The only vegan Vietnamese restaurant in NYC is now officially kosher

Sen Saigon, the Lower East Side eatery that markets itself as the only vegan Vietnamese destination in all of NYC, is now officially kosher.

The restaurant, located at 150 East Broadway by Rutgers Street, announced the news earlier this month in an Instagram post showcasing the certification of kosher supervision by Rabbi Barry Dolinger of Lughthouse Kosher. Effective through June 30 but not valid during Passover, the document points out that all products on premise are to be considered parve under Jewish law.

“Our mission has always been about bringing the flavors of vegan Vietnamese cuisine to everyone—and now we’ve made it even easier for more of you to enjoy,” reads the caption of the post. “Whether it’s our signature pho, banh mi or vermicelli bowl, every dish is now vegan AND kosher-approved.”

The fast casual business, founded by Vietnam native chef An Nguyen Hawks and her husband Erik Dornbush Hawks, first opened in NYC back in February of 2024.

The concept originated a year before, when the couple hosted a group of friends for a tasting menu event cooked by An to much success.

“In June 2023, the couple hosted their first pop up and continued to host events throughout the summer,” reports the neighborhood website Welcome to Chinatown. “In the fall, the two officially decided it was time to grow into an independent business.”

Fast-forward to today and the now-kosher establishment serves a vast variety of authentically Vietnamese plant-based dishes. Appetizers include a lotus salad tossed in vegan fish sauce, root vegetable spring rolls and a fried tofu option served with chili salt.

Not to be missed are classic bánh mì sandwiches—traditionally served in short baguettes, at Sen Saigon they are filled with either nut pate, shredded vegetables or lemongrass tofu.

There are vermicelli noodle bowls, summer rolls (the vegan sausage option sounds like a must) and a slew of specials that truly capture the cuisine’s essence. Either pho dish—a traditional Vietnamese soup—is de rigeur, as is the bành giò chay (a steamed rice dumpling) and the broken rice featuring grilled soy rib, vegan meatloaf and shredded veggies, served with vegan fish sauce.

Although the vegan coconut sticky rice makes for a great dessert, make sure to also grab some Vietnamese coffee or Thai tea on your way out: they’re the only way to wrap up a thoroughly authentic meal.