I made a reservation for 1 for a Saturday lunch at 12:00 PM. Not sure if the reservation was needed, but the restaurant was crowded as I finished up. I given a brief rundown of how the restaurant worked, then left to fill out my ordering card. The seating is short chairs and you may be sharing a table or bar type seating. I ordered the date drink and one of the sharables . When my food was served, person working asked me if I'd eaten this before, and when I said no she instructed me to mix the fermented shrimp paste until it became frothy and then to dip the items in the paste. She also let me know there were other sauce options (fish and soy) if I wished. It was delicious! My favorite item was the blood sausage but the tofu had a great texture and was more pleasant than I expected! The greens provided were a mix of cucumbers and various leaves more common in Vietnam so it was nice to try some again. I left feeling full, with maybe 3-4 tofu pieces left. Halfway through they brought me the fish sauce too, but I preferred the shrimp paste. As a heads up, this isn't casual Vietnamese food most Americans are used to, but the options are delicious! read more

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Pros -- I like that they offer a lot of interesting dishes that you can't find anywhere else (beside Vietnam). --The quality is really good. Cons --The staff is a bit hit or miss; one of the guys looks dour and unfriendly. --Pricey for what it is. --Feels a bit contrived, as they try to recreate Vietnamese street food style with the metal table and plastic chairs, but with these price points, who are we kidding? Super busy though, so come early. read more

Mắm - An Authentic Slice of Hanoi in Chinatown. I finally visited Mắm on Forsyth Street, an authentic Vietnamese gem in Chinatown specializing in Hanoi-style street food. Founded by the husband-and-wife duo Jerald Head and Nhung Dao Head, this spot successfully transitioned from a beloved pandemic-era pop-up to a permanent brick-and-mortar location that earned a spot on the 2023 list of the Top 100 Best Restaurants in NYC. The experience is a unique departure for Lower Manhattan. While curbside dining is available, I opted to dine indoors, where the service was polite and informative. The minimalist setting features small blue, green and red plastic stools just inches from the concrete floor--a quintessentially Vietnamese setup that acts as a humble cultural equalizer. The menu is the antithesis of a corporate chain, offering bold flavors you won't find at typical Vietnamese spots--and notably, you won't find phở or bánh mì as daily staples here. Instead, I explored several adventurous small plates. In case you were wondering, Mắm translates to "fermented fish paste." read more

The food itself was actually good and flavorful once it came out. The noodles, tofu, and different toppings all worked well together and felt fresh. That said, paying around $37 for one dish felt pretty overpriced for what you get. Service was also a bit concerning, as staff seemed disorganized and confused about who was next in line. At one point, they even wanted us to sit across the street in direct sunlight while waiting. Overall, the food was solid, but the price and service made it harder to enjoy the experience fully. read more

Mắm - Drink - Vietnamese Near Me - New York, New York

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My friend wanted to try Mam, so we made a reservation a week out for last Monday. Ordering was pretty simple (marking a paper menu), and the pacing of each dish arrived as we were wrapping up the last. NEM CHAY - 14 This is three fried rolls with taro, kohlrabi, and carrots with a side fish sauce. Super crispy and the well-seasoned, these root vegetables were used well. Wrapping them in a large piece of lettuce with a dip of fish sauce for that extra tang was the move. OC BUOU NHOI THIT - 18 This is stuffed snails with lemongrass and pork. These felt a bit gimmicky, tasted more like pork meatballs that happened to be in a shell. We both agreed it was fine, but we wouldn't order these again. BUN DAU DAC BIET - 37 This is the platter of proteins (fried tofu, sticky rice sausage, pork belly, grilled intestines, and blood sausage) with vermicelli, herbs, and a side of fermented shrimp paste (mam tom). The fried tofu was addictively crispy with a spongy, soft interior. We did think the platter was a bit heavy on the tofu versus the meat for the price. My favorite was the pork belly, and the sticky rice sausage and grilled intestines were great too. Unfortunately, the blood sausage had cilantro which was a no for me. The Mam Tom (fermented shrimp paste) was pure nostalgia -- something my grandma would add to ground pork before steaming. It's an incredibly stinky and umami-rich sauce. My friend thought it was too much, but I loved dipping all the proteins in it and letting it drip over the vermicelli. Overall, the food was great but pricy. We paid $36 per person, which is quite a bit just to share two appetizers and a main. The ambiance was definitely casual. We were perched on backless, bright-colored, plastic stools which had us hunching over as we ate. read more

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Great food! The restaurant has the low tables and stools that are common in the old quarter in Hanoi which is a nice touch. Ca Tim Chien - fried eggplant topped with peanuts, dipped into a sauce made of a runny egg and soy sauce. The eggplant was buttery and tasted great with the rich, savory, and slightly sweet sauce. Nem Chay - crispy spring rolls filled with root vegetables and served alongside fresh greens. The filling was fresh and a bit spicy. Nam Cuon - a really wide array of dishes, all delicious. Crispy fried enoki mushrooms; lightly pickled wood ear and oyster mushrooms; vermicelli topped with peanuts, scallions, and chili flakes; and a mountain of greens. In the center is a spicy miso type sauce. I loved the variety of flavors here. Da Me - pineapple and tamarind drink topped with peanuts. This reminded me a lot of tepache. My friends tried Bun Dau Dac Biet (array of meats and fried tofu with vermicelli and greens), Tom Chien (fried prawns), and Dau Tam Hanh (fried tofu with scallion, chili, and fish sauce). They enjoyed these. They don't accept tips, but there's a 2.6% credit card fee. The bill came to about $163 for plenty of food for four people - we had some leftovers to take at the end. read more

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Such a fun experience with delicious food! I loved getting to try a bunch of Vietnamese dishes beyond the typical pho, bun, and banh mi that most places serve. The space is small and a bit cramped, but it honestly makes it feel like more of an authentic dining experience. All the dishes we ordered were great and I feel like you can't really go wrong with ordering, and I wouldn't say there's a single must get item either--whatever suits your own preferences! read more

Unfortunately I was only able to visit on the day the restaurant was closed but they had a special event! I got to try their chicken hot pot which was great but I wish they would have disclosed how expensive it was. I do not think $55 is a worth what I ate and I would have shared it if I had known as well. The hot pot was good but I would never pay that price for anyone. Service was also very very nice and the setting was very cute. I hope to come back to try their regular menu. read more

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We visited Mam, which only serves food on Saturdays and Sundays. Rated top 100 in NYC, it gives street vibe eats and is supposed to give you the experience of dining in Vietnam. It's definitely a vibe. read more

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I was so excited to try Mắm NYC. This gotta be the most well-known Vietnamese restaurant in the US. I have heard so many great things about Mắm and watched many vlogs on the internet of people trying out the food. It was so nice to be able to go in person and try the food myself. First of all, the vibe here was so authentically Vietnamese. It really took my back to the motherland. I highly recommend making advance reservation because it would take a long time for a table, about 45-60 minutes. We ordered a few dishes including the famous shared platter Bun Dau Mam Tom. The crispy fried tofu was so amazing. It tasted just like home. I also liked other items on the platter. Their Pho was pretty good. The broth was so close to the Northern style Pho in Hanoi. Unfortunately, it was only a seasonal item so it won't come back for a while I guess. Overall, I enjoyed every dish. This place lived up to the internet hype for sure. I talked to many Vietnamese in New York and everyone has been there at least once, if not once a month. read more

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The staff were super friendly. It was a cute spot as well. I think the shop expanded so there are like three seating areas. I wish they had pho but I think their menu changes. The best dish was the garlic chicken cartilage. read more

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First thing's first - the food is as great as everyone says. Dishes are unique and flavorful, and def worth trying to get a reservation! But the ambiance leaves a lot to be desired. Their main restaurant is a hole in the wall, and they also operate out of 2 additional spaces that sandwich the main space but are not connected internally (you have to go outside and back in through the front doors). The kitchen is only in the middle space, and food is transported through the front doors of each of the side spaces. This is not really a problem in the warmer months, but during a cold snap in the winter, if you are unlucky enough to be seated close to a door, this means cold air is flooding in every 5 minutes and you can expect to stay bundled up during your entire meal and STILL leave with frozen fingers and toes. We initially tried out Mam in the summer after they were given the title of best pho in the city by TimeOutNY, only to find out they don't serve pho in the spring/summer. Our disappointment was lifted when we tried some of their other delicious dishes, which was nothing like what you'd find in a standard Vietnamese restaurant. We went back in the winter for the pho, and once again, the food was fantastic. But we were seated very close to the front doors which did not stop swinging open and shut the entire time. I wish I could say the food was so good that I didn't mind it, but it was so cold that our food actually turned ice cold halfway through the meal. It was really quite unpleasant. And the most unfortunate part is that you don't get to pick your table if it's busy, which it often is, AND they charge cancellation/no-show fee. So if you get a Resy, show up and get seated at a crappy table, you can't just bail. Will I go back? Probably. But I'll def be more selective about when I go in the future. PS - Cash payments get a 3.5% discount. read more

Mắm - 2 x pho, 3 x crullers, tofu appetizer - Vietnamese Near Me - New York, New York

This is probably one of the most authentic Vietnamese places I've been to. Very unique menu and interior seating that would remind you of Asia. We ordered two different types of pho, and the broth is unlike anything I've ever had before. It is so clear and flavorful. The meat I had in my broth was tender and well peppered. It was a little expensive at $25 per bowl, but it was delicious. I also ordered a pineapple cooler with tamarind. It is extremely tangy in case you don't know what tamarind is because I sure didn't. Heads up on low stools that might hurt your back. read more

Mắm - Vietnamese Near Me - New York, New York

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I love the concept of sitting outside with the small tables and stools, it feels just like Vietnam, but in Chinatown NY! The food itself was quite good, featuring items that are typically part of the Vietnamese drinking food culture. The menu is limited, and sometimes their offerings change. The mam tom (fermented shrimp paste) can be pungent to some, so they also offer fish sauce if you can't handle it. It is a bit pricey for the amount of food per dish, however, you typically don't see these dishes at Vietnamese restaurants. Definitely make a reservation, especially on weekends, as it does get busy. And do outdoor dining if you can. read more

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Wanted to check out Mắm because the concept and food looked very enticing, and solid authentic Vietnamese food is hard to find. We paid a visit on a Saturday and was luckily able to get a seat around noon. The restaurant itself is unassuming, you know you're at the right place when there are small plastic stools and tables set up just outside the restaurant. I feel that it really adds to the ambiance of the food, as it is very reminiscent of the experience of enjoying delicious Vietnamese food along the streets of Hanoi/HCM City. Service is decently fast, you place your order with your waiter and we got our food in about 10ish minutes. We ordered two dishes to sample, which I'll review down below: Ốc Bươu Nhồi Thịt ($18): I haven't tried Vietnamese Snails before so I was interested in giving it a go as the presentation is striking. Texture wise, it is basically a slightly lighter pork meatball with chunks of crunchy snail sprinkled in. You can taste the lemongrass and a subtle aroma of fish sauce in the background. Nấm Cuốn ($32): Tastes super fresh with all of the herbs, and the crunchy enoki gives a pleasant contrast to the meaty trumpet mushrooms. I especially like the thin netted vermicelli that comes with this dish, the texture is unique and gives a complex chewiness that is hard to describe but satisfying. I think several other reviews have mentioned, the price here is definitely on the steeper side for the amount of food you get. Mắm manages to capture most things about dining streetside in Vietnam, everything except the most important thing, how affordable it is dining streetside. Think about it, they are pricing $18 for some pork stuffed snails and $32 for an assorted mushroom platter with some herbs and rice noodles. The purpose of dining in this type of rustic ambiance is to get a cheap affordable meal, or to sample a portion and move on to the next stand. You will definitely spend a lot more here and might still leave hungry. The food may not be enticing to the average diner as the menu is tailored towards the more adventurous palate. In the end, I think that it is a novel dining experience, and I'm glad I tried it, but I don't think I would personally revisit. I would think of this restaurant as more of a "tapas" style of unique Vietnamese cuisine. If you are looking to expand your taste profile, it would fit, but do take note of the pricing. (3.5 stars) read more

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Food 3.25/5 Service 4/5 Ambiance 3.5/5 Value 3/5 Mam truly delivers on homey, authentic Vietnamese vibes, especially with the traditional seating setup. Their menu is highly unique and adventurous, you won't find these traditional dishes at many other Vietnamese spots, which is a big win for authenticity Didn't appreciate the portion & value. While the food is conceptually interesting, the portion sizes are notably small. For example, the Pho portion is roughly half the standard size found elsewhere, yet the price is approximately 40% higher (even accounting for the no-tipping policy) Dishes We Tried: Đậu Tấm Hành (Fried Tofu) (4/5): My personal favorite and the least "fried" dish. The combination of scallions and sauce worked perfectly with the great tofu texture Stuffed Snails (3.5/5): Unique presentation, but the flavor leaned heavily toward the pork filling rather than the snail Pho Bo (3.5/5): Loved the noodles and the beef quality was decent, but the bowl size was alarmingly small Chả Nhái Fried Frog & Pork Pancake (3.5/5): Good fried texture, though the overall flavor was just okay and didn't love that it contained bones even though it was called out in the menu Tom Chien (Fried Prawns) (3/5): A unique dish for sure. My friends loved the chip-like crispiness, but I struggled with eating the whole shrimp. (Caution: Chew slowly; the shells can be poky!) Bun Dau Dac Biet (3/5): An adventurous but traditional dish with pork belly, intestines, and blood sausage. A fun DIY experience, but not my personal favorite flavor profile. This was also my friends fave cuz she likes the traditional stuff! read more

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Delicious food! Expensive for what it is, but it is in fact the most flavorful pho I've had. Lots of seating inside and outside, and a much more casual restaurant, but good for medium groups and friendly service. Lots of fun Vietnamese food you don't usually find otherwise. Fun to try once! read more

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Mắm is doing something truly special on Forsyth Street. While it's hard to perfectly replicate the exact taste of the streets of Vietnam here in New York, this place is incredibly well-executed and easily one of the most impressive representations you'll find in the city. It's a polished, thoughtful tribute to Northern Vietnamese flavors. The Highlights: * Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm: This is the signature for a reason. The fried tofu is exactly how it should be--freshly made, light, and perfectly crisp on the outside. The intestines were remarkably fresh and cleaned well, and the sausage was incredibly savory. * The Extras: We also tried the chicken cartilage. It was nicely seasoned and well-prepared, though I personally think a bit of batter-frying would have given it that perfect extra crunch. * The Spread: They don't skimp on the fresh herbs and vegetables, which are essential to balance out the bold, pungent flavors of the fermented shrimp paste. * Refreshing Pairings: The kumquat drink (Trà Quất) is the perfect citrusy refresher to cut through the richness of the fried meats. The Experience: * No-Tipping Policy: One of the best parts! All employees are paid a fair salary, so they don't accept tips. In the middle of the current "tip craze," this is such a breath of fresh air and makes the 5-star service feel even more genuine. * Pro Tip: This spot is small and very popular, so definitely make a reservation to ensure you get a table. The Verdict: Considering the difficulty of finding these specific dishes in the States, Mắm does an outstanding job. It's uncompromising, bold, and worth every penny. A must-try! read more

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I recently went on a culinary journey through Vietnam when I dined here. From the plastic stools and small tables, to the cartridge and snail dishes... everything added to the wonderful experience. Got to try so many new things here and everything was so fresh and flavorful. Happy I got to try out their seasonal beef pho before it goes away too... some of the richest and best pho broth I've ever had. Make sure you check out Mam!! read more

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Unapologetically Vietnamese that is filled with food that either you love or hate. Cartilage, chicken feet, fried intestines, blood sausage, stuffed snails, surf clam salad.... Nothing ordinary about anything here. The street stools are pretty much Saigon through and through. I was in Saigon in May so I ought to know. I also think Saigon is the most exciting city in the world at the moment so I might be a tad biased. NYT ranked this place #20 best restaurants. Infatuation had it listed as one of the best restaurants in NY. I think it might be the best meal I had this year. Including the several Michelin starred restaurants around the world. The fermented fish sauce should be illegal. It is so pungent and delicious! Definitely deserves its own Michelin. I liked everything. The coconut Vietnamese coffee was also delicious! I chatted with a likely owner who told me they brought all the stools and tables back from Vietnam. It is catering to real Vietnamese food lovers. This being New York, many diners are from all over and definitely not just Vietnamese, I suspect- like I, these folks all have been to Vietnam (I've only been to Vietnam 3 times over the last 7 years), and wanted something authentic! Price points are great, definitely inexpensive comparing to Bay Area standard! I will definitely be back for more! read more

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It was easy enough to snag a reservation for 2 at 12 pm on a Saturday. Despite us arriving 15 min late, they honored our reservation and let me sit even when my friend hadn't yet arrived. I was surprised there were no Vietnamese coffee options on the menu when I went; I pivoted to the iced calamansi black tea ($7) instead. It was really refreshing and hit the spot--balancing sweet and sour flavors perfectly. When we saw the portion size of the pho, we chose to get 1 Pho Bo ($25), fried eggplant ($16) and the shared platter ($37). The fried eggplant was fine, though the egg sauce was nice to have as another dipping sauce for the platter. The shrimp paste that came with the platter is definitely an acquired taste, as it definitely incorporates all of the shrimp--guts and head juices included. At least it came with a fish sauce that was much more enjoyable. The pho I did like, especially the slightly wider noodle, but man, that portion size really isn't filling. This price point, even with tip factored in, just didn't feel justified due to the ambiance and service. There was nowhere to put my friend's coat so he had to just throw it over to the side near the entrance. Someone bumped into this foot when he crossed his legs. I had to readjust a few times because there's barely any leg room, and it felt uncomfortable. The restaurant also forgot our pho until we reminded them. There are several higher-end Vietnamese restaurants that come to mind that are just as good, and I'd rather go to in the future. read more

Came back and tried their seasonal beef pho - best pho in the city!!! They also give lots of beef. The pickled garlic on the side is an amazing add. Definitely need to come back before they stop serving beef pho for the season. They also offer a few % cash discount. read more

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Wait wasn't bad for Saturday. It is a bit hectic trying to get the host attention and having him see you so he knows you're in line. So make reservations if you can. Services was quick and food came out reasonably fast as well. Everyhting was really good. The northern style phos soup base was really tasty. Light clear broth but flavorful. The prawns were also deliciously seasoned and fried perfectly. Would definitely be back to have more dishes. read more

Mắm - Vietnamese Near Me - New York, New York

This area of LES is not the appropriate place to dine in an open environment (bugs, odor, garbage, construction, etc), Furthermore, I left saying my back and a$$ hurt. Eating crouching over and knees to my chin is not acceptable given the price range. I left completely annoyed and honestly forgot about the authenticity. Owners need to pay min 4 more inches of plastic for the chairs. The ones used are Asian kid sized vs Asian adults. Positive Note: Food definitely took time to prepare and came out quickly. Flavorful and not your standard American recognized Vietnamese offerings (ie pho, bánh mì, etc). Great place for someone curious about Vietnamese cuisine. Coconut coffee was perfect accompaniment for the food. Tip: Cash - 3.5% discount. Bug spray. Get a slightly sweet drink to offset the saltiness. read more

Came here on a Thursday evening with a group of 3. We placed a reservation beforehand and was seated promptly on arrival and were able to sit on the seating with the high table and higher stools. We ordered: - Oc Buoi Nhon Thit - Tom Chien (fried shrimp) - Goi Ngheu (raw surf clam) - Chan Ga Ngam Sa Quat (chicken feet - ordered to go) - Sun Ga Chien Mam Toi (chicken cartilage - ordered to go) - Bun Dau Dac Biet - Tamarind drink - Coconut Viet Iced Coffee If you're a fan of chicken feet, that's one thing you need to get! The fried shrimp is also very good! I would say to skip the raw surf clam and snail. The Bun Dau Dac Biet is interesting - the sauce is definitely the scene stealer. I would suggest to get the vegetarian option if you're not a fan of intestines. If you're deciding to get between the tamarind vs the iced coffee, get the coffee! The tamarind leaned more on the tart side than sweet while the coffee was perfectly sweet. Overall, the theme is great. It gives Vietnam away from Vietnam. However, beware, the seats are uncomfortable. The menu is small but varied and it's rare to see a restaurant focused on "Mam". read more

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Cuisine: 8 Service: 7 Decor: 6 Value: 3 Overall: 7 Not sure there is a restaurant in NYC that will make you feel like you have been transported to Vietnam more than Mam. From the small plates to the cramped space, to the plastic stools, it all feels very authentic. Only issue would be the high prices, which is clearly opposite of what you would expect of street food in Vietnam. On a rainy Saturday, three of us got here at 11:55am. There was only one person ahead of us, but the line grew quickly after us and had about a dozen people by the time they opened at 12:00pm. They situated the guests with reservations first, then seated walk-ins like us promptly as well. We were here to eat, so we ordered all eight appetizers and one entree, along with three drinks. Everything was quite good, but I would not pay these high prices again for most of the dishes. The value is certainly not there for what we got. Most appetizers were $15-18 for tiny portions. The only appetizers I would definitely get again would be the Oc Burou Nhoi Thit (stuffed snails) for $18 and Tom Chien (fried softshell prawns) for $15. Both were delicious and felt more worthy of their price tags. My least favorite appetizer was the Trung Cut Lon Xao Mam Me (quail egg balut) for $10. It tasted pretty much like an overcooked hard boiled quail egg. The Chan Ga Ngam Sa Quat (boneless chicken feet) were marinated well, but the dipping sauce feels weird to me. Also $15 for a few chicken feet? Wow! Everything else was good, but not must order items. That included Sun Ga Chien Mam Toi (garlic fried chicken cartilage), Goi Ngheu (raw surf clam salad), Mem Chay (fried veggie roll), and Ca Tim Chien (fried eggplant). All between $14-16, which makes them less desirable than if they were slightly lower. With that said, the entree we shared, Bun Dau Dac Biet (large plate of meats, tofu, veggies, noodles for dipping in shrimp sauce), was excellent and somewhat reasonably priced. Everything on the platter was delectable, especially the sticky rice sausage, pork belly, and grilled intestines. The shrimp sauce is savory and pungent in a good way. We asked for seconds. Lastly, the three drinks we ordered were all yummy, with my favorite being the Ca Phe Dua (Coconut Vietnamese iced coffee). The Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese iced coffee) and Nuoc Sam (herbal drink) were both decent too. Anyway, my take away from dining here is that come with a small group to share, but know that you are paying for Vietnamese street food inside a NYVC restaurant where they pay rent. Therefore, don't come expecting great street food at rock bottom prices and you'll have an ejoyable time. read more

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Vietnamese restaurant in Chinatown! This place stands out in the experience and food for sure. Menu is super different and unique compared to other Vietnamese spots; it's short and focused on shareable street food that you don't really find at a lot of other sit-down restaurants. A lot of tables were sharing the bun dao dac biet which came with vermicelli and a bunch of different meats. Tried to get things I've never had before so we did the stuffed snail (my favorite), fried prawns (crazy crispy, they were like chips), and chicken feet (cold and dressed in nu'oc cham, served with a creamy sauce). Everything was new but the flavors are familiar. The vibe is super casual and mimics a street market/stall atmosphere: a few small rooms that are open to the street, and a sidewalk patio that gets filled with low tables and plastic chairs (it's a quiet street so the probably take over a good portion of it when it's busy). Random notes: they're open only a few hours each day, no tips and there is a cash discount. read more

Mắm - Chicken Feet, Fried Prawn, Stuffed Snail - Vietnamese Near Me - New York, New York

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Feels like I'm back in Vietnam! The ambience, the stools, bowls etc Here is the rating of my top favorite dishes here: Pho Chicken cartilage Prawns Summer platter Chicken feet read more

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Mam is a mixture of upscale energy that appeals to transplants but trying to introduce new types of foods that are authentic Vietnamese cuisine. I do think this is the only way they can get New Yorkers to be accepting of such dishes but the price point can be a lot. It's also a bit hard to get a reservation so be sure to look a week in advance. The food is pretty, but the most enjoyable plate for me was the plate of house made tofu and intestines. Also, the viet coffee is strong and made with coconut milk - I greatly appreciate the non dairy option. Also the dipping sauces are quite fun. I probably wouldn't get the eggplant and snails again because I was expecting a little more, but I'd get the platter again. For other Vietnamese foods I'd probably prefer a more hole in the wall place in Chinatown! read more

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Food 4.5/5.0 Service 3.0/5.0 Value 3.5/5.0 Decor 4.0/5.0 Overall 4.5/5.0 Really cool legit viet spot. Vibes are legit, food is legit. Want to go back. read more

Finally got to try this place!!! Got the spring roll and stuffed snails ... it was very good!! Just to me a bit pricey $35 for both appetizers read more

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Wowowowww. Saw this place on tiktok/instagram a couple of times over the past year and have been wanting to go for so long. Finally made it there and it did not disappoint!! As everyone has mentioned, the snails are amazing and a must try- the flavors were phenomenal with notes of lemongrass and the sauce it came with was spicy and delicious. Loved the side of tofu (we didn't want the large platter)- it was light and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Eggplant was solid. coconut iced coffees were soo good- I loved them. Sad there was no pho or fried spring rolls on the current menu. Service was great- place was very busy but is way bigger than I thought. As everyone also mentioned, it is on the pricier side. We got 2 coconut iced coffees ($8 each!!), the snails ($16), fried eggplant ($13), side of tofu (?) and all together it was $60 (they don't take gratuity). The food was tasty and honestly a good amount of portions for us but I can see how it could be pricey to people and definitely wouldn't come on a regular basis because of this. read more

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An AMAZING spot for authentic Vietnamese street food!! If you're looking to try some delicious and a bit adventurous Vietnamese food (from your typically BBH and pho), I highly recommend this spot. With a smaller menu, they specialize in small bites and platters that highlight the Vietnamese palette and can introduce you to some new dishes. However, if you're looking for pho or fried rice, I would advise against this place as they don't offer those (especially in the summer). They have multiple sections of their restaurant, and they have multiple styles of sitting--with higher tables or squatting on plastic stool steps. My friend and I were super ecstatic to sit on their stool seats because of how reminiscent it is of Vietnam, so we opted for that. We got the stuffed snails, fried shrimp, chicken cartilage, mushroom platter, and coffees. Everything was delicious. I loved pork-stuffed snails and thought that the lemongrass was very fragrant. The fried shrimp was also delicious, but pretty straight-forward (I did like their spicy/sweet sauce they paired with it!). The chicken cartilage was an unexpected favorite between my friend and I. And, the mushroom platter was phenomenal and definitely my favorite of the meal. Had a great time and I highly recommend this spot! read more

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A Trip Back to Hanoi @mam.nyc In North of Vietnam many years back, my family and I discovered what so many travelers already knew -- that some of the best Vietnamese food isn't served in restaurants, but from street stalls, savored al fresco on tiny, knee-challenging stools as the world strolls by. Today, at the converging boundaries of Manhattan's Chinatown and Lower East Side, I found a little slice of that experience at a relatively new Vietnamese spot (just two years in) that's doing it the Vietnamese way: casual street-style dining, outdoors, with food that is unapologetically mixed with bold flavors of mam -- that my best guess is a combo of fishy bagoong and shrimpy alamang then spiced with fresh red chili. I loved the 4-pcs of quail balut in tamarind sauce, their version of blood sausage (that is reminiscent of the Tagalog tinumis because of the use of fresh herbs within the casing), and their rich coconut-milk Vietnamese coffee. Mam, 70 Forsyth, Lower East Side @mam.nyc #curious_eater #VietnameseStreetFood #HanoiEats #TasteOfVietnam #AlFrescoDining #FoodieFlashback #VietnameseCuisine #BalutAdventures #CoconutCoffee #StreetFoodLove #TinyStoolBigFlavors #TravelThroughFood #HanoiVibes read more

I first saw this place for its authentic Vietnamese dining ambience and have had it bookmarked since then - I'm so glad I finally came out! I appreciate that it's solid, delicious food, a great vibe, and not too difficult to get reservations! We ordered the stuffed snails, fried tofu, and pho - I enjoyed all of them! Great flavours and portion sizes. I will 100% be back to try more dishes - especially now that pho season is over. read more

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This has been on my list for a while now, and I'm glad I was able to experience it. I came with a friend at around 1pm on a Saturday, and it wasn't too busy. We waited for about 10 minutes before we were seated. We sat on little stools around a low table. Water is self-serve. The menu is really different from your typical Vietnamese restaurant that serves conventional Vietnamese fare like pho. The waitress that came by was really friendly and said that her favorite dish was the chicken feet, so we ended up ordering the chicken feet and the escargot. The escargot was ok - I thought it mainly tasted like a pork meatball. But holy cow, the chicken feet was a standout. It was slightly spicy and sour, just really well flavored. So glad that the waitress recommended it because it was amazing. read more

Mắm - Escargot and chicken feet - Vietnamese Near Me - New York, New York

I have to say--this place is very delicious, seriously amazing. From the drinks to the food, there's nothing to complain about. The flavors are so authentic, just like in Vietnam, especially the CHÃ NHÁI and the ĐÁ ME tamarind iced drink. Sitting and eating in New York honestly felt like I was back in Vietnam. The bún đậu platter was great--just the right portion for two people. The fermented shrimp paste was really tasty, though personally I found the vermicelli just slightly firm. The staff here are extremely friendly. I am visiting New York with groups of friends , and we saw this place all over TikTok--everyone said it was good. We finally got to try it today, and they are right, Very satisfied, very impressed--such a taste of Vietnam right in the New York. read more

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Such a fun and unique spot! Lots of fun foods to try and a great place for a small group to share multiple plates. Don't come here if your friends aren't adventurous eaters or if you can't sit on a stool (all of the chairs are short stools near the ground). We tried frog, chicken cartilage, eggplant, and lots of different pieces in a plate like a deconstructed spring roll. read more

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New York Times just put Mam in the #20th spot as one of NYC's Top 100 Best Restaurants 2025. The most exciting Vietnamese food to hit the Lower East Side, my old stomping grounds of 28 years. Vietnam is on my list of must travels but for now this is as good as it gets. Husband and wife duo, Jerald Head and Nhung Dao Head, are constantly experimenting with new dishes to change up their menu. All their ingredients are made in-house which is what makes the food stand out. And for that, I will keep coming back. Here is what we ordered: - Stuffed Snails w/Lemongrass & Pork (must order) - Fried Prawns (you can eat the head and tail) - Garlic Fried Chicken Cartilage (my son enjoyed it) - Raw Surf Clam Salad with Snow Fungus - Special of the Day, Mackerel (a winner) - Coconut Vietnamese Iced Coffee (strong but good) You will get the full Vietnam experience with plastic stools and small tables. But hey, it's all part of the experience. Just know that it might be uncomfortable for someone that is over 6' tall. I got a kick out of the furniture. Service is a 10/10. The young staff in their cool edgy attire is full of energy and enthusiasm. Surprisingly there was no option to tip when I got the bill. Reservations are a must as it fills up quickly as soon as they open. They can be made on Resy. It was truly an honor that I got to chat with Nhung Doa for a bit and shake hands with her. read more

Mắm - Outdoor Seating (just like Vietnam) - Vietnamese Near Me - New York, New York

Social media algorithm got me and while I wasn't sure what to expect it was totally worth it! We made a Resy and got there when they opened. They were still setting up and starting dinner but seated us as quickly as they could. We opted to seat inside by the window, but there are seatings on the sidewalk and even across the street. There is no A/C, so mind you in August, it was a tad warmer than I'd personally like but we were keeping an open mind. Visiting Vietnam is on my bucket list and this experience gave me a glimpse of what that would be like to eat at a restaurant in Vietnam. We ordered the boneless chicken feet with lemon grass, grilled prawns with creamy green chilli sauce, garlic fried chicken cartilage, and their cold cut "charcuterie board" with sticky rice sausage, grilled intestines, house made tofu, pork belly and blood sausage. Everything was so delicious, but my favorite was the chicken cartilage. I would reorder the exact same thing. I hope to be back, as the menu seems like it does change. read more