Ethnic Vietnamese cuisine is simply like no other cuisine. Could it be the use of only the freshest ingredients? Or is it because Pho is becoming a very popular comfort food amongst non-Vietnamese consumers? If you’re a true Vietnamese food enthusiast you will see no problems with driving 30 minutes for a hot and tasty bowl of quality Pho. We all know a good bowl of pho is built on the clarity, freshness and flavor of the broth. Pho definitely surpasses ramen, udon, tom yum gung — you name it. But, it’s not only Pho that captures the heart of Vietnamese food enthusiasts. Goi Cuon (fresh salad rolls), Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich) and Bun Thit Nuong (Barbecue Pork Vermicelli Noodles)
Vietnamese food trends have been on the rise for years. Vietnamese restaurants are springing up all over the place, on the verge of becoming as popular as sushi bars or Chinese restaurants. They are breaking out of their ethnic enclaves like Chinatown, Little Saigon and Koreatown.
An Choi Vietnamese Eatery is located on the lower east side in New York City. It’s a quaint Vietnamese eatery and cozy, so grab your friends and squeeze in tight. The decor elements make the place seem authentic as has those random phone numbers painted on the walls like you’d see everywhere around Vietnam. The atmosphere in the room to the left is cute, very rustic French – Vietnamese. This is a great spot for a casual date. Another added bonus is yes people…. they have a wine menu. Plus prices are so reasonable, especially compared to the other restaurants on the same street.
Whether you’re feeling Pho, Bun or Banh Mi, An Choi has all your typical Vietnamese flare with a twist. Do try the Banh Mi Heo Nuong (Grilled Pork Sandwich), Canh Ga Chien (Fried Chicken Lollipops), Bo Tai Chanh (Vietnamese Style Beef Carpaccio), Pho Bo Dac Biet (A souped-up version of Pho Bo with all the traditional trimmings plus oxtail, tendon and meatballs). Personally, I think the Pho & Banh Mi Combo is the way to go here – $12 gets you a half a sandwich and half portion of pho. It’s the best when you can’t decide what to get… why not go for the soup and sammy combo?
If you’re a vegetarian you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that An Choi has several veggie options: Cha Gio Chay (Vegetarian Crispy Spring Rolls), Banh Mi Nam (Grilled Portobello Vietnamese Sandwich) , Pho Chay (Vegetarian Noodle Soup), Bun Tau Hu (Crispy Tofu with sweet chili sauce and vegetarian spring roll vermicelli bowl) to name a few. My parents are strict vegetarians so; I know how difficult it is to find proper vegetarian options in generic Asian restaurants not to mention Vietnamese restaurants alone.
An Choi is easily one of the best Viet joints in NYC. If you are living in New York or just visiting make sure you save some time and hit this joint up.
An Choi Vietnamese Eatery
85 Orchard Street, New York, N.Y. 10002
Open: 7 days a week, 12pm – 1030pm
Delivery hours: 12pm – 10pm
Tel: 1 (212) 226 3700
email: anchoinyc@gmail.com
