Crackling-crusted banh mi & interactive rice rolls w/ unique Vietnamese dishes. Worth the wait!
Will Hartman reviews Bánh Anh Em, an East Village spot celebrated for its exceptional bánh mì with a unique crackle-crusted bread, alongside other Vietnamese delights like turmeric-marinated catfish and interactive rice rolls.
This East Village Vietnamese spot is celebrated for its exceptional bánh mì, featuring a unique crackle-crusted bread. Beyond their signature sandwiches, they offer other Vietnamese delights such as turmeric-marinated catfish and interactive rice rolls, alongside a rich and flavorful beef pho. Despite potentially chaotic service, the high quality and unique preparation of their dishes make it a highly recommended dining experience.
The restaurant is highly acclaimed for its Vietnamese cuisine, with a particular emphasis on its banh mi that features a uniquely crackle-crusted bread. Other popular dishes include interactive rice rolls (Bánh Ướt Chồng), turmeric-marinated catfish, and a rich beef pho with housemade noodles. While most feedback is positive, some find certain dishes, like the com tam, to be overpriced for the portion size.
"Highly recommended are the banh mi, particularly the OG and pork belly versions, the Bánh Uot Chồng (interactive rice rolls), and the beef pho. The turmeric-marinated catfish and Bún Riêu Tốp Mỡ are also noted as standouts."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the authentic and unique Vietnamese dishes, especially the banh mi and rice rolls, though some note that the restaurant can be pricey and service can be chaotic.
Important Note
Some customers find certain dishes to be overpriced for the portion size, and the restaurant can experience long wait times due to its popularity. Service can also be chaotic at times.
"Banh Anh Em is mentioned as another place with solid banh mi, where they make all components in-house."
Positive"This user recommended the beef banh mi at Banh Anh Em."
Positive"This user expressed a dislike for OG banh mi but is interested in the beef banh mi and pho at Banh Anh Em."
Neutral"This user provided recommendations for Banh Anh Em, highlighting the OG banh mi, roast pork banh mi, bun bo hue, and pate chaude, and noted the wallet-friendly price."
Positive"This user recommended the beef pho and both beef and marinated pork belly banh mi from Banh Anh Em, after trying them with their fiancée."
Positive"This user implies that Banh Anh Em serves banh mi that is as good as, or better than, La Dong's."
Positive"This user described their experience at Banh Anh Em, noting a 25-minute wait for takeout banh mi and a 2-hour wait for a table. They enjoyed the pho, coffee, and banh mi bread, but found the sandwich flavors less impactful."
Positive"This commenter expressed surprise at the size of the line at Banh Anh Em."
Neutral"After wanting to visit for a while, this user finally went to Banh Anh Em and mentioned that their friends' interest increased after seeing a viral reel. They plan to get banh mi to go until the lines subside."
Positive"This user noted that Banh Anh Em has been receiving a lot of positive press and anticipates long lines. They also expressed respect for the selection of Yemenat in Bay Ridge."
Positive"The user found Bánh Anh Em to be excellent."
Positive"This user seconded Banh Anh Em as a recommended spot."
Positive"Banh Anh Em was noted for showcasing wide noodles with their pho for authenticity, and it's the only place the commenter knew of that offered them. They also advised to be prepared for a wait."
Positive"This commenter found the pho at Banh Anh Em to be underwhelming, stating that the wide noodles did not improve the experience."
Negative"Banh Anh Em in the East Village was recommended."
Positive"The commenter states that Bahn Anh Em was not memorable and overpriced, even when trying most of the menu with a group. This sentiment was shared by others in their group."
Negative"Banh Anh Em was recommended specifically for banh mi."
Positive"A user found the food at Banh Anh Em to be underwhelming and overpriced, not living up to the hype."
Negative"Advises arriving 30 minutes before opening to Banh Anh Em to minimize wait time, suggesting using the time to chat with friends."
Neutral"Suggests calling ahead to join the waitlist at Banh Anh Em, as cancellations can lead to getting in faster."
Positive
