V-Nam Cafe – Vietnamese
V-Nam Cafe invites diners into a world of vibrant aromatics, where the steam from slow-simmered phở broths carries notes of star anise and charred ginger through the cozy, bustling space. The experience centers on a masterful balance of textures and temperatures, from the shatteringly crisp crust of a savory banh mi to the cooling crunch of fresh herbs and zesty citrus that brighten every soul-warming bowl.
20 1st Avenue, NY 10009 +1-212-780-6020 https://vnamcafe.com/Rating: 4.6/5 (550 reviews)
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at V-Nam Cafe
Dairy-Free at V-Nam Cafe
V-Nam Cafe in New York has 6 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Tofu, Beef Soup and Vermicelli Spring Rolls. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at V-Nam Cafe
V-Nam Cafe in New York has 2 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Beef Soup and Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at V-Nam Cafe
V-Nam Cafe in New York has 10 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Tofu, Summer Rolls and Vermicelli Spring Rolls. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at V-Nam Cafe
V-Nam Cafe in New York has 2 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Yellow Curry Chicken and Pho Chicken. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at V-Nam Cafe
V-Nam Cafe in New York has 1 keto-tagged dish on its current menu, including Beef Soup. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at V-Nam Cafe
V-Nam Cafe in New York has 2 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Beef Soup and Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at V-Nam Cafe
V-Nam Cafe in New York has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Beef Soup. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at V-Nam Cafe
V-Nam Cafe in New York has 7 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Tofu, Vermicelli Spring Rolls and Noodles. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at V-Nam Cafe
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Soy Protein (Imitation Chicken) | 20.9 g | 48.7 g |
| Yellow Curry Chicken | 25.4 g | 41 g |
| Pho Chicken | 21 g | 40.9 g |
| Pho Beef | 41.7 g | 31.8 g |
| Calamari | 2.3 g | 14.2 g |
| Vietnamese Beef Stew | 92.4 g | 14 g |
| Spring Rolls | 27 g | 13.4 g |
| Green Curry Chicken | 11.3 g | 8.5 g |
| Vermicelli Chicken | 15.1 g | 8.1 g |
| Curry Chicken Rice Noodles | 53.7 g | 7.9 g |
| Tofu | 21 g | 7.7 g |
| Vermicelli Fish | 1 g | 6.8 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners enthusiastically celebrate this neighborhood gem for its consistently delicious and fresh Vietnamese cuisine, with many calling it a "gatekeep" worthy favorite. Standout dishes include the flavorful pho with rich broth, yellow curry, and an array of banh mi options, particularly the soy protein version which one vegan reviewer calls the best in the city. Guests frequently praise the friendly, fast service and reasonable prices, noting that while the interior is simple and cozy, the high-quality food and welcoming staff keep them coming back as regulars.
Menu
Appetizers
- Spring Rolls: shrimp, pork, fish sauce
- Summer Rolls: shrimp, vermicelli, mint, peanut sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- House Salad: papaya, peanut, fish sauce – choose: shrimp, chicken, or pork Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Slow-Carb
- Calamari: sweet chili sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Potstickers: shrimp, pork, garlic chive, mushroom, soy sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
Rice
Served with a soup or salad
- Clay Pot Ginger Chicken: shiitake mushroom, bok choy Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal
- Clay Pot Red Curry Fish: medium curry, bok choy Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC
- Green Curry Chicken: medium curry, eggplant, jalapeno, thai basil, bok choy Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Vietnamese Beef Stew: daikon, carrot, tomato, bok choy Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory
- Yellow Curry Chicken: mild curry, potato, carrot, bok choy Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics
Sandwiches
Includes mayo, cucumber, daikon, carrot, cilantro, & soy sauce. Add a fried egg to any sandwich. Choose your spiciness: No Spice, Mild (sriracha), Medium (sriracha & jalapeños), or Spicy (sriracha, jalapeños, & Thai chilies)
- Banh Mi (Classic): pate, cold cuts, bbq ground pork
- Banh Mi Ga: roasted shredded chicken
- Banh Mi Fish: fried fish, pickled onions, mustard
- Banh Mi Bo: lemongrass beef slices
- Banh Mi Veggie: choose: soy protein or tofu
Noodle Soups
Served with beansprouts, Thai basil, jalapeños, & lime
- Pho Beef: sliced brisket, sliced rib-eye, oxtail broth
- Pho Chicken: shredded chicken, oxtail broth Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics
- Curry Chicken Rice Noodles: mild curry, vermicelli, potato, carrots Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol
- Pho Veggie: bok choy, vegan broth – choose: soy protein or tofu
- Beef Stew Egg Noodles: daikon, carrot, tomato, oxtail broth
Vermicelli Noodles
Includes vermicelli, lettuce, cucumber, daikon, carrots, beansprouts, mint, scallions, lime fish sauce, fried onions, and crushed peanuts
- Vermicelli Beef: lemongrass beef slices Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal
- Vermicelli Chicken: roasted shredded chicken Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal
- Vermicelli Fish: red curry fish
- Vermicelli Spring Rolls: spring rolls Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic
- Vermicelli Veggie: lime soy sauce – choose: soy protein or tofu Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
Sides
- Rice Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic
- Noodles Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic
- Salad Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Low-Cholesterol, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Beef Soup Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
- Soy Protein (Imitation Chicken) Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol
- Tofu Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, South-Beach, Alkaline, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
Drinks
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee: cafe du monde, condensed milk
- Mash, Sparkling Fruit Drink: flavors: mango orange, grapefruit citrus, pomegranate blueberry, or watermelon lime Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Hot Vietnamese Coffee Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Water Bottle
- Hot Tea: flavors: jasmine or green
- Boylan, Cane Sugar Soda: flavors: ginger ale, root beer, orange, crème, black cherry, or grape Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Soda Can: flavors: coke, diet coke, sprite, ginger ale, or seltzer
Frequently Asked Questions about V-Nam Cafe
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Vegan options include soy protein; gluten-free options include curry chicken rice noodles, red curry fish, green curry chicken, and beef stew.
- Does this restaurant offer good ambiance?
- The restaurant offers a simple, cozy, and bustling atmosphere that diners describe as a welcoming neighborhood gem.
- What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?
- This budget-friendly Vietnamese gem offers fast service and standout dishes like pho and soy protein banh mi in a cozy atmosphere.
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- Rated 4.6/5, this budget-friendly Vietnamese gem is praised for consistently fresh pho and city-best soy protein banh mi options.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu features 15 highlighted items and 37 dietary options, including phở, various banh mi, curries, and vegan-friendly soy protein.
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include flavorful pho, yellow curry, and various banh mi options, particularly the highly-praised soy protein version.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- The provided restaurant data does not contain information regarding the specific number of reviews for V-Nam Cafe.
- What is the price range at this restaurant?
- The restaurant is a budget-friendly ($) establishment that is frequently praised by guests for its reasonable prices.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- V-Nam Cafe has an overall average rating of 4.6/5, with diners enthusiastically celebrating the restaurant as a neighborhood gem.
- What are this restaurant's hours of operation?
- The provided restaurant data for V-Nam Cafe does not include information regarding its specific hours of operation.
- Is V-Nam Cafe dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. V-Nam Cafe has 6 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Tofu, Beef Soup and Vermicelli Spring Rolls.
- What can I eat at V-Nam Cafe on a dairy-free diet?
- Tofu, Beef Soup and Vermicelli Spring Rolls carry the dairy-free tag, out of 6 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does V-Nam Cafe have vegan options?
- Yes. 7 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Tofu and Vermicelli Spring Rolls.
- Is V-Nam Cafe gluten-free?
- 2 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at V-Nam Cafe?
- Soy Protein (Imitation Chicken), at roughly 48.7g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near V-Nam Cafe
- Madame Vo — Vietnamese
- Indochine — Vietnamese
- Hanoi House — Vietnamese
- LA LA Bakeshop — Vietnamese
- Indochine — Vietnamese
- Madame Vo — Vietnamese
- Nam Son — Vietnamese
- Ginger and Lemongrass — Vietnamese
- Set L.E.S — Vietnamese
- Nón Lá — Vietnamese
- PHO' Seng — Vietnamese
- Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich — Vietnamese
