Midtown-adjacent lunch just got a little more interesting.
Bun Mee, located at 115 E. 23rd Street in Manhattan, is serving up the kind of Vietnamese food that can turn a quick lunch into a very regular habit. And yes, the name may point you toward vermicelli bowls—but the real star of the show is the bánh mì.
The Vietnamese sandwich is having a serious New York moment, and Bun Mee understands why. A great bánh mì brings together a crisp baguette, savory fillings, fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables and just enough heat to make every bite interesting. It is basically the perfect New York lunch: portable, satisfying and considerably more exciting than another sad desk salad.
At Bun Mee, the menu goes beyond sandwiches, with Vietnamese-inspired bowls and other comforting favorites that make the restaurant an easy choice when your lunch group can’t agree on what they want.
The appeal is its balance. Vietnamese cuisine has always understood that rich and refreshing can happily coexist on the same plate. Savory meats meet pickled vegetables, herbs brighten heavier flavors and sauces provide just enough punch to keep things moving.
And then there is the bun.
Vermicelli bowls are another excellent reason to stop by, combining rice noodles with vegetables, herbs, protein and flavorful sauces. They are lighter than many traditional takeout options while still being substantial enough to get you through the afternoon without immediately planning a second lunch.
For anyone searching for Vietnamese food near 23rd Street NYC, Bun Mee is an easy addition to the neighborhood dining rotation.
Whether you’re grabbing a bánh mì between meetings, sitting down for a bowl or ordering something to take back to the office, Bun Mee at 115 E. 23rd Street offers exactly what a good neighborhood restaurant should: flavorful food, plenty of choice and an excuse to make lunch a little less boring.
Because New York deserves better than another turkey sandwich.
Make it bánh mì instead.
