TLDR
Bold, plant-based Vietnamese eats in the LES. Features standout vegan pork belly and fresh, flavorful summer rolls.
Sonal Shah reviews Sen Saigon, a Lower East Side Vietnamese spot that showcases inventive plant-based dishes, including a remarkably textured vegan pork belly and fresh, flavorful banh mi.
Details
Located in the Lower East Side, this casual gem specializes in inventive, plant-based Vietnamese cuisine that prioritizes texture and bold, spicy flavors [1]. The menu features creative highlights like a coconut cream-based vegan pork belly [1] alongside traditional vegetable-forward options like lemongrass tofu and mushroom banh mi [1]. It has garnered strong praise from locals for its commitment to quality vegan offerings [2].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on creative vegan interpretations of Vietnamese classics, receiving accolades for items like the vegan pork belly made with coconut cream, fried soy ribs, and crispy bread [1]. Customers frequently recommend the banh mi, summer rolls, and pho, noting the kitchen's success in layering spices and textures [2], [3].
Customer Sentiment
Patrons consistently praise the restaurant for its delicious and inventive vegan Vietnamese menu, with many regulars highlighting the kindness of the owners [2]. While almost entirely positive, some diners occasionally express curiosity about the carb content of the vegan offerings [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SEN SAIGON
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: 1st Time Tourist Only Concerned With Making The
"A 100% vegan Vietnamese restaurant known for their vegan pork belly and pho."
PositiveFrom post: Ny Vegan Food
"Sen Saigon was recommended for Vietnamese food."
PositiveFrom post: Asians Where Can I Find A Proper BáNh Mì
"This user recommends Sen Saigon in the LES as one of their favorite vegetarian/vegan banh mi spots."
PositiveFrom post: Recently Moved To Nyc From Houston So Far Im
"Sen Saigon is a fully vegan Vietnamese restaurant in Chinatown that is described as pretty good."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Fave Nyc Vegan Joint Mines Spicy Moon
"After looking up Sen Saigon, finds it to be a charming spot and thanks the user for the recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Fave Nyc Vegan Joint Mines Spicy Moon
"Recommends Sen Saigon in Chinatown for delicious, all-vegetarian (mostly vegan) South Indian food. Highlights the owners' kindness and suggests getting a Banh Mi and Summer Rolls."
PositiveFrom post: Vegetarian Vietnamese In The City
"The user recommended Sen Saigon for vegetarian Vietnamese food."
PositiveFrom post: Anyone Know A Good Spot To Buy Vietnamese Pickled
"The commenter recommended Sen Saigon, stating that they sell the specific item the original poster was looking for (Vietnamese pickled carrots & daikon)."
PositiveFrom post: The Chefs Behind New Yorks Vietnamese Food Boom
"The commenter agrees and states that Sen Saigon and its chef, An, are awesome."
PositiveFrom post: The Chefs Behind New Yorks Vietnamese Food Boom
"The commenter expresses enthusiasm for Sen Saigon receiving recognition, stating that the place is awesome."
PositiveFrom post: The Chefs Behind New Yorks Vietnamese Food Boom
"The commenter expressed interest in trying Sen Saigon but was hesitant due to a preference against overly carb-heavy vegan food, feeling they might be missing out."
NeutralFrom post: The Chefs Behind New Yorks Vietnamese Food Boom
"The author praises Sen Saigon and its chef, An, for pushing flavors and spices in their Vietnamese cuisine. They had positive experiences at the chef's pop-ups in Brooklyn."
Positive