Mắm

Step into Mắm on Forsyth Street and you’re immediately transported to another world. Forget about comfortable booths or padded chairs—here, everyone sits on low plastic stools just inches off the pavement, or perches on slim benches inside the narrow dining rooms. It’s intentionally unpretentious, an equalizing experience that keeps your attention exactly where it belongs: on the remarkable Vietnamese food arriving at your table.

The magic at Mắm lies in the dipping sauces that accompany nearly every dish. From tangy nước chấm flecked with garlic to the sweet-tart muối ớt xanh brightened with condensed milk and lime, these condiments tie each bite together brilliantly. The star attraction might just be the signature Bún Đậu Đặc Biệt platter, a glorious spread of pork preparations—belly strips, sticky rice sausage, grilled intestines, and impossibly springy blood sausage—alongside bundles of aromatic herbs including fish mint, shiso, and lemon balm. The house-made tofu, fried to crispy perfection daily, deserves its own standing ovation.

What sets this place apart is how the menu evolves with the seasons. Summer brings communal platters meant for wrapping and dipping under sidewalk umbrellas, while winter invites you inside where bubbling hot pots filled with pork, fatty catfish, and green banana provide warmth against the cold. The restaurant has grown organically from its 2020 pop-up origins, expanding next door and even spawning Lai Rai, a natural wine spot down the block.

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid the inevitable wait—Mắm’s uncompromising flavors have earned it a devoted following. Whether you’re seeking an adventurous culinary journey or simply craving some of the best Vietnamese food in New York, this Chinatown gem delivers on every level.