31 Postcards
Saigon Social is a laid-back Vietnamese gem in the Lower East Side, where you can chow down on inventive dishes like garlic noodles and bún chả at sidewalk tables.
"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
"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
"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
"After several starts and stops from the pandemic, chef Helen Nguyen can finally give a stage to her Vietnamese cooking. The menu that changes frequently, but includes dishes like crunchy banh xeo, a “banh mi burger,” and various noodle soups." - Robert Sietsema, Eater Staff
"Under innovative Vietnamese chef Helen Nguyen, Saigon Social is famous for its garlic rice, but the oxtail fried rice is even better. The dish costs $26 and includes several sorts of beef, then powerfully flavored with shallots and green onions." - Eater Staff
