Michelle Pearl G.
Yelp
My husband told me about this place. He is Vietnamese and comes from a household of alllll the Aunties and Uncles cooking, especially his Grandmother and Mother. Let's just say he went for the namesake banh mi but left feeling more excited about literally everything else. Banh mi is amazing, don't get us wrong, but it's really hard to find a lot of the ready made eats that they offer here and it's easy to find banh mi in town. A lot of their other offerings, are dishes that are made more at home vs restaurants, which offered a lot of nostalgia and closed eyes with smiles while eating it all. We also liked the portions here, great for one person or combined for a family style experience.
Their flan here is ammmmmazing. I'm also addicted to their plantain chips while I'm working at the computer. They aren't greasy or salted/sugared. They have lotus cookies that the kids and myself are also addicted to. They're so fun to eat, aren't too sweet and have a great flavor. Their pandan honey comb cake is also delicious, it comes sliced or whole. They have all the single sized serving cups of various desserts like chia pudding with sweet corn, jellies and fruits.
For savory items, we love their banh gio/ banh u, which is the pyramid looking rice dumpling wrapped in banana leaves. The kids especially get excited when they see them. They've got this ridiculously soft and chewy texture (made with rice and tapioca flour). The inside is stuffed with egg, diff meats, onions and mushrooms. It's absolutely delicious (and really sticky). They have different versions of it there, so be sure to read the little signs in front of each one to know what ingredients you're getting.
We were excited to find banh beo here. They're steamed round and flat rice cakes that are topped with fresh shrimp, mung bean and scallions. They're then served with a dipping sauce (we spoon the sauce over). We love that they use fresh shrimp here, we're used to this being served with dehydrated shrimp.
Their banh cuon here is also really good. The dough is fresh and they're filled well (pork and mushroom). It's then served with slices of pork roll and dipping sauce.
I had xoi cuc for the first time here, ever. Super fun play on textures. It's a Northern Vietnamese dish, made with sticky gelatinous rice and filled with mung bean and pork, it's then rolled in regular rice. The kids loved this one, too.
Their banh loc is my favorite. Their delicious and ridiculous stuffed dumplings with the chewiest skin and best flavor. I usually buy 2 packs every time I go.
We diiiiiid get their bo kho (they offer it as a banh mi but you can order a bowl of it). I always crave this when it's wet and gloomy outside. It's basically a Vietnamese beef stew. Served with a fresh baguette. It was delicious!
The kids love their egg rolls, stuffed with meat vs too much veg. Their pate chaud is also delicious. Tho sometimes they can be dry, they aren't as packed with meat which I think the pastry needs the fattiness from it to keep it from drying out when in their heat lamp area. So as long as you get fresh ones, they're great! If they've been sitting out for a little tho, they dry out.
We come here often, it's part of our routine now when bringing back ready made food for the family or quick meals! We love the location, it's great having this spot more south on 82nd. Parking is super easy and plentiful.
