TLDR
Vibrant, green-hued Vietnamese-inspired treats and 'not too sweet' cookies. A must-visit bakery for pandan lovers and unique coffee enthusiasts.
Instagram Posts References
The author visited Banh by Lauren as their first stop in Chinatown, specifically highlighting their "most incredible matcha." The post suggests a positive experience with the beverage.
Banh by Lauren offers a cute and quaint atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. They serve a pandan honeycomb cake, chocolate chip cookie, espresso, and matcha latte. The atmosphere is noted as being charming and pleasant.
Banh by Lauren in Chinatown is celebrated for its chocolate chip cookie with perfectly crispy edges. The cookie offers a delightful texture contrast, being chewy in the center with a crisp exterior.
Also at Eater's World Fare, the reviewer was excited to visit the Banh by Lauren booth. They purchased a chocolate chip cookie, pandan and French vanilla macarons, Vietnamese iced coffee, and a bánh bò nướng bread pudding. The macarons were particularly praised for their spectacular flavors, spot-on texture, and light, silky buttercream, while the bánh bò nướng bread pudding was hailed as 'lifeblood'.
This video captures a visit to Bánh by Lauren, a bakery recognized by The New York Times for its Bánh Bò Nướng, which made it onto the list of '25 Essential Pastries to Eat in New York City.' The proprietor, Lauren, was notably part of the expert panel that curated this list. The featured Bánh Bò Nướng is a baked honeycomb cake crafted from tapioca and rice flour, infused with the distinct flavors of pandan and coconut. It is highlighted for being naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. The creator expresses positive sentiments about its vivid green hue, unique squishy texture reminiscent of mochi, and its mild sweetness.
Details
Located in Two Bridges, this Vietnamese-American bakery is celebrated for its unique pandan-infused desserts and signature 'not too sweet' cookies [1], [3]. While some diners suggest the establishment functions more like a bakery than a full restaurant [4], it has gained widespread acclaim for items like the Bánh Bò Nướng [2]. Despite being occasionally described as a trendy social media hotspot, many visitors find that the flavors consistently deliver on quality [5].
Food Overview
This bakery specializes in Vietnamese-influenced sweets, particularly pandan-based treats like the naturally gluten-free and dairy-free Bánh Bò Nướng honeycomb cake [2], [9]. The chocolate chip cookies are highly recommended for their crisp edges and satisfying saltiness [1], [10], while the savory scones receive strong endorsements [11]. Customers also frequently highlight their Vietnamese-style coffee options, such as salted coffee and black sesame lattes [6], [12].
Caveats
Some visitors have found the pandan honeycomb cake to be dry, overbaked, or overpriced for the portion size provided [8].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About BANH BY LAUREN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: What Trendypopular Coffee Shopdessert Spot Did
"Flavors are truly special despite expectations of being overhyped for aesthetics."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Sesame Latte Similar To Aroom In
"User noted they have tried the ca phe muoi here and will be trying their sesame latte next."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Sesame Latte Similar To Aroom In
"Mentioned as a potential spot for Vietnamese-style coffee/latte."
NeutralFrom post: Where Can I Find A Cheddar Chive Scone In
"This user agrees with the recommendation for Bahn by Lauren, specifically mentioning that both the vegetarian and sausage versions of their scones are very good."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find A Cheddar Chive Scone In
"A user strongly recommends Bahn by Lauren for their amazing scones."
Positive