NYC Vietnamese Restaurant Banh Anh Em Serves the Best Banh Mi | Eater NY

"An East Village Vietnamese restaurant from Nhu Ton and John Nguyen that has been popular since opening in the spring, with a line down the block proving how quality ingredients and strong flavors draw crowds. Nearly everything is homemade, including the crackly bread in the bánh mì and the springy rice noodles in the phở, and some dishes are punched up with items imported straight from Vietnam. Start with the bánh mì (around $15): the O.G. is the way to really enjoy that crackly bread, while the Banh Mi Pate, served on two smaller torpedo rolls for $11, is ideal for sharing with someone who wants an unctuous dive into pork floss, pate, and fermented hot sauce. The broth shines in the Phở Gà Đặc Biệt, which adds chicken gizzards and eggs to the House Chicken Phở. The appetizer section is a lot of fun, especially the Bánh Ướt Chồng, a choose‑your‑own‑adventure rice noodle roll with char‑grilled pork jowl, green mango, pickled mustard green (dưa cải muối chua), various herbs, and mắm nêm (fermented fish sauce) straight from Vietnam. It’s worth sacrificing a little table real estate to perch at the bar, where you’ll have a clear view of the flaming grills and kitchen team in action. The restaurant is walk‑in only, so arrive early—lines form 15 to 30 minutes before the 6 p.m. dinner opening—and place takeaway orders well in advance." - Nick Mancall-Bitel