Bánh Anh Em: A Taste of Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine in New York

Bánh Anh Em Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For those in New York City seeking a genuine and memorable Vietnamese dining experience, Bánh Anh Em offers a charming and intimate spot that captures the essence of this vibrant cuisine. Located on 3rd Avenue, this restaurant has quickly become a local gem, known for its focus on authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, making it a perfect place for a relaxed meal, whether you're dining solo, with family, or with friends. While the space may be modest in size, it's often bustling with eager diners, creating a lively and engaging environment that feels both cozy and exciting. Bánh Anh Em specializes in a variety of Vietnamese dishes, from classic noodle soups and rice plates to iconic bánh mì sandwiches. The menu highlights a commitment to providing healthy options and comforting flavors, making it a great choice for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner. The restaurant's appeal extends beyond its food; it’s a space that is proudly family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a transgender safespace, ensuring that everyone who walks through its doors feels welcomed and respected. The emphasis on inclusivity and hospitality, combined with a passion for authentic cooking, sets Bánh Anh Em apart in New York's competitive dining scene. It's a place where you can savor traditional dishes, discover new favorites, and enjoy a meal that is both satisfying and thoughtfully prepared. While the food scene for this cuisine in the city may be seen as developing by some, Bánh Anh Em stands out as a strong and flavorful contender, consistently delivering quality dishes that leave a lasting impression.

Location and Accessibility

Bánh Anh Em is situated at a convenient and accessible location at 99 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA. This address places it in a prime spot in the city, making it easy to reach from various neighborhoods. The restaurant is well-served by public transportation, with numerous subway lines and bus routes running nearby, providing a hassle-free way for locals and tourists to visit. For those who drive, paid street parking is available in the vicinity, though as with many parts of New York, it may require a bit of searching. A key feature of Bánh Anh Em is its commitment to accessibility. The establishment is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. This dedication to accommodating all guests ensures that everyone can enjoy the dining experience comfortably and without concern. The location on 3rd Avenue is lively and dynamic, surrounded by other businesses and attractions, making it a great destination for a planned meal as part of a day out or a spontaneous stop. Whether you're coming from work, exploring the area, or meeting friends, the central location of Bánh Anh Em adds to its appeal as a convenient and welcoming spot for authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Services Offered

Takeout: Conveniently order your favorite dishes to go, perfect for a quick and delicious meal at home or at the office.
Dine-in: Enjoy the charming and casual atmosphere of the restaurant for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
Credit Card Payments: For your convenience, the restaurant accepts credit cards for a smooth and easy transaction.

Features / Highlights

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine: The menu features a range of genuine Vietnamese dishes, including Bún Chả Hà Nội, Cơm Tấm, and Bánh Xèo, offering a true taste of the culture.
Focus on Healthy Options: Many dishes are prepared with fresh, wholesome ingredients, providing a lighter and more nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.
Specialty Bánh Mì: The restaurant offers a variety of bánh mì sandwiches with fresh, crispy bread, a popular item for a quick and satisfying bite.
Delicious Noodle Soups: The noodle soups are noted for their rich, umami-packed broths that are well-balanced and flavorful.
Inclusive Atmosphere: Bánh Anh Em is family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a transgender safespace, creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
Cozy and Intimate Setting: Despite its modest size, the restaurant's atmosphere is lively and inviting, perfect for a casual and enjoyable dining experience.
Unique Beverage Selection: Beyond the traditional offerings, the menu includes specialty drinks like Egg Cream Iced Coffee and Minted Honey Lime Drink, adding a unique touch to your meal.
Wheelchair Accessibility: The restaurant provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.

Contact Information

Address: 99 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (833) 674-5878

What is worth choosing

Choosing Bánh Anh Em is choosing a truly authentic and welcoming culinary experience in the heart of New York City. What makes this restaurant stand out is its unwavering commitment to authentic flavors and fresh ingredients, all served in a casual and inclusive setting. While some may argue about the city's overall Vietnamese food scene, Bánh Anh Em holds its own by delivering thoughtfully prepared dishes that are both delicious and satisfying. The Bánh Bèo, for instance, is a highly recommended dish, praised for its perfect texture and flavorful fried toppings. This attention to detail in dishes like these showcases the restaurant's dedication to quality. The noodle soups are another major highlight, described by diners as rich and balanced, a true comfort food that is free of any overpowering flavors. The fact that the restaurant offers unique options like chicken pho, while surprising to some, shows a willingness to present a different, yet still delicious, take on classic dishes. While a few items, like the bánh mì, might have varying reviews on the ratio of ingredients, the overall consensus is that the food is of high quality and the bread is excellent. The service is consistently noted as swift and attentive, which adds to the pleasant dining experience. This is a place that feels like a genuine neighborhood spot, where the staff is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. For New Yorkers seeking a meal that feels both wholesome and flavorful, Bánh Anh Em is an excellent choice. It’s a place where you can enjoy a quick bite of authentic street food or sit down for a leisurely meal of traditional Vietnamese fare, all within a space that celebrates good food and good company. The combination of its healthy offerings, diverse menu, and inclusive environment makes Bánh Anh Em a must-try destination for anyone who appreciates quality and authenticity.

Bánh Anh Em Details

Service options
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Payments
Credit cards

Parking
Paid street parking

Bánh Anh Em Photos

Bánh Anh Em Location

Bánh Anh Em

New York New York County New York 3rd Avenue

99 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

Bánh Anh Em Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 159 user reviews.

banh cuonbánh bèobun rieupatebanh xeoexecutedpork bellyumamipork flossbo ne

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I had the pleasure of dining at this charming little spot with two friends, and from the moment we arrived, the experience left a lasting impression. We got there about 30 minutes before the restaurant opened at 6 PM. The short wait outside was quite manageable, especially since my friends had arrived early and we were able to chat and enjoy the anticipation. When the doors open, I immediately noticed the intimate size of the space. Though modest in square footage, it quickly filled with eager diners, creating an atmosphere that felt both lively and inviting. We opted for a shared experience and ordered a variety of dishes to truly sample the breadth of the menu. Our selections included: Bún Chả Hà Nội, Cơm Tấm Special Combo Rice Plate, Bánh Cuốn Hà Nội, Bánh Xèo, Bánh Bèo, Bánh Mì Bò Nướng (Grilled Ribeye Steak Sandwich), Egg Cream Iced Coffee, Minted Honey Lime Drink and Rosé from Italy (Red Wine). Every dish, expect for one, was thoughtfully prepared and brimming with flavor. The Grilled Ribeye Steak Bánh Mì, unfortunately, fell short—it lacked the depth and seasoning I had hoped for, and it's not something I would order again. However, the rest of the meal more than made up for it. The noodle soup was a standout—rich in umami, beautifully balanced, and delightfully free of any overpowering fishiness. Each plate that arrived was vibrant, fresh, and clearly crafted with care. The service was swift and efficient, with a staff that remained attentive without being overbearing. Despite indulging in a hearty spread, I left feeling satisfied but not weighed down—something I deeply appreciate in a well-executed Vietnamese meal. One curious note: I was surprised to see only chicken pho on the menu, with no beef pho option. I do wonder about the reasoning behind that, but it certainly won’t stop me from returning. This restaurant offers a lovely combination of quality, hospitality, and atmosphere. I look forward to my next visit.
August 05 · Linda L
Decent food with good service, but the fact that this is considered a top Viet spot in NYC proves how sad the Viet food scene is here. Not worth waiting forWaited for about 45 min before opening and was seated at a table. Pork belly bahn mi had wayy too much mayo and veggies and not enough meat. The bread was very good though but it was so messy from the amount dripping melted mayo.Vermicelli bowl had decent flavor, but the noodles came out steaming hot and because of that, was overcooked and mushy a few minutes after it was served. The texture and freshness would have been much better if the noodles were rinsed under cold water like other restaurants do.Bahn cuon Hanoi was OK, don’t recommendThe bahn beo was the best dish of the night. The firm steamed rice Texture along with the crunch of the fried toppings was really good. You should def add some pickled garlic / liquid and the chili oil if you like spice.Service was solid.Overall, a slightly above Viet restaurant in nyc but is def worse than soo many cheaper and readily accessible ones in other cities. Admittedly waiting in the heat and humidity impacted this review
June 19 · Frank
After food crawling through the East Village, we (unwisely) decided to "end" with dinner at Banh Anh Em.I wasn't super enthused, especially since I hate queuing in line for anything. Add in that it started raining and getting cold, and we were literally the first group to be bumped to the next seating hour when we reached the head of the line, and I was a pretty grumpy puppy.However, we lucked out and were called back to the restaurant just 5 min after we were turned away. Once inside, I understood why. It's a small, dark space made up largely of two-seater tables in various configurations. There's really only one corner where a party of 5 like ours could sit comfortably, and they awarded us that corner.Then we feasted:- Banh Mi Pate: A classic for a reason, and this one was rich with umami pate paired with a delightfully crispy baguette. I'm told they bake their own bread every day, and it shows--there's nothing store-bought about these rolls!- Red Chili Fried Chicken Bánh Mì: Probably my favorite of the many banh mis we tried. Perfectly fried, juicy chicken in a tasty sauce with perfectly crispy bread. What's not to love?- Bánh Mì Heo Quay: Good in theory, a bit too heavy in reality. I think I don't love crispy pork belly enough to want it in a sandwich, though the accompanying pickled mustard greens and chili hoisin were on point.- Bánh Cuốn Hà Nội: Delicious steamed dumplings filled with ground pork, shrimp, wood ear mushroom, fried shallots and cilantro. I'm pretty sure they make the wraps themselves, they were so soft, thin and silky. I could eat these every day and never get sick of them.- Bánh Chưng Chiên: A nice, tasty light dish of crispy rice cake with pork belly and mung bean for when you want a bit of a palate cleanser that's still favorful- Bahn Xéo: Respectably large in portion and filled with yellow sticky rice, mung bean, fried shallots, and pork floss. I don't normally gravitate to banh xeo, but this wasn't bad.- DIY Banh Uot Tower: Yes, it's sad to pay Manhattan prices for a dish like this that's about 1/4 the cost in actual Vietnam, but it's also rare to find this kind of tower in NYC, so I'll take it. The medley of flavors and textures were delightful, and if my stomach hadn't been able to leave home, I probably would've had more than one wrap.- Pandan Cold Brew: Pure crack for pandan lovers like me. Wish I could make a smoothie out of this every morning.Service was attentive and consistent despite how busy they were right off the bat.This is one of those rare....and I do mean RARE....restaurants that fully lives up to the current hype. Come starving and prepare to gorge--when you finally snag a seat.
September 16 · Josephine Lee
The pho was absolutely incredible, the flavor of the broth and the noodles worked well together. The bahn mi was great too, the bread was probably the best bahn mi bread I have had, perfectly crunchy and the portion sizes were great. The morning glory dish was good, although the sauce it was cooked in was flavorful it was a little too buttery for me. My girlfriends coconut milk coffee was fantastic although my pandan ice tea was not very flavorful, felt like water with a faint pandan flavor. Service was great and the wait was about 15 min to get in on a Saturday at 9 pm.
May 11 · Vishal Merani
It brings many Vietnamese street foods to the table, such as the popular Vietnamese sandwich, which really stands out. The bread, in particular, is excellent—crispy and flavorful thanks to the butter and careful toasting. The portions are small, but that’s a good thing because it lets you try a variety of dishes. To me, it feels just like authentic street food—definitely worth a visit.
June 06 · Junnan Liao