small family-owned restaurant opened on December 10th, 2011, in the East Village.
Our story began when Chef Hoa, aka our MonKhi Chef, had to escape Vietnam in a thuyền thúng – a traditional basket boat during the middle of the night with his uncle. He was forced to leave behind his parents and siblings. He missed his country and family every night. Cooking was a way for him to stay connected to his roots and so here we are today.
Sao Mai means morning star in Vietnamese. This name was chosen in hopes that the future will be like the morning star always bright and hopeful.
At Sao Mai, we carry his vision: to create a place where every guest feels at home, welcomed like family, nourished with dishes rooted in authenticity and love, and leaving with both heart and stomach full.