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Kitchen Cô Út
Master Critic Review
Kitchen Cô Út
8.1
Sen Saigon is a vegan and kosher Vietnamese restaurant on East Broadway where Chef An Nguyen Hawks reworks the dishes she grew up with into fully plant-based pho, cơm, and bánh mì. It has quickly become a destination for diners who want Vietnamese flavors with a lighter, vegetable-forward approach in the heart of the Lower East Side.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan pho with aromatic vegetable broth, Plant-based bánh mì with house-made fillings, Rice plates with marinated tofu and seasonal vegetables
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: NYC’s only fully vegan, kosher Vietnamese spot, led by a Vietnam-born chef.
Who should go: Plant-based diners and mixed groups wanting Vietnamese comfort food
When to visit: Weeknight dinners when you can linger over soup and rice plates
What to order: Vegan pho, plant-based banh mi, tofu rice plate
Insider tip: Check for seasonal specials—Chef An rotates new plant-based takes on classics throughout the year.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on East Broadway is limited and competitive after 6pm; rely on nearby metered spots or the Pike Slip garages a few blocks away.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; diners come in everyday wear, though neat-casual fits the LES vibe.
Noise level: Generally moderate; you can carry a conversation easily, even during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: Expect a 15–30 minute wait during prime hours due to the small dining room.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with plenty of walk-in availability.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Yes — everything is fully vegan, including broths and sauces.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free options are available, but cross-contact is possible; confirm with staff for the safest picks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something low-key and intimate without being too formal; the calm room and warming dishes make it an easy, relaxed setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the space is small but walk-ins are common. Arrive early on weekends to avoid a short queue.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids who enjoy noodle soups or rice plates; the small dining room and quiet vibe may not suit very young children.
Best For
Better for: One of the strongest options in the area for fully vegan Vietnamese dishes that still feel comforting and homemade.
Skip if: You want traditional meat-based pho or a louder, high-energy dining room; choose another LES Vietnamese spot for that experience.