# Sao Mai Vietnamese Cuisine

## About
Sao Mai ("Morning Star" in Vietnamese) is an authentic Vietnamese restaurant located in the East Village, New York City. Open for over 15 years, the restaurant is family-owned and specializes in the bold, fresh flavors of Central Vietnam (miền Trung).

The restaurant was founded by a Vietnamese fisherman who emigrated to the United States after a harrowing three-year journey. His love of the sea, fresh ingredients, and the flavors of his homeland became the foundation of Sao Mai.

## Location & Contact
- Address: 203 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
- Phone: (212) 358-8880
- Catering inquiries: (347) 309-8510 (text), firstsaomai@gmail.com
- Email: info@saomainyc.com
- Instagram: @saomai_nyc
- Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11:30am–9:30pm

## Cuisine
Central Vietnamese (miền Trung). Known for:
- 24-hour simmered pho broth
- Bún Bò Huế — spicy lemongrass beef noodle soup
- Bánh Xèo — crispy Vietnamese crepe with pork, shrimp, scallion & beansprouts
- Bánh Mì — Vietnamese sandwiches on crispy baguette
- Fresh herbs prepared daily
- Seafood dishes inspired by the founder's fishing heritage

## Menu Highlights
**Noodle Soups:** Phở (beef, chicken, seafood, vegetarian), Bún Bò Huế
**Appetizers:** Gỏi Cuốn (fresh spring rolls), Chả Giò (crispy spring rolls), Bánh Cuốn, Crispy Calamari, Crispy Shrimp, Chicken Wings
**Salads:** Papaya Salad, Beef Watercress Salad
**Entrees:** Grilled meats, lemongrass stir-fries, clay pot dishes, shaking beef
**Sandwiches:** Bánh Mì (6 varieties)
**Homemade Sauces (retail):** House Avocado Sauce ($9.99), Lemongrass Chili Oil ($8.99), Nuoc Mam ($7.99)

## Catering
Sao Mai caters events of all sizes across NYC. Offerings include:
- Tray items (starters, salads, entrees, vegetables, rice vermicelli)
- Individual packaged meals (Phở, Bún Bò Huế)
- Bánh Mì sandwich boxes ($12/item)
- Minimum one week advance notice required
- Vegan and allergy-friendly options available

## Pages
- Homepage: https://www.saomainyc.com/
- Menu: https://www.saomainyc.com/menu.html
- Catering: https://www.saomainyc.com/catering.html
- Homemade Sauces: https://www.saomainyc.com/homemade-sauce.html
- Our Story: https://www.saomainyc.com/about.html
- Contact: https://www.saomainyc.com/contact.html