Vietnamese population in New York grew nearly 9%, fueling a wave of new Vietnamese dining spots.
One standout is MẮM, opened in 2023 by the duo Jerald Head and Nhung Đào. Specializing in bún đậu mắm tôm, the restaurant recreates the authentic Vietnamese street food experience. In 2024, they expanded with Lai Rai, a Vietnamese-style bar, and are planning a café and bánh mì shop.
Ha’s Đặc Biệt has also made waves with dishes like tamarind stir-fried clams, green chili oysters, and “pa tê sô” pastries. So popular is the restaurant that reservations are almost impossible. Owners Anthony Ha and his wife plan to open Bistrot Ha soon.
Recently, Bánh Anh Em opened, offering specialties such as Nam Định beef pho, Hanoi-style steamed rice rolls, and Hai Phong baguettes, drawing long evening waits of up to two hours. Owner Nhu Ton emphasizes a mission to deliver the authentic flavors of Vietnam to the U.S.
Beyond brick-and-mortar establishments, pop-up concepts are trending, spreading Vietnamese cuisine quickly through social media. Popular names include Bé Bếp by Phoebe Tran, the Ăn Cỗ party series by Thư Phạm Buser, and Xin Mời by Trisha Đỗ. Observers note that this culinary boom reflects the creativity of young Vietnamese Americans, who, unlike previous generations burdened by survival, now have opportunities to innovate and build businesses, bringing Vietnamese cuisine to a new level in New York.
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