Mama's Cupboard Introduce
In the vibrant and fast-paced neighborhood of Midtown East, a true culinary gem awaits at Mama's Cupboard. This isn't your average Vietnamese or Thai restaurant; it's a cozy, intimate spot that offers a blend of authentic flavors and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. As an Asian-owned and women-owned business, Mama's Cupboard brings a personal touch to every dish, treating guests to delicious food that feels like it’s been made with care. The restaurant is renowned for its fresh and flavorful take on classic dishes, and its dedication to quality is evident in every bite. What makes Mama's Cupboard truly special is its dual identity—by day, it’s a casual and friendly eatery perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner, and by night, it transforms into a speakeasy/jazz bar, creating a unique and memorable experience. It’s a place where you can enjoy a comforting meal and, if you stay long enough, a cool and relaxed evening of good music and good company.
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Mama's Cupboard is conveniently located at 235 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, placing it squarely in the heart of Midtown East. The restaurant is situated in a highly accessible area, with numerous subway stations and bus routes nearby, making it an easy trip from anywhere in the city. The location is ideal for those working in the many nearby offices, as well as for tourists exploring the area around the United Nations and other major landmarks. The entrance is a bit of a hidden gem itself—the restaurant is located on the lower level, which contributes to its cozy and intimate vibe. This aspect makes the journey into the restaurant feel like a discovery, adding to the overall charm. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Mama's Cupboard’s prime location ensures you can get there quickly and easily to enjoy a meal.
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Mama's Cupboard offers a variety of services to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for all its patrons.
- Dine-in and Takeout: Guests have the option of enjoying their meal in the cozy and casual atmosphere of the restaurant or taking it to go for convenience.
- Delivery: The restaurant provides no-contact delivery, bringing its flavorful food right to your doorstep, which is perfect for a busy day or a quiet night in.
- Catering: Mama's Cupboard offers catering services, allowing you to bring their delicious Vietnamese and Thai cuisine to your next event or gathering.
- Reservations: Guests can call ahead and make reservations, which is particularly helpful for dinner service and for groups to ensure a table is ready for them.
- Speakeasy/Jazz Bar: A unique service highlight is the restaurant's transformation after 8 p.m. into a speakeasy/jazz bar, offering a different and exciting atmosphere for evening guests.
- Kids' Menu: The restaurant is family-friendly and is a great option for kids, with a menu that appeals to younger diners.
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Mama's Cupboard is celebrated for its distinctive features and high-quality offerings that set it apart in New York's competitive dining scene.
- Signature Banh Mi: The banh mi sandwiches are a major highlight and a must-try. They are made fresh to order and are generously filled with juicy meat and a perfect balance of pickled vegetables, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. The "Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi" and "Crispy Soft-shell Crabs Banh Mi" are particularly popular choices.
- Unique Thai and Vietnamese Blend: The menu successfully blends Vietnamese and Thai cuisines, offering a diverse range of dishes from classic Vietnamese banh mi and vermicelli bowls to Thai-inspired "YUM-MOO-YANG" and "Spicy Honey Wings." This fusion provides an exciting and varied dining experience.
- Fast Service: The restaurant is known for its fast and efficient service, making it a perfect spot for a quick bite during a lunch break.
- Cozy and Casual Atmosphere: The atmosphere is a key feature, described as casual and cozy. The intimate setting, located on a lower level, creates a relaxed and welcoming vibe that’s a perfect escape from the city’s hustle.
- Healthy and Vegetarian Options: The menu includes a variety of healthy and vegetarian options, like the "Veggie Banh Mi" and "Crispy Tofu," catering to a wide range of dietary preferences.
- Dessert and Drink Selection: The restaurant offers a great selection of desserts, including seasonal "Mango Sticky Rice," as well as authentic drinks like "Thai Iced Tea" and "Viet Iced Coffee."
- Owned and Operated by Women and Asians: Mama's Cupboard proudly identifies as an Asian-owned and women-owned business, which contributes to its unique and authentic identity.
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For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, you can contact Mama's Cupboard using the following information:
- Address: 235 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022
- Phone: (212) 371-2947
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Choosing Mama's Cupboard means selecting a dining experience that is both authentic and unique. What truly makes this restaurant worth choosing is its incredible food, particularly the signature banh mi sandwiches. These are not just sandwiches; they are a perfectly balanced combination of fresh, crispy bread, generous fillings, and rich sauces, creating a taste that is both comforting and exciting. The willingness to experiment with flavors, like the "Coconut Crusted Shrimp Banh Mi," sets it apart from other joints. Beyond the banh mi, the menu is a treasure trove of flavorful options, from the satisfying "Vermicelli Bowl" to the "Kimchi-loaded Fries," which showcase a delightful fusion of Asian comfort food.
The atmosphere of Mama's Cupboard is another major draw. The cozy and intimate setting provides a pleasant escape, making it a perfect spot for a quiet solo meal or a relaxed lunch with a friend. The friendly and welcoming staff enhance this feeling, making every guest feel at ease. The most compelling reason to visit, however, is the restaurant’s unexpected transformation into a speakeasy and jazz bar after 8 p.m. This unique feature turns a simple dinner into a full evening experience, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal followed by great music and a sophisticated vibe. It’s this combination of exceptional food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a one-of-a-kind evening offering that makes Mama's Cupboard a truly worthwhile choice for anyone in New York seeking a memorable and authentic culinary adventure.
Mama's Cupboard Food & drink
Main Menu
- Banh Mi (Sandwich) $8.95
Baguette, pickled daikon, carrots and red cabbage, cucumber, cilantro, fresh herbs, jalapeño, spicy mayo
- Rice Bowl $9.95
Jasmine rice, pickled daikon, carrots and red cabbage, cucumber, fresh herbs, spicy house sauce (add fried egg +$1)
- Vermicelli Bowl $11.95
rice noodles, pickled daikon, carrots and red cabbage, cucumber, fresh herbs, jalapeño, beansprouts, nuoc cham, *peanuts
- Salad Bowl $11.95
seasonal mixed salad, *peanut sauce
Extras
- Yum Woonsen $12.00
glass noodles, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, shrimp, ground pork, *peanuts
- YUM-MOO-YANG $12.00
Grilled pork with cucumber, fresh herbs, Thai chili, lettuce mixed in spicy vinaigrette
- LARB Salad $12.00
ground pork, fresh herbs, dried chili, sweet lime vinaigrette
- Summer Roll $10.00
rice paper wrap, vermicelli, mixed salad, fresh herbs, shrimp, *peanut sauce
- Kimchi-loaded Fries $7.00
homemade fries, picked cabbage, scallion, spicy mayo
- Spicy Honey Wings $8.00
- Crispy Calamari $12.00
spicy sauce
- Crispy Tofu $6.00
sweet chili sauce with crushed *peanuts
- Crispy Chive Sticks $7.00
- Somtum $7.00
green papaya, carrots, tomatoes, fresh chili, sweet lime vinaigrette, *peanuts
Special
- Crispy Soft-shell Crabs Banh Mi $21.95
- Coconut Crusted Shrimp Banh Mi $15.95
Sides
- Jasmine Rice $1.00
- Sticky Rice $2.00
- Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice $3.00
- Peanut Sauce $1.00
- Spicy Mayo $1.00
Drinks
- Thai Iced Tea $4.00
- Soda $2.00
Coke / Diet Coke
- Viet Iced Coffee $4.00
- Tamarind Soda $5.00
Desserts
- Mango Sticky Rice (seasonal) $9.00
- Sugary Roti $6.00
- Sweet Taro Puffs $9.00
- Fried Ice Cream $8.00
Mama's Cupboard Details
From the business
- Identifies as Asian-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Mama's Cupboard Photos










Mama's Cupboard Location
Mama's Cupboard
235 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA
Mama's Cupboard Reviews
pricessandwichinteriortofubowlkimchi friespork banh miatmospherecurry puffssoft shell crab
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I'm not going to lie, I'm always wary of places that offer a blend of different cuisines and in this case, "Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese". However, I was sorely mistaken when I took my first bite of the lemongrass chicken banh mi. The banh mi was made fresh to order (so expect a bit of a wait) and generously PACKED with pickled carrot + daikon, juicy pieces of chicken thigh, red cabbage (I know this isn't traditional but added a nice crunch), and cilantro. Bread had a crunchy exterior and super soft on the inside. However, you gotta be quick as it'll go soggy from the veggies!! Banh mi is on the pricier side compared to other joints but is more than worth it given the quality + location.Can't wait to go back and try their other items!!
June 18 · A ZhangThis is such a cute and cozy Vietnamese restaurant, but guess what? It turns into a speakeasy/Jazz bar after 8 pm. The restaurant has really cool vibes. We went for lunch and got the vegetarian Ban Mi, which was large enough for two people. I’m looking forward to coming back for the jazz/speakeasy experience one of these days.
July 20 · Gunjan AmarnaniThe kitchen creates memorable meals in a clean space. This place delivers on both food and staff quality. The menu prices are quite reasonable. Employees offered great care too. This restaurant consistently satisfies.
August 14 · Roxane DuchampThe experience was very cozy, relaxed, no-rush, and memorable. We took the risk of going down the stairs into the dark, non descript restaurant on a cold, breezy day. It was a pleasant surprise to find the ambience and service so pleasant. I'll surely try there evening Jazz sometime soon.
February 13 · Abhay AmbatiI love being surprised by a gem like this spot. The atmosphere, music, service, food and prices are all spot on. You might want to check the bathroom decor before you take your kiddo in there.
April 28 · Jen F
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