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Bối-licious
$ · Vietnamese

160 E 44th St, New York, NY 10017

ZipPicks Awards

Best Vietnamese in Midtown East Best Cheap Eats in Midtown East

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Bối-licious 8.4
Tudor City
Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Boi Licious is a narrow, mostly takeout Vietnamese counter just off Grand Central that turns out inexpensive banh mi, pho, and curry soups for neighborhood regulars. High-volume online ratings highlight fast ticket times, generous portions, and better-than-expected depth of flavor for the price point.
Must-Try Dishes: Banh Mi Saigon, Pho Saigon, Beef Shin Bun Bo
Scores:
Value: 8.9 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.4 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Tiny Grand Central-adjacent shop serving sharp, inexpensive Vietnamese classics.
Who should go: Commuters needing fast, filling Vietnamese under $15.
When to visit: Midday or early evening to avoid the tightest crush.
What to order: Banh Mi Saigon, Pho Saigon, Beef Shin Bun Bo.
Insider tip: Grab your order and walk a few minutes to eat in a quieter plaza.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is extremely limited near Grand Central; rely on nearby paid garages along 41st–43rd Streets if needed.
Dress code: No dress code—purely casual and commuter-friendly.
Noise level: Moderate during rush periods due to the narrow space and constant takeout flow.
Weekend wait: Minimal wait—foot traffic drops significantly on weekends.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at peak; orders move quickly despite the crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie-forward pho, tofu, and noodle options.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—ask for tofu substitutions and vegetable broth where available.
Gluten-free options: Some soups and rice-noodle dishes are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated GF protocols.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's a tight, mostly takeout counter with little ambiance. Better for a quick, inexpensive bite.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are very few seats and turnover is fast; expect takeout. If you want to sit, arrive off-peak.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who can handle quick-service settings; limited seating and cramped space may be tough for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Speed, value, and generous portions—stronger for grab-and-go Vietnamese than most Midtown competitors.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, a quiet setting, or expanded vegan/gluten-free assurance.