Saigon Social

"The menu at this LES spot changes with the seasons—and you’ll inevitably get attached to the food here, like a serial monogamist navigating a casual fling. The bún chả is always available though, and it’s the best version we’ve had in the borough. To order it is to engage in group therapy with rice noodles, fried crab and pork rolls, more assorted pork, herbs, and aromatics. Keep an eye on their Instagram for specials, like the whole fried cornish hen, stuffed with chicken-fat rice." - sonal shah, willa moore, will hartman, arden shore, carlo mantuano

"Saigon Social’s portly burger might convince you to abandon your allegiance to smash patties. This Vietnamese restaurant on the LES tops its burger with accessories typically found on bánh mì, like pickled carrots and daikon, pâté, a handful of cilantro, and a couple of jalapeño slices. And you can taste the quality of the meat, which is made with a combination of short rib and dry-aged rib eye. The burger isn't on the regular menu, but is often available as a special—or ask and you may be able to order one off-menu." - will hartman, bryan kim, neha talreja, willa moore, kenny yang

"The Lower East Side Vietnamese restaurant is collaborating with spice and herb brand Vân Vân for its Tết dinner. The $98 dinner includes dishes such as Vietnamese charcuterie, sticky rice with pork belly and mung beans, and candied ginger. Seatings are at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21. Book reservations online." - Nadia Chaudhury

"After years of doing pop-ups around the city, Saigon Social officially has its own location on a sunny corner of the Lower East Side (formerly Mission Taqueria). They’re currently offering a rotating menu of takeout and delivery menu of Vietnamese dishes, like a bowl of chicken pho which has enough rich chicken broth, fresh cilantro, and spicy chillis to inspire you to stand up on your couch and do a power pose out of sheer adrenaline. Call 646-609-3202 or go online to place your order." - hannah albertine

"New York City “When I inevitably tell my inquisitive, curly-haired grandchildren about this year, I’ll lead with COVID, and then I’ll tell them about eating Saigon Social’s bún chả and garlic noodles with fried shrimp on a NYC sidewalk. “But Grandma Hannah, Grandma Hannah” they’ll interrupt, “what about the pandemic, didn’t that make everything suck?” I’ll stare off into the distance and sigh knowingly, remembering this Vietnamese restaurant that made me feel temporarily thrilled during 2020. Not even a pandemic can ruin the rush of discovering something so delicious you’re going to tell your grandkids about it. That tiny, electric rush is Saigon Social in a nutshell.” - Hannah Albertine, NYC Staff Writer" - team infatuation