Authentic Vietnamese delights incl. stellar pho & bun bo hue; a rare spot for banh cuon.
Discover a culinary gem in Manhattan's East Village, serving authentic Southeast Asian flavors. This spot is particularly celebrated for its exceptional Vietnamese cuisine, with patrons raving about their comforting pho and flavorful bun bo hue. It's also recognized as one of the few places in NYC to find delicate banh cuon, offering a true taste of Vietnam.
Specializing in Vietnamese cuisine, this restaurant is a go-to for its highly recommended pho and bun bo hue. It's also noted as a unique find for banh cuon. While most feedback is positive, a few patrons feel the quality has decreased compared to previous experiences.
"The pho, bun bo hue, and banh cuon are frequently recommended dishes. A tofu version of Ca Kho To is also available."
Customers generally praise the authentic Vietnamese offerings, highlighting pho, bun bo hue, and banh cuon as must-tries. While many find the food consistently good, one reviewer noted a perceived decline in quality over time.
Important Note
One reviewer noted that the quality may have decreased compared to previous years.
"Sao Mai is mentioned as a Vietnamese restaurant, with a specific note about their banh xeo."
Positive"This commenter expressed their enjoyment of Sao Mai, mentioning it as a favorite Vietnamese restaurant in the East Village."
Positive"Sao Mai is included in a list of recommended restaurants for takeout or quick meals."
Positive"This user tried Sao Mai but found their Vietnamese coffee was not what they were looking for, though acknowledged others might like it."
Neutral"The user found the suggestion of Sao Mai terrific, specifically noting that they offer a tofu version of Ca Kho To which is suitable for their vegetarian partner."
Positive"The user suggests Sao Mai as a good option to find Ca Kho To, a Vietnamese Braised Fish in Clay Pot, as requested in the post."
Positive